Moses Cries Out for the People Who Would Stone Him

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 17:4

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, What shall I do for this people?" (Exodus 17:4) - to make known the praise of Moses, that he did not say, Since they contend against me, I too will not seek mercy for them; but rather, What shall I do for this people? "They are almost ready to stone me." He said before Him: Master of the world, between You and them, behold I am as good as slain, since You said to me, Do not be strict against them, for You said to me, "Carry them in your bosom" (Numbers 11:12). Here the Holy One, blessed be He, lowers and Moses raises up; but in the affair of the calf the Holy One, blessed be He, raises up and Moses lowers.

Themes

MosesPrayerHumility

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