13: Shemot
Welcome to TLDR Torah: a synopsis of the weekly parsha based on Robert Alter’s translation, plus a question to spur your Shabbat dinner (or any!) conversation.
Parsha Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)
TLDR:
Now the Torah moves from the patriarchal stories to Moses and the founding of the people of Israel. Bear with me, it’s a long parsha.
Following a recap of Joseph’s descendants, a new king comes to power who seeks to limit the growth of the Israelites. First he tries oppressing them through hard work. Then he directs the Israelite midwives to kill newborn boys but they (indirectly) refuse. Finally, Pharaoh decrees that every newborn boy should be thrown into the Nile.
Moses is born to a Levite couple. His mom places him in a basket and sends him down the Nile. When Pharaoh’s daughter sees him, Moses’ sister offers to get a nurse, and brings her mother. So funny enough, Moses’ mom gets paid to to take care of her own child. When Moses gets older, he’s returned to Pharaoh’s daughter, who gives him his name at that moment. (What was his name before?)
Moses, apparently aware of his background, kills an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite. News gets to Pharaoh fast so Moses flees to Midian.
Behold, another betrothal scene at a well! Moses defends Yitro’s seven daughters from shepherds, and then marries Zipporah. (Note: if you’re confused about Yitro, he appears with lots of different names — in this case, Reuel).
Fast forward: Pharaoh dies, and God hears the Israelites crying and remembers them. An angel of God appears to Moses in a burning bush. God and Moses speak. God explains that he intends to rescue the Israelites and Moses is his guy to do it.
Moses tries to weasel out of it. As proof of his power, God turns Moses’ rod into a snake, and encrusts Moses’ hands in scales. Still, Moses asks God to get someone else. God relents, and lets Moses tag team with his brother Aaron.
Moses returns to Egypt. On the way, God tries to kill Moses but Zipporah stops God by circumcising their son. It’s one of the strangest episodes in the Torah, with a lot of unclear pronouns and pronouncements.
In Egypt, Moses and Aaron speak to the Israelites, who say they’re on-board with God’s plan. But when Moses asks Pharaoh to give the people a 3-day holiday, Pharaoh just works the Israelites harder. Naturally, they get angry at Moses. God tells Moses not to worry… it’s all part of the plan.
Question:
Based on what you know about Moses before the burning bush episode, would you have expected him to be such a reluctant leader? He kills an Egyptian in defense, bravely interjects an argument, and shoos away shepherds. He has strong leadership qualities: he’s active, bold and tries to do the right thing. Why, then, is he reluctant? Does he not see the potential in himself? Is he overcorrecting for killing the Egyptian? Or is he not quite yet convinced by God?