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Numbers 20:3 - Rebellion against Moshe's leadership?

Numbers 20:3 - במדבר 20:3

Hebrew Text

וַיָּרֶב הָעָם עִם־מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמְרוּ לֵאמֹר וְלוּ גָוַעְנוּ בִּגְוַע אַחֵינוּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And the people quarrelled with Moshe, and spoke, saying, Would that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!

Transliteration

Va'yarev ha'am im-Moshe va'yomru lemor ve'lu gav'anu bigva acheinu lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥רֶב הָעָ֖ם עִם־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לֵאמֹ֔ר וְל֥וּ גָוַ֛עְנוּ בִּגְוַ֥ע אַחֵ֖ינוּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיָּ֥רֶב הָעָ֖ם עִם־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לֵאמֹ֔ר וְל֥וּ גָוַ֛עְנוּ בִּגְוַ֥ע אַחֵ֖ינוּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 20:3, during the incident of Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife), when the Israelites complained about the lack of water in the wilderness. The people confront Moshe and Aharon, expressing despair and longing for death like those who perished in previous rebellions.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "when our brethren died before the Lord" refers to the death of Korach and his followers (Bamidbar 16:32-35). The people lamented, wishing they had died in that incident rather than suffering thirst in the wilderness. Rashi emphasizes their ingratitude, as they had already witnessed Hashem's miracles yet still doubted His providence.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 9) elaborates that the people's complaint was not merely about water but reflected a deeper spiritual crisis. They compared their suffering to the deaths of Korach's assembly, who died in a dramatic, visible manner ("before the Lord"), implying they preferred a swift, public death over prolonged hardship. This highlights their lack of trust in Hashem's plan.

Rambam on Human Nature

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50) discusses how suffering can lead people to irrational despair. Here, the Israelites, despite having experienced the Exodus and the giving of the Torah, reverted to fear and complaint when faced with a new challenge. Rambam would view this as a failure to internalize faith in divine providence.

Lessons from the Talmud

  • Ingratitude: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) teaches that complaining against Hashem's messengers (like Moshe) is akin to complaining against Hashem Himself. Their words revealed a lack of appreciation for past miracles.
  • Leadership Challenges: Sanhedrin 8a discusses how even great leaders like Moshe faced unjust criticism, emphasizing the difficulty of guiding a discontented nation.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the recurring theme of nissayon (divine tests) in the wilderness. The people's reaction contrasts with ideal faith, as exemplified by Avraham Avinu during his tests. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) notes that their wish to die "before the Lord" was hypocritical—they invoked Hashem's name while rejecting His guidance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of quarreling and the importance of unity among the Jewish people.
📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating the severity of challenging leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 20:3 mean when the people say 'Would that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord'?
A: In Numbers 20:3, the Israelites complain to Moshe, expressing despair and ingratitude. Rashi explains that they were referring to the death of Korach's followers (Numbers 16), implying they would rather have died in that incident than face their current hardships. This reflects a lack of trust in Hashem's plan.
Q: Why did the Israelites quarrel with Moshe in Numbers 20:3?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) teaches that this quarrel occurred due to a lack of water in the desert. The people, facing hardship, turned against Moshe instead of turning to Hashem in prayer. This shows how suffering can sometimes lead people to blame their leaders rather than seek spiritual growth.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' complaint in Numbers 20:3?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that this verse demonstrates the danger of ingratitude and complaining. Even after witnessing miracles, the Israelites focused on their difficulties rather than Hashem's kindness. We learn to cultivate gratitude even in challenging times.
Q: How does Numbers 20:3 relate to dealing with hardships today?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:10) explains that this incident teaches us to face challenges with faith rather than complaint. When facing difficulties today, we should follow Moshe's example of turning to Hashem in prayer rather than expressing despair as the Israelites did.
Q: Why is the phrase 'before the Lord' significant in Numbers 20:3?
A: Rashi notes that 'before the Lord' refers to the divine justice in Korach's rebellion. The people were wrong to compare their current situation to that punishment, showing they failed to understand that Korach's followers died due to rebellion, while their current challenge was a test of faith.