When God told Moses, "Pass over before the people" (Exodus 17:5), the instruction sounds like a simple command to walk ahead of the crowd. But the Mekhilta hears at least three different meanings in those two words.
The first interpretation: "Pass over" means overlook. God was telling Moses to ignore the people's harsh words. Let their complaints wash over you. Do not take their quarreling personally. Just move forward.
Rabbi Yehudah offers a second reading: "Pass by them" — physically walk past them toward the rock — "and you will find water for them." The solution to the crisis is ahead of you, not behind you in the argument. Stop debating and start walking.
Rabbi Nechemiah provides a third interpretation: "Pass over" means forgive. God was asking Moses to release the people from their sin before performing the miracle. First pardon them, then provide for them. Mercy must precede miracles.
A fourth, unnamed interpretation offers perhaps the boldest reading: "Pass before the people, and whoever is bothered, let him speak!" Walk right through the crowd. Let anyone with a grievance confront you face to face. This turns Moses into a figure of radical transparency — not hiding from criticism but inviting it. Four rabbis, four readings of the same two words, each revealing a different model of leadership: patience, pragmatism, forgiveness, and fearless openness.