Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 9:8 mean when Moshe says 'Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you'?
A: This verse shows Moshe's humility and leadership. When the Jewish people had a question about observing Pesach (Passover) for those who were ritually impure, Moshe didn't assume he knew the answer. Instead, he told them to wait while he sought direct guidance from Hashem. Rashi explains that this demonstrates the proper way to handle uncertainty in halacha (Jewish law) - by turning to divine instruction.
Q: Why is Moshe's response in Numbers 9:8 important for us today?
A: Moshe's example teaches us two vital lessons: (1) Even the greatest leader must acknowledge when he needs to consult a higher authority, and (2) When faced with questions about mitzvot, we should patiently seek proper rabbinic guidance rather than make hasty decisions. The Rambam emphasizes that this incident established the principle that difficult halachic questions must be brought to the proper Torah authorities.
Q: What was the specific situation that led Moshe to say this in Numbers 9:8?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 77a) explains that certain Jews had become ritually impure through contact with a dead body and couldn't bring the Pesach offering at its proper time. They came to Moshe asking what to do. Since this was a new situation not explicitly covered by previous commandments, Moshe recognized the need to consult Hashem directly, which ultimately led to the institution of Pesach Sheni (a 'second chance' Passover a month later).
Q: How does Numbers 9:8 relate to how we make decisions in Jewish law?
A: This verse establishes a fundamental principle in halacha that when we encounter new situations not explicitly addressed in the Torah, we must turn to authentic Torah authorities (like Moshe did) rather than rely on our own understanding. The Midrash Tanchuma notes that Moshe could have made a logical deduction himself, but chose instead to seek divine guidance, setting an eternal precedent for how halachic decisions must be made.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe saying 'I will hear what the Lord will command' in Numbers 9:8?
A: The Sforno explains that Moshe was teaching us that true leadership means being a conduit for Hashem's will, not asserting one's own opinions. The phrase 'I will hear' implies attentive listening and complete submission to divine instruction. This contrasts with leaders who speak arrogantly without proper consultation. The verse thus becomes a model for both leaders and individuals in how to approach Torah guidance.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Numbers 9:8) occurs when certain individuals who were ritually impure due to contact with a corpse approached Moshe, expressing their distress over being unable to bring the Pesach offering at its designated time. Moshe responds by telling them to stand by while he seeks divine guidance regarding their situation.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Moshe did not immediately provide an answer because he had forgotten the halachah (law) concerning this matter. This teaches humility—even Moshe, the greatest prophet, acknowledged when he needed to consult Hashem rather than relying solely on his own knowledge. The phrase "עִמְדוּ וְאֶשְׁמְעָה" ("Stand still, and I will hear") demonstrates Moshe's commitment to seeking absolute clarity in halachah from the Divine source.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin (10:10), Rambam derives from this episode that when a halachic question arises that cannot be resolved through existing Torah principles, one must seek a prophetic response. This underscores the importance of divine guidance in establishing Torah law, especially in cases where human reasoning alone is insufficient.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Pesachim 66b) cites this verse as a precedent for the principle that even the greatest scholars must admit when they are uncertain in halachah. The Gemara further derives that Moshe's humility in seeking guidance from Hashem sets a model for future halachic authorities to consult higher sources when in doubt.
Spiritual Lesson
This episode teaches that sincerity in avodat Hashem (divine service) is met with divine accommodation. Just as Hashem provided Pesach Sheni for those who were impure, He responds to those who earnestly seek to connect with Him, even if circumstances initially prevent them.