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Numbers 20:6 - Leaders seek divine guidance desperately

Numbers 20:6 - במדבר 20:6

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן מִפְּנֵי הַקָּהָל אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וַיִּפְּלוּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶם וַיֵּרָא כְבוֹד־יְהוָה אֲלֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And Moshe and Aharon went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared to them.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Moshe ve'Aharon mi'pnei ha'kahal el-petach Ohel Mo'ed va'yip'lu al-pneihem va'yeira k'vod-Adonai aleihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹא֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְאַהֲרֹ֜ן מִפְּנֵ֣י הַקָּהָ֗ל אֶל־פֶּ֙תַח֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֵּרָ֥א כְבוֹד־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּבֹא֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְאַהֲרֹ֜ן מִפְּנֵ֣י הַקָּהָ֗ל אֶל־פֶּ֙תַח֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֵּרָ֥א כְבוֹד־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 20:6, during the incident of Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife), when the people complained about the lack of water. Moshe and Aharon, faced with the rebellion of the assembly, retreat to the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) to seek divine guidance.

Moshe and Aharon's Response

Rashi (on Bamidbar 20:6) explains that Moshe and Aharon "fell upon their faces" as an act of humility and prayer, demonstrating their reliance on Hashem in a moment of crisis. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:9) elaborates that their prostration was an expression of deep distress over the people's lack of faith, despite the many miracles they had witnessed.

The Appearance of the Divine Glory

The phrase "וַיֵּרָא כְבוֹד־יְהוָה אֲלֵיהֶם" ("the glory of the Lord appeared to them") signifies a divine response to their plea. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this manifestation of the Shechinah (Divine Presence) was a sign of Hashem’s immediate involvement in resolving the crisis, reinforcing that Moshe and Aharon were acting under divine instruction.

Lessons from the Incident

  • Leadership in Crisis: Moshe and Aharon model the proper response to communal strife—turning to Hashem in prayer rather than reacting impulsively (Sforno on Bamidbar 20:6).
  • Divine Patience: Despite the people's complaints, Hashem responds with compassion, appearing to Moshe and Aharon to provide guidance (Malbim on Bamidbar 20:6).
  • Humility Before Hashem: Falling on their faces symbolizes complete submission to divine will, a recurring theme in Moshe’s leadership (Kli Yakar on Bamidbar 20:6).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon fall on their faces in Numbers 20:6?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe and Aharon fell on their faces in prayer and humility when the people complained about lack of water (the incident of Mei Merivah). This was their way of seeking divine guidance from Hashem during a difficult situation with the Jewish people.
Q: What does 'the glory of the Lord appeared to them' mean in this verse?
A: The appearance of Hashem's glory (כְבוֹד־יְהוָה) refers to a divine revelation, as explained in traditional sources like the Rambam. It signifies that Hashem was communicating with Moshe and Aharon in a visible manifestation of His presence, likely through the cloud that rested above the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon go to the Tent of Meeting in this verse?
A: The Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) was the place where Moshe would receive prophecy and divine communication, as described throughout the Torah. When facing the people's complaints, they went there to seek Hashem's instruction, showing that leaders must turn to divine wisdom when dealing with communal challenges.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe and Aharon's reaction in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that their immediate response - falling on their faces in prayer - demonstrates the proper way to handle crises: with humility before Hashem rather than relying solely on human understanding. This remains a model for Jewish leaders and individuals facing difficulties today.
Q: Was this the first time the glory of Hashem appeared to Moshe and Aharon?
A: No, as Rashi and other commentators explain, Hashem's glory had appeared previously (like at Mount Sinai). This particular appearance was unique to the situation with the rock and the people's complaint about water, showing that divine guidance comes when needed for specific challenges.