Why Moses Feared to Carry Israel's Answer Back to God at Sinai

"And Moses brought back the words of the people." He answered them with words that settle their heart. Another interpretation: "And Moses brought back." It would have been fitting to say, "And Moses told the words of [the people]," etc., for we do not find that he told the people what the Holy One, blessed be He, had said to him. Israel said to him, "We do not want [this]." And Moses was afraid to tell the Holy One, blessed be He, that He would tell him to say it another time, and they would not believe me, lest he be smitten with leprosy as he was smitten at the bush. And this is what people say: "He whom a snake has bitten is frightened by a rope." The Holy One, blessed be He, answered him: I know what you wish to say, "so that the people may hear when I speak with you." Moses answered before the Holy One, blessed be He, and said: Master of the worlds, may Your praise and Your remembrance be blessed and exalted, for You search hearts and kidneys and know the hidden things; You knew what is in the heart of Your servant. At that hour he told Him the words of the people, as it is written: "And Moses told the words of the people to the LORD."