Moshe/0
Moshe – Overview
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Unique Traits
Possible Flaws
Misunderstanding Hashem
Commentators disagree as to whether it is legitimate to maintain that Moshe could have ever misunderstood Hashem's instructions (for a parallel discussion regarding other prophets, see Prophecy):
- Moshe could have misunderstood Hashem – R. Chananel1, Seforno.2 See also Dialogue with the Divine During Korach's Rebellion for additional sources.
- Moshe could not have misunderstood Hashem – R. Mubashir HaLevi,3 Ramban,4
Misunderstanding the Nation
Commentators disagree as to whether this happened:
- Moshe misunderstood the nation – R. Saadia Gaon (see Petition of the Two and a Half Tribes), Toledot Yitzchak,
- Moshe did not misunderstand the nation –
Miscalculations
Commentators disagree as to whether this happened:
- Moshe could have made errors of judgment – see Mystery at the Malon.
- Moshe did not make errors of judgment –
Sins
Anger
The Torah explicitly notes Moshe's wrath in three places: Shemot 16:20, Vayikra 10:16, and Bemidbar 31:14.
- Numerous Rabbinic sources criticize Moshe for this loss of control and say that Moshe's anger caused him to forget either the Halakhah or the need to convey it to the people – see Sifra, Sifre Bemidbar, Bavli Pesachim, Vayikra Rabbah.
- However, Ralbag excuses such outbursts by saying that Moshe was so spiritual that he was angered even by what appeared to be slight deviations from Halakhah.5
There are a number of additional cases where some commentators claim that Moshe's temper got the better of him - see discussions in Shemot 2, Shemot 32, Bemidbar 20, Bemidbar 32.
Administrative Shortcomings
Some exegetes suggest that Moshe exhibited certain weaknesses as an administrator. See Did Moshe Need Yitro's Advice for elaboration, and see analyses of Moshe's leadership in Bemidbar 11 and Moshe's Misstep and Mei Merivah.
Speech Impediment
The three verses of Shemot 4:10, 6:12, and 6:30 describe Moshe's speech impediment using the terms of "כְבַד פֶּה וּכְבַד לָשׁוֹן" and "עֲרַל שְׂפָתָיִם". Exegetes debate whether or not this disability was of a physical nature - see Moshe's Speech Impediment.
Religious Identity
Was Moshe's Son Uncircumcised and Why?
- See the various approaches in Mystery at the Malon
