Another explanation: “God spoke to Moses” – that is what is written: “For oppression will turn a wise man into a fool, and a gift destroys understanding” (Ecclesiastes 7:7). When a wise man engages in many matters, they confuse him, [hindering him] from wisdom, and “a gift destroys understanding” – from the Torah that was given as a gift in the heart of man. Alternatively, “for oppression will turn a wise man into a fool” – one who occupies himself with the needs of the community forgets his learning.
Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Rabbi Yehuda ben Pedaya taught me sixty halakhot about a plowed over grave and all of them have been forgotten by me because I occupied myself with the needs of the community. Rabbi Yehuda bar Simon said: “For oppression will turn a wise man into a fool” – that is Moses. The oppression that Datan and Aviram oppressed him, “will turn a wise man into a fool,” confused him.
“A gift [matana] destroys understanding” – can you entertain the thought that Moses would deliberately lose his wisdom? Rather, they provoked him and said to him: “May the Lord look upon you, and judge” (Exodus 5:21). He, too, became angry and said: “Since I came to Pharaoh [to speak in Your name, he has harmed this people, and You did not deliver Your people]” (Exodus 5:23).9Moses was impertinent to God due to the instigation of Datan and Aviram, who are here identified as the speakers in Exodus 5:21.
The Holy One blessed be He said to him: ‘I had it written about you that you are humble,10A reference to Numbers 12:3: “The man Moses was very humble, more that any person on the earth.” and you become angry and question My words; by your life, you should know, as it is stated: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning”11The verse concludes with praise of patience and the following verse counsels one to not be hasty in losing one’s temper. (Ecclesiastes 7:8).
The ultimate fate of Israel is better that the beginning that I gave them in Egypt, as it is stated: “The Lord said to Moses: Now you will see”’ (Exodus 6:1). At that moment, the attribute of justice sought to harm him, as it is stated: “God [Elohim] spoke to Moses.” The Holy One blessed be He said to him: Am I flesh and blood in My attributes that I do not show mercy? That is what is written: I am the Lord [Y-H-V-H].”12See notes in the previous paragraph about the names of God representing the attributes of justice and mercy. Rabbi Yosei bar Rabbi Ḥanina said: “God [Elohim]” vis-à-vis the Egyptians, “the Lord [Y-H-V-H]” vis-à-vis Israel.