Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Hashem angry with Moshe in Deuteronomy 1:37?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 14a), Hashem was angry with Moshe because of the incident at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20), when Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded. Though this was for the people's sake (as they needed water), Moshe's action showed a momentary lack of complete faith, preventing him from entering Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What does 'for your sakes' mean in Deuteronomy 1:37?
A: The phrase 'for your sakes' teaches that Moshe's punishment resulted from his reaction to the people's complaints. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:9) explains that leaders are held to higher standards, and Moshe's error occurred while dealing with the nation's lack of faith during the water crisis.
Q: How does Moshe's punishment teach us about leadership?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) derives from this that leaders must exercise extra care in their actions, as their mistakes affect the entire nation. Moshe, though the greatest prophet, was held accountable for even minor deviations to teach this eternal lesson about responsibility in leadership.
Q: Why does Moshe mention this before entering Israel?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that Moshe reminds the nation of this incident to: 1) Show his complete acceptance of Divine judgment without resentment, and 2) Encourage them to learn from his experience by being careful in their mitzvah observance as they enter the Land.
Q: Does this verse mean Moshe was punished unfairly?
A: No. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101b) teaches that Divine justice is perfect. Moshe himself accepted the decree (Deuteronomy 3:26). The Kli Yakar explains that this incident actually highlights Moshe's greatness - his 'sin' was so minor that for anyone else it wouldn't have warranted punishment.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 1:37) appears in Moshe's recounting of the events leading to his being denied entry into Eretz Yisrael. Moshe explains that Hashem's anger was directed at him "because of you" (בִּגְלַלְכֶם), implying that the nation's actions played a role in this decree.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 1:37) clarifies that Moshe was punished due to the sin of the spies (Meraglim), which caused the nation to despair and rebel against entering the land. Although Moshe himself did not participate in the sin, Hashem held him accountable for not sufficiently protesting the people's lack of faith, as their leader. This aligns with the principle that leaders bear responsibility for their flock (see Rashi on Bamidbar 20:12).
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Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 4:1) discusses how even righteous individuals can be affected by the sins of the community they lead. Moshe's inability to enter the land serves as a lesson in the gravity of leadership and the consequences of failing to correct communal wrongdoing.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Commentary
Ibn Ezra (Devarim 1:37) notes that Moshe's wording implies a causal link between the nation's behavior and his own fate. However, he emphasizes that this does not absolve Moshe entirely, as his own error at Mei Merivah (Bamidbar 20:12) was also a factor in the decree.
Lessons from the Verse