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Exodus 2:14 - Authority questioned, Moshe flees.

Exodus 2:14 - שמות 2:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מִי שָׂמְךָ לְאִישׁ שַׂר וְשֹׁפֵט עָלֵינוּ הַלְהָרְגֵנִי אַתָּה אֹמֵר כַּאֲשֶׁר הָרַגְתָּ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִי וַיִּירָא מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמַר אָכֵן נוֹדַע הַדָּבָר׃

English Translation

And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? dost thou intend to kill me, as thou didst kill the Miżrian? And Moshe feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

Transliteration

Va'yomer mi sam'cha le'ish sar ve'shofet aleinu ha'la'hargeini ata omer ka'asher haragta et-ha'mitzri va'yira Moshe va'yomar achein noda ha'davar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠יֹּ֠אמֶר מִ֣י שָֽׂמְךָ֞ לְאִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְשֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔ינוּ הַלְהׇרְגֵ֙נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִ֑י וַיִּירָ֤א מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַדָּבָֽר׃
וַ֠יֹּ֠אמֶר מִ֣י שָֽׂמְךָ֞ לְאִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְשֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔ינוּ הַלְהׇרְגֵ֙נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִ֑י וַיִּירָ֤א מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַדָּבָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 2:14) occurs when Moshe intervenes in a dispute between two Hebrew slaves, and one challenges his authority. The speaker questions Moshe's role as a leader and accuses him of murdering the Egyptian taskmaster the previous day. Moshe's reaction—fear and acknowledgment that his deed is known—reveals deep implications about leadership and Divine providence.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?" reflects the Hebrews' rejection of Moshe's authority. They saw him as an outsider, raised in Pharaoh's palace, and questioned his right to intervene. Rashi also notes that the man's accusation—"dost thou intend to kill me, as thou didst kill the Egyptian?"—indicates that Moshe's killing of the Egyptian had become public knowledge, endangering him.

Moshe's Fear and Acknowledgment

When the verse states "And Moshe feared, and said, Surely this thing is known," Rashi explains that Moshe realized his act was no longer secret and that Pharaoh would seek retribution. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:30) elaborates that Moshe feared not for his own life but that his actions might disqualify him from being the future redeemer of Israel. His humility and concern for the greater mission are highlighted here.

Rambam’s Perspective on Leadership

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Melachim discusses the qualities of a Jewish leader. Moshe’s hesitation here aligns with the principle that true leaders do not seek power but are chosen by Hashem. The people’s challenge underscores that leadership must be Divinely sanctioned, not self-imposed.

Lessons from the Talmud

  • Sanhedrin 8a: The Talmud teaches that a judge or leader must act with clear authority, not through force or self-appointment. The Hebrews' resistance to Moshe foreshadows later rebellions against his leadership.
  • Nedarim 38a: The Gemara states that Moshe’s fear demonstrated his humility, a necessary trait for leadership. His concern for being exposed as a "murderer" shows his sensitivity to moral perception.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 10) suggests that Moshe’s statement "Surely this thing is known" refers not only to the killing of the Egyptian but to a deeper Divine plan. It implies that his role in the redemption of Israel was now set in motion, despite the immediate danger.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 58b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the legal implications of Moses killing the Egyptian and the subsequent fear of being discovered.
📖 Exodus Rabbah 1:29
The midrash discusses Moses' reaction to being confronted by the Hebrew man, highlighting his fear and realization that his actions were known.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Hebrew man ask Moses 'Who made you a prince and judge over us?'
A: According to Rashi, the man was challenging Moses' authority to intervene in their dispute. This reflects human nature's resistance to rebuke, even when coming from someone righteous like Moses. The Midrash adds that this man was Dathan, who later rebelled against Moses in the desert.
Q: Why was Moses afraid when his killing of the Egyptian became known?
A: The Rambam explains that Moses feared Pharaoh would now seek to kill him for taking justice into his own hands against an Egyptian taskmaster. Rashi notes that Moses realized word had spread, endangering his life, as evidenced by Pharaoh indeed seeking to kill him afterwards (Exodus 2:15).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moses' intervention in the fight between the Hebrews?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58b) derives from this episode that one should rebuke wrongdoing when they see it, as Moses did. However, it also teaches that leadership must be accepted by the people - you can't force authority on others, as the Hebrew's response showed.
Q: Why does the Torah tell us this story about Moses?
A: This episode shows Moses' early development as a leader. The Midrash explains it demonstrates his righteous character - he risked his life to defend a fellow Jew, yet was humble enough to withdraw when challenged. These qualities made him worthy to later lead Israel out of Egypt.
Q: How does Moses' reaction to being discovered apply to us today?
A: The Sages teach that Moses' fear and subsequent flight teaches the importance of pikuach nefesh (preserving life). When facing mortal danger, it's permitted - even obligatory - to flee to safety, as Moses did by escaping to Midian.