It might seem trivial, but sometimes, the order of things speaks volumes.
Think about when Moses and Aaron first approach Pharaoh. The verse in Exodus 7:10 tells us, "Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh." Simple enough, right? But hold on. As Shemot Rabbah, one of the great collections of Midrash, points out, wasn't Aaron the elder brother? Shouldn't he have taken the lead?
Why does Moses get top billing here?
Well, there are a couple of fascinating explanations offered. One idea is that Moses was "greater than him in Egypt." How so? We find in Exodus 11:3, "The man, Moses, too, was very great in the land of Egypt." He held a certain stature, a position of influence that perhaps superseded age in this specific context.
But there’s another, even more powerful reason suggested. Remember when God tells Moses, "And you will be to him as god" (Exodus 4:16)? The Holy One, blessed be He, essentially elevated Moses to a position of authority over Aaron, at least in this mission. And, as Shemot Rabbah puts it, "it is appropriate for the master to enter first." It's a matter of hierarchy, divinely ordained.
Think about that for a moment. Moses, hesitant and initially reluctant, is now being placed in a role of almost divine leadership relative to his own brother. It underscores the immense responsibility and the weight of the task ahead.
And it wasn’t a spontaneous performance, either. The text continues, "And they did so, as the Lord commanded" meaning they didn't just burst in with a display of power. No, they waited until Pharaoh himself requested a sign, a wonder. It’s a subtle but important detail. It shows that their actions were deliberate, divinely guided, and responsive to the situation. Only then, "Aaron cast his staff," and the real drama began.
What does this little detail tell us? It's not just about who goes first. It’s about the complexities of leadership, the delicate balance of power, and the way divine will can reshape human relationships. It's a reminder that even the smallest details in the Torah can hold profound meaning, if we take the time to look.