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Exodus 17:12 - Leadership needs communal support

Exodus 17:12 - שמות 17:12

Hebrew Text

וִידֵי מֹשֶׁה כְּבֵדִים וַיִּקְחוּ־אֶבֶן וַיָּשִׂימוּ תַחְתָּיו וַיֵּשֶׁב עָלֶיהָ וְאַהֲרֹן וְחוּר תָּמְכוּ בְיָדָיו מִזֶּה אֶחָד וּמִזֶּה אֶחָד וַיְהִי יָדָיו אֱמוּנָה עַד־בֹּא הַשָּׁמֶשׁ׃

English Translation

But Moshe’s hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aharon and Ḥur supported his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

Transliteration

Videi Moshe kvedim vayikchu-even vayasimu tachtav vayeshev aleha ve'Aharon ve'Chur tamchu veyadav mize echad umize echad vayehi yadav emunah ad-bo hashemesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וִידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים וַיִּקְחוּ־אֶ֛בֶן וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ תַחְתָּ֖יו וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב עָלֶ֑יהָ וְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וְח֜וּר תָּֽמְכ֣וּ בְיָדָ֗יו מִזֶּ֤ה אֶחָד֙ וּמִזֶּ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד וַיְהִ֥י יָדָ֛יו אֱמוּנָ֖ה עַד־בֹּ֥א הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
וִידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים וַיִּקְחוּ־אֶ֛בֶן וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ תַחְתָּ֖יו וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב עָלֶ֑יהָ וְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וְח֜וּר תָּֽמְכ֣וּ בְיָדָ֗יו מִזֶּ֤ה אֶחָד֙ וּמִזֶּ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד וַיְהִ֥י יָדָ֛יו אֱמוּנָ֖ה עַד־בֹּ֥א הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Weight of Moshe's Hands

The verse describes Moshe's hands becoming heavy (כְּבֵדִים) during the battle against Amalek (Shemot 17:12). Rashi explains that Moshe's hands grew heavy either due to his natural fatigue or because he neglected his duties in leading the people, causing his strength to wane. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Teitzei 11) suggests that Moshe's hands became heavy as a test for Bnei Yisrael—to see if they would rally to support him in his time of weakness.

The Stone as a Support

When Moshe could no longer hold his hands up, Aharon and Chur placed a stone beneath him for support. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 29a) derives from this that a leader must be given proper assistance to fulfill his role. Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 8:1) cites this as a precedent for the importance of communal support in spiritual matters, emphasizing that even Moshe Rabbeinu required help to maintain his focus.

The Role of Aharon and Chur

Aharon and Chur each held one of Moshe's hands, symbolizing the unity required in leadership. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) notes that Aharon represented the priesthood, while Chur (traditionally identified as Miriam’s son) represented the tribe of Yehudah, showing that both spiritual and tribal leadership were necessary to sustain Moshe. Their support ensured that Moshe's hands remained אֱמוּנָה ("steadfast" or "faithful")—a term the Sifrei interprets as a sign of unwavering trust in Hashem's deliverance.

Symbolism of "Until the Setting of the Sun"

The phrase עַד־בֹּא הַשָּׁמֶשׁ ("until the going down of the sun") is understood by the Baal HaTurim as an allusion to the eventual downfall of Amalek, whose power is compared to the fleeting strength of the sun (Malachi 1:3). The Zohar (Shemot 66a) further explains that Moshe's uplifted hands channeled divine energy, and their steadfastness until sunset ensured Bnei Yisrael's victory.

  • Rashi: Moshe's fatigue was a test for the people.
  • Talmud: Leaders require communal support.
  • Midrash: Aharon and Chur symbolize unified leadership.
  • Baal HaTurim: Sunset hints at Amalek's downfall.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 29a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of communal support in prayer and leadership, drawing a parallel between Moses being supported by Aaron and Hur during the battle with Amalek and the need for community support in spiritual matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were Moshe's hands heavy in Exodus 17:12?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe's hands became heavy because he was exhausted from holding them up in prayer during the battle against Amalek. The Torah teaches us that even great leaders like Moshe need support from others (Aharon and Chur) to fulfill their mission.
Q: What is the significance of the stone placed under Moshe in this verse?
A: The Midrash explains that the stone symbolizes stability and support. Just as Moshe needed physical support during this critical moment, we learn that even spiritual leaders require practical assistance to carry out their sacred duties.
Q: Why did Aharon and Chur support Moshe's hands during the battle?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 29a) teaches that when Moshe raised his hands, the Jewish people were victorious in battle. Aharon and Chur supported his hands to demonstrate that success comes from Hashem, and that communal effort is often needed to achieve spiritual goals.
Q: What does 'his hands were steady until the going down of the sun' mean?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase teaches us about perseverance in prayer and leadership. Moshe maintained his focus and commitment until the battle was completely won at sunset, showing us the importance of seeing our spiritual battles through to completion.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Moshe's supported hands today?
A: The Rambam teaches that this episode demonstrates the importance of community support in spiritual matters. Just as Moshe needed Aharon and Chur, we must support our leaders and work together to strengthen Torah values in our generation.