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Numbers 20:5 - Complaint against Divine Providence?

Numbers 20:5 - במדבר 20:5

Hebrew Text

וְלָמָה הֶעֱלִיתֻנוּ מִמִּצְרַיִם לְהָבִיא אֹתָנוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם הָרָע הַזֶּה לֹא מְקוֹם זֶרַע וּתְאֵנָה וְגֶפֶן וְרִמּוֹן וּמַיִם אַיִן לִשְׁתּוֹת׃

English Translation

And why have you made us come up out of Miżrayim, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink.

Transliteration

Velama he'elitunu mimitzrayim lehavi otanu el-hamakom hara hazeh lo mekom zera ut'ena vegefen verimon umayim ayin lishtot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָמָ֤ה הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֙נוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לְהָבִ֣יא אֹתָ֔נוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֥וֹם הָרָ֖ע הַזֶּ֑ה לֹ֣א <b>׀</b> מְק֣וֹם זֶ֗רַע וּתְאֵנָ֤ה וְגֶ֙פֶן֙ וְרִמּ֔וֹן וּמַ֥יִם אַ֖יִן לִשְׁתּֽוֹת׃
וְלָמָ֤ה הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֙נוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לְהָבִ֣יא אֹתָ֔נוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֥וֹם הָרָ֖ע הַזֶּ֑ה לֹ֣א ׀ מְק֣וֹם זֶ֗רַע וּתְאֵנָ֤ה וְגֶ֙פֶן֙ וְרִמּ֔וֹן וּמַ֥יִם אַ֖יִן לִשְׁתּֽוֹת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 20:5, where the Israelites complain to Moshe and Aharon about the lack of water and fertile land in the wilderness. This incident occurs shortly after the death of Miriam, who is traditionally associated with the miraculous well that sustained the people (Talmud Ta'anit 9a). The complaint reflects their fear and lack of faith in Hashem's providence.

Analysis of the Complaint

The verse highlights several key grievances:

  • "Why have you made us come up out of Miżrayim?" – Rashi explains that the people wrongly attributed their exodus to Moshe and Aharon rather than recognizing Hashem's hand in their redemption.
  • "This evil place" – The wilderness is called "evil" because it lacked basic sustenance. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:15) notes that their ingratitude contrasted with the miracles they had already witnessed.
  • Absence of agricultural blessings – The mention of seed, figs, vines, and pomegranates symbolizes the fertility of Eretz Yisrael, which they had not yet reached. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:50) teaches that these fruits represent the Land's bounty, emphasizing their misplaced focus on physical comfort over spiritual growth.
  • "Nor is there any water to drink" – Water is essential for life, and its absence tested their trust in Hashem. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) connects this complaint to the cessation of Miriam’s well, showing their dependence on divine miracles.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that the people's complaint revealed a deeper flaw: they valued material sustenance over their relationship with Hashem. Instead of recognizing the wilderness as a place of divine closeness (as at Har Sinai), they saw only hardship. The Sforno adds that their lack of patience and faith led to this outburst, contrasting with the ideal of bitachon (trust in Hashem).

Consequences and Reflection

This complaint precedes the incident of Moshe striking the rock (Bamidbar 20:11), which resulted in his inability to enter Eretz Yisrael. The Or HaChaim (R' Chaim ibn Attar) suggests that the people's ingratitude created a spiritually charged moment, requiring Moshe to respond with unwavering faith—a test he did not fully meet. The episode serves as a cautionary lesson about the dangers of murmuring against Hashem’s plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of the Land of Israel and its fertility, contrasting the complaints of the Israelites in the desert with the blessings of the land.
📖 Sotah 34b
The verse is cited in the context of the spies' negative report about the Land of Israel, illustrating the Israelites' lack of faith and gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 20:5?
A: Numbers 20:5 records the complaint of the Israelites in the wilderness. After leaving Egypt, they faced hardships and lacked basic necessities like water and food. This verse reflects their frustration, questioning why Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) brought them out of Egypt to a barren place.
Q: Why did the Israelites complain about lacking figs, vines, and pomegranates?
A: The Israelites mentioned figs, vines (grapes), and pomegranates because these were symbolic of the fertility and abundance of the Land of Israel (Devarim 8:8). Their complaint showed a lack of faith in Hashem’s promise to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, focusing instead on their immediate discomfort.
Q: How does Jewish tradition view the Israelites' complaints in this verse?
A: Our sages (e.g., Rashi on Bamidbar 20:5) explain that the Israelites' complaints were unjustified. Hashem had already provided for them miraculously in the desert (manna, water from Miriam’s well, etc.). Their lack of gratitude and trust in Hashem’s plan was a recurring failing during their journey.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 20:5 today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of gratitude (hakarat hatov) and patience during difficult times. Instead of complaining, we should trust in Hashem’s guidance, as He provides for our needs even in challenging circumstances. The Talmud (Berachot 48b) emphasizes that recognizing Hashem’s kindness is fundamental to Jewish faith.
Q: Why is water mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: Water is essential for survival, and its absence caused great distress. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:25) connects this complaint to Miriam’s well, which miraculously provided water in the desert. When Miriam passed away (earlier in Numbers 20), the well temporarily ceased, heightening their anxiety and leading to this outcry.