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Exodus 17:4 - Moshe's desperate plea for help

Exodus 17:4 - שמות 17:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּצְעַק מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה לֵאמֹר מָה אֶעֱשֶׂה לָעָם הַזֶּה עוֹד מְעַט וּסְקָלֻנִי׃

English Translation

And Moshe cried to the Lord, saying, What shall I do to this people? they are almost ready to stone me.

Transliteration

Vayitzak Moshe el-Adonai lemor ma e'eseh la'am hazeh od me'at uskaluni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּצְעַ֤ק מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־יְהֹוָ֣ה לֵאמֹ֔ר מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה ע֥וֹד מְעַ֖ט וּסְקָלֻֽנִי׃
וַיִּצְעַ֤ק מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־יְהֹוָ֣ה לֵאמֹ֔ר מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה ע֥וֹד מְעַ֖ט וּסְקָלֻֽנִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 17:4) appears during the incident of the people's complaint about lack of water at Refidim, following their exodus from Egypt. Moshe Rabbeinu expresses his distress to Hashem as the people threaten to stone him due to their thirst.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "עוֹד מְעַט וּסְקָלֻנִי" ("they are almost ready to stone me") by noting that this was not merely an idle threat. The people were truly on the verge of stoning Moshe, demonstrating their extreme desperation and lack of faith after witnessing the miracles in Egypt and at the Red Sea.

Rambam's Perspective on Leadership Challenges

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses how even the greatest leaders face moments of crisis. Moshe's outcry reflects the immense burden of leadership, especially when guiding a nation through trials. This teaches that even the most righteous may feel overwhelmed when fulfilling divine missions.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta explains that the people's threat to stone Moshe stemmed from their belief that he was withholding water from them deliberately, showing a lapse in their trust in both Moshe and Hashem.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes that Moshe's prayer was immediate—he did not attempt to resolve the crisis alone but turned directly to Hashem, setting an example for future leaders to seek divine guidance in moments of distress.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this episode underscores the severity of rebellion against divinely appointed leadership. The people's readiness to harm Moshe, despite his role as Hashem's messenger, serves as a warning about the dangers of ingratitude and insurrection.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno (Rabbi Ovadia Sforno) highlights that Moshe's plea—"מָה אֶעֱשֶׂה לָעָם הַזֶּה" ("What shall I do to this people?")—reflects his deep concern for their welfare, not just his own safety. This illustrates the ideal of a leader who prioritizes the needs of the people, even when they turn against him.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 20b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the challenges faced by leaders and the importance of prayer in difficult times.
📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating the severity of opposing Moses and the consequences of such actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Moshe afraid the people would stone him?
A: According to Rashi, the people were angry because they had no water in the wilderness and blamed Moshe for their suffering. Their desperation made them ready to violently rebel against their leader.
Q: What does this verse teach us about leadership challenges?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 8a) learns from here that even great leaders like Moshe face difficult tests. It shows that when people are in distress, they may turn against those trying to help them, teaching leaders to have patience and turn to Hashem for guidance.
Q: Why did Moshe cry out to Hashem in this situation?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 26:2) explains that Moshe set an example by immediately turning to Hashem when facing an impossible situation. This teaches us that even when problems seem unsolvable, we should pray to Hashem rather than rely solely on our own understanding.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Jewish people's journey in the wilderness?
A: Rambam (in his commentary on the Mishnah, Avos 5:4) notes that this was one of ten tests where the Jewish people struggled in the desert. It shows how quickly people can forget past miracles (like the Exodus) when facing new difficulties.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Moshe's reaction?
A: The Sforno teaches that Moshe's response demonstrates the proper way to handle crisis - by turning to Hashem in sincere prayer while still making efforts to solve the problem (as Moshe did by striking the rock later). This balances faith with responsible action.