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Numbers 11:23 - Divine power limitless—trust?

Numbers 11:23 - במדבר 11:23

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה הֲיַד יְהוָה תִּקְצָר עַתָּה תִרְאֶה הֲיִקְרְךָ דְבָרִי אִם־לֹא׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Is the Lord’s hand too short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass to thee or not.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe ha'yad Adonai tiktzar atah tireh ha'yikrekha d'vari im-lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה הֲיַ֥ד יְהֹוָ֖ה תִּקְצָ֑ר עַתָּ֥ה תִרְאֶ֛ה הֲיִקְרְךָ֥ דְבָרִ֖י אִם־לֹֽא׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה הֲיַ֥ד יְהֹוָ֖ה תִּקְצָ֑ר עַתָּ֥ה תִרְאֶ֛ה הֲיִקְרְךָ֥ דְבָרִ֖י אִם־לֹֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Divine Assurance

The verse (Bamidbar 11:23) records Hashem's response to Moshe's doubt regarding the feasibility of providing meat for the Israelites in the wilderness. The phrase "הֲיַד יְהוָה תִּקְצָר" ("Is the Lord’s hand too short?") is a rhetorical question emphasizing Hashem's omnipotence. Rashi explains that this is a metaphor—just as a human hand can reach far, so too does Hashem's "hand" (i.e., His power) have no limitations. The question challenges Moshe to recognize that nothing is beyond Divine capability.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Omnipotence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:35) discusses this verse in the context of Divine attributes, clarifying that anthropomorphic language in Tanach (e.g., "hand of Hashem") is metaphorical. The verse teaches that Hashem's ability to act in the world is unbounded, and human limitations do not apply to Him. The phrase "עַתָּה תִרְאֶה" ("now you shall see") serves as both a reassurance and a lesson—Moshe will witness the fulfillment of Hashem's word as a tangible demonstration of Divine power.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 21) elaborates that this exchange followed Moshe's calculation that providing meat for 600,000 men would be impossible. Hashem responds by invoking the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus), reminding Moshe that the same power that split the sea can surely provide sustenance. The Midrash emphasizes that doubt in Hashem's ability—even from a leader as great as Moshe—warrants a direct Divine response to reinforce emunah (faith).

Halachic Implications from the Talmud

The Talmud (Berachos 20a) derives from this verse that one should never question Hashem's capacity to perform miracles, even when natural laws seem insurmountable. The Gemara links this to the principle of תפילה (prayer)—just as Hashem answered Moshe, He responds to sincere tefillot. The Sages learn that the phrase "הֲיִקְרְךָ דְבָרִי" ("whether My word shall come to pass") establishes that Divine promises are immutable.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Bitachon (Trust): Hashem's abilities transcend human understanding; doubt is a limitation of human perception, not Divine capability.
  • Metaphorical Language: Descriptions of Hashem's "hand" or other physical attributes are allegorical, teaching about His unlimited power without implying physicality.
  • Historical Continuity: The Exodus miracles serve as eternal proof of Hashem's ability to intervene in nature for His people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's power and the certainty of His promises, illustrating that nothing is beyond God's capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Is the Lord’s hand too short?' mean in Numbers 11:23?
A: This phrase is a metaphor meaning that Hashem’s power is unlimited. Rashi explains that it’s a response to Moshe’s doubt about whether there would be enough meat to feed the people in the desert. Hashem is reassuring Moshe that nothing is beyond His ability.
Q: Why did Hashem say 'thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass' in this verse?
A: Hashem was emphasizing that His promises are absolute and will be fulfilled. The Ramban explains that this was a lesson for Moshe and Bnei Yisrael to strengthen their faith—Hashem’s word always comes true, even when it seems impossible.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 11:23 today?
A: The verse teaches us to trust in Hashem’s unlimited power, especially in difficult situations. The Midrash Tanchuma connects this to emunah (faith)—just as Hashem provided for Bnei Yisrael in the desert, He can provide for our needs today if we rely on Him.
Q: How does this verse relate to the story of the quails in the desert?
A: This verse precedes the miracle of the quails (Numbers 11:31-32), where Hashem provided meat in abundance. The Sforno explains that the verse sets the stage for the miracle, showing that Hashem can fulfill any promise, no matter how unlikely it seems.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: It’s a foundational lesson about bitachon (trust in Hashem). The Talmud (Berachos 32a) references this idea when discussing prayer—just as Hashem answered Moshe, He listens to our tefillos (prayers) and can intervene beyond natural limits.