Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Numbers 20:4?
A: Numbers 20:4 records the complaint of the Israelites when they were in the wilderness without water. They spoke against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron), expressing frustration about being brought into the desert to die. This event took place during the 40 years of wandering after the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: Why were the Israelites complaining in this verse?
A: The Israelites complained because they lacked water in the wilderness (as explained in Rashi on Numbers 20:2). Instead of trusting in Hashem, they accused Moshe and Aharon of bringing them to die in the desert. This reflects their recurring struggle with faith during the journey.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 20:4?
A: This verse teaches the danger of ingratitude and lack of trust in Hashem. Despite witnessing miracles, the Israelites doubted His providence. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 9) emphasizes that complaining against righteous leaders (like Moshe) is akin to complaining against Hashem Himself.
Q: How does this verse connect to the incident of Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife)?
A: This complaint directly led to the episode of Mei Merivah (Numbers 20:8-13), where Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Because of this, Moshe and Aharon were not allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), as explained in the Talmud (Ta'anit 9a).
Q: How does this verse apply to challenges we face today?
A: Like the Israelites, we may face hardships and feel abandoned. However, the Torah teaches us to strengthen our emunah (faith) in Hashem’s plan. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) explains that one should train oneself to accept difficulties with trust rather than complaint.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Numbers 20:4) is part of the complaint made by the Israelites during the incident of Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife) in the wilderness of Tzin. After Miriam's death, the people lacked water and confronted Moshe and Aharon with harsh words, expressing fear of dying in the desert.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "וְלָמָה הֲבֵאתֶם אֶת־קְהַל יְהוָה" ("And why have you brought up the congregation of the Lord"): The people accused Moshe and Aharon of deliberately leading them into the wilderness to perish, ignoring the fact that it was Hashem who had brought them out of Egypt. Rashi notes their ingratitude and lack of faith, as they had already witnessed numerous miracles.
Rambam on the Sin of Complaining
Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot De'ot discusses how constant complaining reflects a lack of trust in Hashem. The Israelites' words here demonstrate a failure to internalize the lessons of the Exodus and the miracles in the desert, focusing instead on perceived hardships.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis
Ibn Ezra highlights the accusatory tone of "הֲבֵאתֶם" ("you have brought"), emphasizing that the people wrongly blamed Moshe and Aharon instead of recognizing Hashem's role in their journey. The wilderness ("הַמִּדְבָּר") symbolizes a place of testing and growth, which they failed to appreciate.
Halachic Perspective
The Chofetz Chaim (in Shmirat HaLashon) cites this verse as an example of forbidden speech (lashon hara), as the Israelites spoke negatively about their leaders and questioned divine justice. Their words created discord and demonstrated a lack of emunah (faith).