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Numbers 14:13 - Egypt mocks Israel's failure?

Numbers 14:13 - במדבר 14:13

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה וְשָׁמְעוּ מִצְרַיִם כִּי־הֶעֱלִיתָ בְכֹחֲךָ אֶת־הָעָם הַזֶּה מִקִּרְבּוֹ׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to the Lord, Then Miżrayim shall hear it, (for thou didst bring up this people in thy might from among them;)

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-Adonai ve'sham'u Mitzrayim ki-he'elita ve'khochacha et-ha'am haze mikirbo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶל־יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁמְע֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם כִּֽי־הֶעֱלִ֧יתָ בְכֹחֲךָ֛ אֶת־הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה מִקִּרְבּֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶל־יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁמְע֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם כִּֽי־הֶעֱלִ֧יתָ בְכֹחֲךָ֛ אֶת־הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה מִקִּרְבּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Shemot 15:14) appears in the Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea), sung by Bnei Yisrael after their miraculous crossing of the Yam Suf (Red Sea). Moshe Rabbeinu expresses concern that the Egyptians will hear about Hashem's mighty deliverance of the Jewish people and react negatively.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 15:14) explains that Moshe's statement reflects his concern that the Egyptians might believe they expelled Bnei Yisrael by their own power, rather than recognizing it as Hashem's divine intervention. The phrase "כי־העלית בכחך" ("for You brought up this people in Your might") emphasizes that it was Hashem's strength alone that redeemed Israel, not any human force.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:64), Rambam discusses how Hashem's miracles are designed to instill belief in His omnipotence. Here, Moshe highlights that the Exodus must be clearly attributed to divine power to prevent any misconception that it resulted from natural causes or Egyptian consent.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (23:9): The Midrash states that Moshe wanted the world to recognize Hashem's absolute sovereignty. The Egyptians—who initially oppressed Bnei Yisrael—needed to acknowledge that their defeat came from Hashem, not human weakness.
  • Mechilta (Beshalach 6): Teaches that Moshe's words were prophetic, foreshadowing how future nations would fear Hashem after witnessing His miracles (as seen later with Rachav in Yehoshua 2:10).

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 16) connects this idea to the mitzvah of remembering the Exodus. Just as Moshe ensured the Egyptians would recognize Hashem's hand, we must internalize this lesson daily—acknowledging that our redemption was solely through divine intervention.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushat Levi (R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) explains that Moshe's concern extends beyond the Egyptians: he sought to prevent any hirhur aveirah (hint of sin) by ensuring even former oppressors would bear witness to Hashem's glory, thereby sanctifying His name universally.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Moshe saying to Hashem in Numbers 14:13?
A: Moshe is expressing concern that if Hashem destroys the Jewish people after taking them out of Egypt, the Egyptians will misunderstand and think that Hashem lacked the power to bring them into the Land of Israel (Rashi on Numbers 14:13).
Q: Why was Moshe worried about what the Egyptians would think?
A: Moshe was concerned about the sanctification of Hashem's Name (Kiddush Hashem). If the Jews perished in the wilderness after the Exodus, the Egyptians might think Hashem brought them out only to destroy them, which would diminish the perception of Hashem's power and justice (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:10).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's words in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of considering how our actions affect the perception of Hashem in the world (Chillul Hashem vs. Kiddush Hashem). Even in difficult moments, we must strive to sanctify Hashem's Name through our behavior (Talmud Yoma 86a).