Why God Spoke to Moses in His Father Amram's Voice

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shemot 16:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Exodus 3:6:) "And He said: I am the God of your father." He was revealed to him in the voice of his father Amram, so that he would not be afraid. At that moment Moses rejoiced and said, "My father Amram [is alive]." The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him, "You said that I am your father, but I am none other than the God of your father." At that moment, (Exodus 3:6:) "And Moses hid his face," etc. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him, "By your life! You apportioned honor to Me; I apportion honor to you," as it is said (Exodus 34:35), "And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses," etc. "You were afraid, (Exodus 3:6:) for he was afraid to look. By your life! I will do just as it says, (Exodus 34:30:) 'and they were afraid to come near him.'" By the merit of "to look" (mehabbit), (Numbers 12:8:) "and the likeness of the Lord he beholds (yabbit)."

Themes

Divine RevelationMosesEgyptExodusPassover

Biblical References

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