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Exodus 4:1 - Doubting Israel's faith?

Exodus 4:1 - שמות 4:1

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר וְהֵן לֹא־יַאֲמִינוּ לִי וְלֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ בְּקֹלִי כִּי יֹאמְרוּ לֹא־נִרְאָה אֵלֶיךָ יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe answered and said, But, behold they will not believe me, nor hearken to my voice: for they will say, The Lord has not appeared to thee.

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Moshe va'yomer ve'hen lo-ya'aminu li velo yishme'u be'koli ki yomru lo-nir'ah elekha Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤עַן מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר וְהֵן֙ לֹֽא־יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔י וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּקֹלִ֑י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖יךָ יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיַּ֤עַן מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר וְהֵן֙ לֹֽא־יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔י וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּקֹלִ֑י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖יךָ יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moshe's Concern About the People's Belief

The verse (Shemot 4:1) records Moshe's hesitation to accept Hashem's mission to redeem Bnei Yisrael, expressing doubt that they would believe his claim of divine revelation. Rashi explains that Moshe feared they would suspect him of false prophecy, as they might argue that if Hashem truly appeared to him, why had He not revealed Himself to the righteous leaders who came before him, such as Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov?

The Nature of Moshe's Apprehension

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:63) discusses Moshe's concern as rooted in the human tendency to doubt extraordinary claims. Since Moshe had not yet performed any miracles to validate his prophecy, the people might dismiss his words. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:12) adds that Bnei Yisrael were steeped in the impurity of Egypt and thus spiritually unprepared to accept divine communication.

Hashem's Response and the Signs

  • The Staff Turning into a Snake: Rashi explains that this symbolized Pharaoh's arrogance (like a snake) being humbled by Hashem's power.
  • The Leprous Hand: The Midrash (Tanchuma Va'era 8) interprets this as a rebuke for Moshe's slander ("they will not believe"), teaching that speaking negatively about Klal Yisrael is akin to spiritual leprosy.
  • Water Turning to Blood: The Ramban connects this to the first plague in Egypt, foreshadowing the coming redemption.

Lessons in Leadership and Emunah

The Sforno notes that Moshe's hesitation stemmed from his humility—he did not presume the people would accept his authority without proof. The Or HaChaim highlights that true leadership requires sensitivity to the people's spiritual state, as Moshe recognized their skepticism. Ultimately, Hashem provided signs not just for Bnei Yisrael, but to strengthen Moshe's own confidence in his divine mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 97a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' hesitation to accept God's mission, illustrating his concern that the Israelites would not believe him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Moshe worried that the Israelites wouldn't believe him?
A: Moshe was concerned because the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for many years and might doubt that Hashem had truly appeared to him. Rashi explains that Moshe feared they would question his credibility since they hadn't witnessed the revelation at the burning bush themselves.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's hesitation in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe's humility is evident here - even when given a direct mission from Hashem, he was concerned about the people's faith. This teaches us the importance of considering how our words and actions will be received by others, while still fulfilling our responsibilities.
Q: How did Hashem respond to Moshe's concern about not being believed?
A: In the following verses (Exodus 4:2-9), Hashem gives Moshe three miraculous signs to demonstrate his divine mission: turning his staff into a snake, making his hand leprous and healing it, and turning water into blood. These signs were meant to establish Moshe's credibility before Pharaoh and the Israelites.
Q: Why is this moment important in the Exodus story?
A: This exchange marks a critical point where Moshe transitions from being a reluctant leader to accepting his role as Hashem's messenger. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) notes that great leaders often begin with humility, and Moshe's concern for the people's faith shows his qualification for leadership.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish belief today?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his principles of faith that prophecy requires verification. This episode establishes that Jewish tradition expects reasonable evidence for divine claims, setting a precedent for how we evaluate spiritual matters with both faith and discernment.