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Exodus 16:9 - Divine response to complaints.

Exodus 16:9 - שמות 16:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־אַהֲרֹן אֱמֹר אֶל־כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל קִרְבוּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה כִּי שָׁמַע אֵת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to Aharon, Say to all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el, Come near before the Lord: for he has heard your murmurings.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-Aharon emor el-kol-adat Bnei Yisrael kirvu lifnei Hashem ki shama et telunoteichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֱמֹ֗ר אֶֽל־כׇּל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל קִרְב֖וּ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כִּ֣י שָׁמַ֔ע אֵ֖ת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֱמֹ֗ר אֶֽל־כׇּל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל קִרְב֖וּ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כִּ֣י שָׁמַ֔ע אֵ֖ת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 16:9, during the episode of the manna (מן) in the wilderness. The Israelites had just complained about the lack of food, prompting Hashem to respond with the promise of sustenance from Heaven. Moshe instructs Aharon to gather the people before Hashem, emphasizing that their complaints have been heard.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Moshe told Aharon to speak to the congregation because Aharon was beloved by the people, making him the ideal messenger to convey this call to approach Hashem. Rashi also notes that the phrase "קִרְבוּ לִפְנֵי ה'" ("Come near before the Lord") implies a spiritual readiness—not just physical proximity—to stand before the Divine Presence.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), interprets this moment as a lesson in Divine Providence. The people's complaints were not ignored; rather, Hashem responded directly, demonstrating that He oversees even their material needs. This aligns with Rambam's broader teachings on hashgacha pratit (individual Divine supervision).

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael explains that the phrase "כִּי שָׁמַע אֵת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם" ("for He has heard your murmurings") shows that Hashem listens to grievances, even when expressed improperly, as long as they stem from genuine distress.
  • Midrash Tanchuma adds that this gathering was a moment of teshuvah (repentance), as the people were called to refocus on their relationship with Hashem after their complaints.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 387) derives from this verse the importance of communal prayer in times of need. Just as the Israelites were summoned collectively, we learn that unified tefillah (prayer) holds greater spiritual power.

Symbolism of Aharon's Role

The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) highlights that Aharon, as the future Kohen Gadol, served as a bridge between the people and Hashem. His involvement here foreshadows his role in facilitating atonement and connection in the Mishkan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:9 mean when it says 'Come near before the Lord'?
A: This verse means that Hashem (God) wanted Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) to approach Him with their needs rather than complain. Rashi explains that this was an opportunity for them to connect directly with Hashem's presence, showing that He listens to His people.
Q: Why did Moshe tell Aharon to speak to Bnei Yisrael instead of speaking himself?
A: According to the Midrash, Moshe wanted Aharon—who was beloved by the people—to deliver this message of reconciliation to help ease tensions after their complaints. This teaches the importance of peaceful communication in resolving conflicts.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem hearing Bnei Yisrael's complaints in Exodus 16:9?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem is always attentive to our struggles, even when we express them imperfectly. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) emphasizes that sincere prayer and turning to Hashem—rather than murmuring—is the proper way to seek help.
Q: How does this verse relate to trusting Hashem's providence?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches that instead of complaining, we should bring our concerns directly to Hashem in prayer. This verse shows that even when Bnei Yisrael lacked faith, Hashem responded with kindness, reinforcing the importance of trust in divine care.
Q: What is the significance of 'all the congregation' being addressed in this verse?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that Hashem wanted unity—everyone, as a collective, was invited to draw near. This highlights the Jewish principle that communal prayer and shared responsibility are essential in serving Hashem properly.