Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Moshe ask 'why have You dealt ill with this people' in Exodus 5:22?
A: Moshe was confused because after he approached Pharaoh to free the Jewish people, Pharaoh made their slavery even harsher (Shemot 5:7-9). Moshe couldn't understand why their suffering increased after he followed Hashem's command. Rashi explains that Moshe wasn't questioning Hashem's justice, but was seeking to understand the deeper purpose behind these events.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's response to increased suffering in Exodus 5:22?
A: We learn that even great leaders like Moshe can struggle to understand Hashem's ways during difficult times. The Midrash teaches that this shows it's permissible to bring our honest questions before Hashem, as long as we do so with proper respect. However, we must maintain faith that everything Hashem does is ultimately for the good.
Q: Why does Moshe say 'why have You sent me' in this verse?
A: Moshe felt that his mission appeared unsuccessful since the Jewish people's situation worsened after he began his mission. Rambam explains that prophets sometimes don't fully understand Hashem's plans immediately. This verse shows that even when we don't see immediate results, we must trust that Hashem's plans will ultimately be revealed.
Q: How does Exodus 5:22 relate to dealing with hardship today?
A: This verse teaches that it's human to question suffering, but we must do so within the framework of faith. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) explains that hardships can be opportunities for growth. Like Moshe, we may not always understand difficulties immediately, but we must maintain trust in Hashem's ultimate justice and kindness.
Q: Was Moshe punished for questioning Hashem in Exodus 5:22?
A: No, Moshe wasn't punished for his sincere question. Rashi notes that Hashem actually responded to Moshe (in the next verses) by revealing more of His plan. This shows that honest questions asked with proper intent are acceptable. However, later when the Jewish people complained without faith (Bamidbar 20:12), there were consequences.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Shemot 5:22) occurs after Moshe's initial confrontation with Pharaoh, where instead of freeing Bnei Yisrael, Pharaoh increases their workload by withholding straw while demanding the same quota of bricks. Moshe, distressed by the people's suffering, returns to Hashem with a plea questioning the worsening of their situation.
Moshe's Question to Hashem
Rashi explains that Moshe's question, "לָמָה הֲרֵעֹתָה לָעָם הַזֶּה" ("Why have You dealt ill with this people?"), reflects his deep concern for Klal Yisrael. Moshe does not doubt Hashem's plan but seeks understanding, as a faithful shepherd troubled by his flock's suffering. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:22) emphasizes that Moshe's words were not rebellious but an expression of his role as an advocate for the people.
The Meaning of "לָמָּה זֶּה שְׁלַחְתָּנִי"
The second part of Moshe's plea, "לָמָּה זֶּה שְׁלַחְתָּנִי" ("Why is it that You have sent me?"), is interpreted by the Ramban (Nachmanides) as Moshe questioning whether his mission had inadvertently caused harm. The Kli Yakar adds that Moshe was not rejecting his divine mission but expressing his anguish over the apparent setback—how his involvement led to greater suffering rather than immediate redemption.
Hashem's Response and the Larger Plan
In the following verses (Shemot 6:1-8), Hashem reassures Moshe that the redemption will come, but it will unfold in stages to demonstrate His power. The Sforno explains that the initial hardship was necessary to break Pharaoh's arrogance and to prepare Bnei Yisrael to recognize Hashem's sovereignty fully. The Or HaChaim highlights that suffering before redemption is a recurring divine pattern (as seen with Yosef’s descent to Egypt before salvation).
Lessons in Leadership and Faith