Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the people came to Moshe 'to inquire of God'?
A: According to Rashi, this means the people came to Moshe to seek rulings on matters of Jewish law and to understand God's will. Moshe served as the teacher and judge for the Israelites, conveying God's commandments and settling disputes according to Torah law.
Q: Why was Moshe the one people came to for inquiring of God?
A: As explained in the Talmud (Yevamot 49b), Moshe had reached the highest level of prophecy, being able to communicate with God 'face to face.' The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) teaches that Moshe's prophecy was unique and unparalleled, making him the authentic conduit for divine instruction.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish leadership today?
A: This verse establishes the model of seeking Torah guidance from qualified rabbinic authorities. Just as the Israelites approached Moshe, today Jews bring halachic questions to Torah scholars. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes this shows the importance of having proper spiritual leadership to maintain Torah observance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's statement to Yitro?
A: The Ohr HaChaim highlights that Moshe was explaining his heavy responsibility - teaching that true Jewish leaders must be completely dedicated to serving the people's spiritual needs. This sets an example for all Torah teachers to be patient and available to those seeking guidance.
Q: Why does the Torah mention this conversation with Yitro?
A: As Ibn Ezra explains, this leads into the important organizational advice Yitro will give about establishing a judicial system. It shows that even great leaders like Moshe can benefit from wise counsel, especially when it helps better serve the Jewish people's spiritual needs.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Shemot 18:15) appears in the narrative where Yitro (Moshe's father-in-law) observes Moshe judging the people from morning until evening. Moshe explains that the people come to him "to inquire of God" (לִדְרֹשׁ אֱלֹהִים), seeking divine guidance in their disputes and questions of law.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that "to inquire of God" refers to seeking rulings on matters of halacha (Jewish law). He emphasizes that Moshe served as the sole authority for transmitting Hashem's will to the people, as the Torah had not yet been fully given at this point in the narrative. Rashi further notes that the people came to Moshe for both minor and major disputes, indicating their complete reliance on his prophetic connection to Hashem.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra explains that Moshe's role was unique because he had direct access to divine communication. The phrase "to inquire of God" implies that Moshe would bring their questions before Hashem and return with answers, distinguishing his judgeship from later systems where halachic decisions would be made through human scholarship and the Sanhedrin.
Rambam's Halachic Insight
In Hilchot Sanhedrin (1:1), Rambam derives from this verse that the ideal system of Jewish jurisprudence requires learned judges who can properly determine halacha. While Moshe's direct prophetic connection was unique, the principle remains that qualified Torah scholars must be accessible to the people for proper guidance in divine service.
Midrashic Interpretation
Chassidic Perspective
The Sefat Emet explains that Moshe served as the channel connecting heaven and earth. The people's coming "to inquire of God" through Moshe represents the Jewish soul's eternal yearning to connect with the Divine through Torah. This sets the paradigm for all future Torah study and halachic decision-making.