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Numbers 20:10 - Moshe's rock rebuke: justified or harsh?

Numbers 20:10 - במדבר 20:10

Hebrew Text

וַיַּקְהִלוּ מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן אֶת־הַקָּהָל אֶל־פְּנֵי הַסָּלַע וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם שִׁמְעוּ־נָא הַמֹּרִים הֲמִן־הַסֶּלַע הַזֶּה נוֹצִיא לָכֶם מָיִם׃

English Translation

And Moshe and Aharon gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said to them, Hear now, you rebels; shall we fetch you water out of this rock?

Transliteration

Vayakhelu Moshe ve'Aharon et-hakahal el-pnei hasela vayomer lahem shimu-na hamorim hamin-hasela haze notzi lakhem mayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּקְהִ֜לוּ מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־הַקָּהָ֖ל אֶל־פְּנֵ֣י הַסָּ֑לַע וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ם שִׁמְעוּ־נָא֙ הַמֹּרִ֔ים הֲמִן־הַסֶּ֣לַע הַזֶּ֔ה נוֹצִ֥יא לָכֶ֖ם מָֽיִם׃
וַיַּקְהִ֜לוּ מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־הַקָּהָ֖ל אֶל־פְּנֵ֣י הַסָּ֑לַע וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ם שִׁמְעוּ־נָא֙ הַמֹּרִ֔ים הֲמִן־הַסֶּ֣לַע הַזֶּ֔ה נוֹצִ֥יא לָכֶ֖ם מָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 20:10) occurs during the incident known as Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife), when Moshe and Aharon were commanded to bring forth water from a rock for the thirsty Israelites in the wilderness. The people had complained about the lack of water, prompting Hashem to instruct Moshe to speak to the rock. However, Moshe struck the rock instead, leading to consequences for both him and Aharon.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 20:10) notes that Moshe's words, "Hear now, you rebels", were spoken in anger. He explains that Moshe erred by deviating from Hashem’s command to speak to the rock, instead striking it. Rashi further comments that Moshe’s harsh language ("you rebels") was inappropriate, as it lacked the patience expected of a leader of Israel.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos De’os 2:3) discusses the importance of proper conduct for leaders, emphasizing that they must embody humility and restraint. Moshe’s lapse in this moment—responding with anger rather than calm instruction—demonstrates how even great leaders must guard against emotional reactions, especially when fulfilling divine commandments.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:9) suggests that the rock was meant to serve as a lesson in emunah (faith)—had Moshe spoken to it gently, the people would have learned that even inanimate objects obey Hashem’s will when approached with reverence.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukas 10) states that the rock was one of the same rocks that had previously provided water in Shemos 17:6, symbolizing continuity of Hashem’s miracles. Moshe’s striking it, rather than speaking, diminished the sanctity of the moment.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a) derives from this incident that anger can lead even the greatest individuals to err in judgment. The Gemara emphasizes that Moshe’s punishment—being barred from entering Eretz Yisrael—was a consequence of his actions here, teaching the severity of deviating from Hashem’s precise instructions, especially for leaders.

Lessons for Leadership

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 20:10) highlights that Moshe’s mistake was not merely in striking the rock but in implying that he and Aharon were the ones bringing forth water ("shall we fetch you water?"), rather than attributing the miracle to Hashem. This lapse in acknowledging divine power was a critical error for a leader whose role was to inspire faith in Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracle of water coming from the rock and the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
📖 Sanhedrin 101b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the incident at Meribah and the consequences for Moses and Aaron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe call the people 'rebels' in Numbers 20:10?
A: Moshe called the people 'rebels' (מֹּרִים) because they were complaining about the lack of water and doubting Hashem's providence, despite having witnessed many miracles in the desert. Rashi explains that their constant complaints showed a lack of faith, which angered Moshe.
Q: What was the significance of bringing water from the rock in Numbers 20:10?
A: Bringing water from the rock was another miracle to demonstrate Hashem's care for Bnei Yisrael in the desert. The Ramban explains that this miracle was meant to strengthen their faith, just like the manna and the Clouds of Glory did.
Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon gather the people before the rock?
A: Moshe and Aharon gathered the people to witness the miracle, as the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:9) teaches that public miracles reinforce faith. By seeing water come from a rock, the people would recognize Hashem’s power and kindness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's reaction in Numbers 20:10?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a) teaches that even great leaders like Moshe must be careful with their words when frustrated. His harsh tone ('Hear now, you rebels') led to consequences, teaching us the importance of patience and proper speech, especially when leading others.
Q: How does this verse connect to the punishment of Moshe and Aharon not entering Eretz Yisrael?
A: Rashi (on Numbers 20:12) explains that Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, and his angry words ('Hear now, you rebels') showed a lack of sanctification of Hashem’s name. Because of this, neither he nor Aharon were permitted to enter the Land.