Here he was, fresh from witnessing the most incredible miracles, leading his people out of slavery, and what did he get in return? Gripes, complaints, and a profound lack of faith.
The texts tell us that despite the people's constant accusations, Moses wasn't so much angry about their words, but disappointed by their fickleness. After witnessing the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, shouldn't they have had a little more faith?
It's easy to understand Moses' frustration. They had seen undeniable proof of divine intervention, tangible evidence of his reliability. But instead of trusting him, they expected only the "natural and probable."
Then again, perhaps we can understand the Israelites too.
The weight of their situation, the uncertainty of the desert, the sheer improbability of their freedom – it must have been overwhelming. And Moses, ever the compassionate leader, understood this. The texts relate that when Moses considered their distress, he forgave them.
He knew that a multitude, a large group of people, is by nature fickle. Easily swayed by the moment. Today's miracle is tomorrow's forgotten memory, replaced by despair and uncertainty. Imagine the constant weight of that leadership.
It’s a powerful reminder, isn't it? How easily we forget the good times, how quickly fear can eclipse faith. And how important it is to extend compassion, even when we feel most let down. Perhaps especially then.