By Rabbi Dovid Markel
Last week’s parsha concludes with Moshe protesting G-d’s actions towards the Israelites. G-d had sent Moshe to Egypt to redeem the Israelites, but instead the servitude only intensified.
Moshe returned to G-d saying (Shemos, 5:22), “O Lord! Why have You harmed this people? Why have You sent me?” This week’s parsha opens with G-d’s response.
The opening words of the Almighty’s rebuke to Moshe are the words (Shemos, 6:2), “The Lord spoke to Moshe, and He said to him, ‘I am G-d.'”
In the Hebrew, there is an interesting contrast between the first half of the verse and the second.
The verse begins using G-d’s name Elokim, but concludes using the name HaShem. Additionally, the first half of the verse uses the word “vayedaber” (and He spoke) to express G-d’s speech and concludes with the term “vayomer” (and He said).
The difference between these two expressions is that both words Elokim and vayedaber express sternness, while the name HaShem and the term vayomer express gentleness.
Rabbi Mordechai Leiner of Ishbitz explains, that although G-d was indeed rebuking Moshe, the reproach was merely external. G-d saw that Moshe became frightened by His rebuke and therefore expressed to him that in truth, He was not actually angry with him.
Indeed, this explains a rather curious pattern throughout Moshe’s life.
Though G-d rebuked Moshe for questioning His actions, Moshe continues to wrestle with G-d throughout his leadership. This is because in G-d’s initial rebuke, He hinted to Moshe that indeed his actions were correct and he should continue to question G-d.
There is a tremendous lesson that can be learned from G-d’s reprimand and Moshe’s response to argue with G-d.
From G-d, we learn that though there are times when rebuke is appropriate, it should only be external. In our heart however, we must always ensure that we retain the gentleness of “vayomer” and” HaShem.”
Not only should we retain an inner calm, but more so, it is important to express our love and gentleness to the recipient of our rebuke.
From Moshe, we learn a different message. Contrary to the assumption that we should accept all of G-d’s actions, we are taught that we are permitted to wrestle with G-d and challenge His ways.
It is through questioning the ways of G-d that we truly develop a relationship with Him.
