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Exodus 3:11 - Humility before divine mission

Exodus 3:11 - שמות 3:11

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים מִי אָנֹכִי כִּי אֵלֵךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְכִי אוֹצִיא אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Par῾o, and that I should bring the children of Yisra᾽el out of Miżrayim?

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-ha'Elohim mi anochi ki elech el-Paroh ve'chi otzi et-bnei Yisrael mi'Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְכִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְכִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Humility and Reluctance

The verse (Shemot 3:11) describes Moshe's initial reaction to Hashem's command to lead Bnei Yisrael out of Mitzrayim. His response, "Who am I," reflects his profound humility, a defining trait of Moshe Rabbeinu (see Bamidbar 12:3). Rashi explains that Moshe questioned his own worthiness for this monumental task, considering himself insignificant compared to the great responsibility of confronting Pharaoh and redeeming the Jewish people.

Why Moshe Questioned His Role

  • Past Experience with Pharaoh: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:14) suggests Moshe remembered how Pharaoh had sought to kill him after he intervened on behalf of a Jewish slave (Shemot 2:11-15), making him doubt his ability to confront the king again.
  • Concern for the People's Status: Ramban notes that Moshe wondered how slaves, degraded for generations, could suddenly attain freedom—highlighting his practical concerns about the feasibility of redemption.
  • Preference for Aharon: Some commentaries (e.g., Ohr HaChaim) posit that Moshe believed his older brother, Aharon, was more deserving of this leadership role.

Hashem's Reassurance

Though not part of this specific verse, the subsequent pasuk (3:12) contains Hashem's response: "For I will be with you." This teaches a fundamental principle in Jewish leadership: success depends not on the individual's power but on divine assistance. As the Talmud (Berachos 33b) states, "Everything is in the hands of Heaven except the fear of Heaven." Moshe's humility made him the ideal leader, as he recognized his dependence on Hashem.

Lessons in Leadership

The Sforno emphasizes that true leaders are reluctant, not eager, to assume power. Moshe's hesitation contrasts with the arrogance of unfit leaders (see Mishlei 25:6-7). This idea is codified in Rambam's Hilchos Melachim (1:7), which states that leadership must be accepted with humility and only for the sake of Heaven.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' humility and his dialogue with God, illustrating how even great leaders express humility before undertaking divine missions.
📖 Sotah 5a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the virtue of humility, where Moses' statement is used as an example of true humility before God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe say 'Who am I' when Hashem asked him to go to Pharaoh?
A: Moshe showed humility, questioning his worthiness for such a great mission. Rashi explains that Moshe felt inadequate compared to the great leaders of the past. This teaches us the importance of humility, even when given important responsibilities.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's response to Hashem in this verse?
A: We learn that true leaders don't seek honor but approach responsibilities with humility. The Midrash teaches that Moshe's humility is precisely why he was chosen - because he didn't consider himself worthy. This contrasts with Pharaoh's arrogance, showing that humility is a key Jewish value.
Q: How could Moshe question Hashem's command to free the Jews?
A: Our sages explain that Moshe wasn't refusing Hashem's command, but expressing his awe at the responsibility. The Rambam teaches that prophets often initially resist their mission out of humility. Moshe's hesitation shows his deep understanding of the difficulty of the task ahead.
Q: Why is this conversation between Moshe and Hashem important in the Torah?
A: This moment marks the beginning of the redemption from Egypt. The Talmud teaches that Hashem often chooses unlikely leaders to show that success comes from divine help, not human power. Moshe's humility makes him the perfect vessel for Hashem's miracles.
Q: How does Moshe's question 'Who am I' apply to us today?
A: Like Moshe, we should approach mitzvot and challenges with humility, recognizing that our abilities come from Hashem. The Baal Shem Tov taught that true service begins with recognizing our smallness before Hashem. However, we must still have faith that Hashem gives us the strength to fulfill our missions.