Was God Unfair? Quick Comment: Parashat Hukat (Numbers 19-22:1)

~ slfuchs

In this week’s Torah portion, the Israelites complain because they have no water. God tells Moses to address a certain rock, and water will come forth. But Moses loses his temper and bangs his staff three times against the rock, and water comes gushing forth. (Numbers 20: 10-11)

God is furious! Moses has made it appear that he, not God, had caused the rock to yield water.

But God’s sentence seems unduly harsh.

“Because you did not show enough faith in me to affirm my holiness in the eyes of the Children of Israel, you shall not lead the community into the land I am giving them” (Numbers 20:12).

How could God be so cruel? Even if we agree that, the offense was serious, the punishment seems too severe.

Ultimately, ranting against God’s excess misses the point.

Moses’ time had passed. He was too old to lead the military campaign necessary for the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land.

Such a campaign required a young, vigorous leader whose voice the people would obey without hesitation. Joshua was that man, and if Moses were still around when Joshua said, “Charge!” some would look to Moses to see if “Charge!” was what he really wanted them to do.

What does the story teach us?

Each of us has limited opportunities to lead and to influence. When our time is up, we like Moses, must step aside for new leadership.

Too many people lament what they should have done when they had the chance. Time is finite, and so like Moses, we must do what we can, when we can. Hopefully, we will recognize when it is time to relinquish the reigns.

Published by slfuchs

Loving husband, father, grandfather and rabbi. Author of, "What's in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” "ToraHighlights,” “Why the Kof?,” “Why Triple Chai?,” "Who Created God?," and "...And Often the First Jew." On October 17, 2017, Rabbi Fuchs was selected as the recipient of the Vanderbilt Divinity School's Distinguished Alumnus Award. To be considered for this award, one must demonstrate excellence and distinction in justice-making through their efforts in congregational ministry, religious institutions, non-denominational/all-inclusive organizations, community–based organizations, government, or other social institutions. Spent last four falls serving in Milan, Italy, (2013) and Germany (2014-2016). Otherwise, he enjoy writing and speaking after serving three congregations and as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is currently serving as Rabbi of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Sanibel, Florida.

6 thoughts on “Was God Unfair? Quick Comment: Parashat Hukat (Numbers 19-22:1)”

  1. I interpret your explanation so that Moses after all didn’t get a harsh punishment, only didn’t get a great exemption. He failed a test and proved himself not so exceptionally faultless, that he could despite his age lead a new generation to the Promised Land. Is it so?

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    1. Yes, exactly! He was the greatest figure in the Bible, but he could no longer lead the people and do what he had done in the past. That time comes for all of us sooner or later. Thank you!

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