This week's parsha brings us to the release of the Jewish people from the bonds of servitude, finally free to serve their G-d. After hurrying to leave Egypt, the nation is pursued by Pharaoh and his army who are bent on bringing them back; they are virtually trapped, with the Egyptians behind them and the sea blocking them in front. The nation panics, crying out to Hashem to save them.
Moshe, hearing the people's fear, gives them words of encouragement saying: “Do not fear! Stand fast and see the salvation of Hashem that He will perform for you today…Hashem shall make war for you, and you shall remain silent.” (14:13-14)
Now Hashem speaks to Moshe saying, “Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the people and let them journey forth!” (ibid. 15) Rashi comments that we see from G-d’s response that Moshe was praying to G-d. G-d criticizes Moshe for praying for help, as now was not the time for lengthy prayers, when the people are in peril.
The commentators ask: Why is G-d upset with Moshe’s praying for salvation? Is that not the most natural and proper response one should have when one finds himself in danger? There is a famous dispute between the Rambam and the Ramban (ספר המצוות - מצוה ה׳) regarding the obligatory nature of prayer; whether the daily obligation is a Torah injunction or a Rabbinic one. The Ramban (who in fact asked the above question) is of the opinion that although daily tefillah is Rabbinic, it is a Torah obligation when one is בשעת צרה – in a state of distress. So seemingly, according to this opinion, it is not just the natural response to a calamity, but a Torah obligation!
Furthermore, the words of encouragement that of Moshe offers are seemingly circumspect. Moshe is assuaging their doubts in G-d, for the nation cried out complaining, “Were there no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the wilderness? What is this that you have done to us to take us out of Egypt?” (ibid. 12) While the nation is clearly showing their fears, they are expressing thoughts and ideas which border on heresy! They are accusing Hashem of taking them out to kill them in the wilderness – the same G-d Who just smote the Egyptians with devastating plagues is now sadistically planning to destroy them for no reason?! Clearly their situation is very grave, and Moshe, having heard this, would have been quite right to pray on their behalf! So again, why is G-d upset with Moshe's prayer?
The Sforno gives an interesting explanation which shows the connection between Moshe’s encouragement of the people and his praying to Hashem. The Sforno tells us that Moshe prayed and cried out to G-d, not in fear of the impending army of Pharaoh, but rather due to witnessing a lack of faith in the people. After hearing them express their fears, Moshe thought the people would not trust in G-d’s salvation. He was concerned that they would not obey the command to enter into the Sea. In regards to this did G-d reply to Moshe saying: “Why do you cry out to me! Do not falsely accuse this nation! Do not lose faith in them! Tell them to journey forth, and you will see that they will listen!” G-d, the Sforno explains, was not pleased with Moshe having doubted the Jewish people – that even though they expressed such extreme fears, Moshe should have believed in the nation that they would obey the command, a demonstration of their ultimate trust in G-d.
There is much to be gleaned from this Sforno, but what is most powerful for me is the message that Hashem is sending us: life is not static, we can find ourselves fluctuating between feelings of confidence, and those of stagnation and uncertainty. We can even begin to doubt ourselves and our commitments. Yet we must remain steadfast in the constant belief and knowledge that we are capable of anything – but not because we believe in ourselves, rather because G-d Himself believes in us! Despite what doubts we have expressed and difficulties we have encountered, we are still always beloved to Him. Even at the darkest of moments when we may have given up and unfortunately resorted to lashing out at G-d, He has not given up on us. For He knows that when given the chance, we will rise to the occasion and “Journey forth.”
This is a powerful and inspiring message for anyone, be they a teacher, a student, a parent, a child, or a spouse. We can never lose hope or give up on ourselves or anyone else, because Hashem Himself does not allow it. This message should strengthen us in our weaker moments, and shine for us in our strongest moments, for we are capable of anything.
Shabbat Shalom
