*The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer
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- Vayehi Binsoa: When the Aron traveled, Moshe would say “Arise Hashem and disperse your enemies and let those who hate you flee.” When the Aron rested, Moshe would say “Reside tranquilly Hashem, among the myriads of Jewish people.”
- Fire breaks out in the Camp:
- The people complained in an evil way before G-d, and G-d heard and became angry. A fire shot forth from G-d and consumed those at the edge of the camp. The nation screamed to Moshe and Moshe spoke to Hashem and the fire subsided. That area was called Taveirah, as the fire of G-d consumed there.
- The complaint for meat and the Slav birds:
- The lust for meat: The mixed multitude amongst the Jewish people lusted after meat, and they and the Jewish people cried and complained that they do not have meat. They said, “We remember the fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic that we ate in Mitzrayim for free and now all we have is the Mun before our eyes.”
- The Mun: The Mun was like a coriander seed and was the color of the Bedolach. The people would gather it and grind it in the mill, or mortar, and cook it into cakes. It tasted like dough kneaded with oil.
- Moshe is angered and confronts Hashem for help in the leadership: Moshe heard the people crying with their families by the entrances to their tent. Hashem became very angry and it was bad in the eyes of Moshe. Moshe turned to Hashem and complained as to why He has caused him evil by placing the entire burden of the nation on him, as if he has born them and must carry them in his bosom to the promised land. “From where do I have meat to give them all that they should complain to me. I can no longer carry the burden of this nation alone, and if this is your decision then please kill me and do not see my suffering.” Hashem said to Moshe that he should gather 70 elders of Israel and bring them to the Ohel Moed where they will receive from the spirit of Moshe and be able to carry the burden of the nation together with him.
- Hashem promises meat: Hashem instructed Moshe to tell the nation to prepare themselves tomorrow to eat meat, as you have cried to the ears of Hashem saying it was better off in Egypt where you had meat. You will have meat for thirty days until it comes out of your nostrils and become repulsive to you.
- Moshe does not believe Hashem: Moshe replied to Hashem that it is not possible to feed 600,000 souls in the desert for a full month. Even if you slaughter all the flock and cattle and fish it will not suffice them. Hashem chastised Moshe saying that the hand of G-d is not limited, and that he will see that Hashem’s word will be fulfilled.
- Moshe gathers the 70 elders and makes them leaders: Moshe left and informed the Jewish people of Hashem’s words. He gathered 70 elders and positioned them around the Ohel Moed. Hashem descended with a cloud and spoke to Moshe and He set aside from the spirit of Moshe onto the seventy elders. When this happened, they began to prophesize. Two people remained in the camp, one called Eldad and the second Meidad, and they prophesied there. A youth ran to inform Moshe that Eldad and Meidad were prophesying in the camp. Yehoshua told Moshe that he should finish off with them. Moshe, however, replied that there is no need to be zealous for his sake and if only Hashem would make them all prophets.
Q&A on Rashi
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Q: What does “Arise, God! May Your enemies be scattered” signify in Rashi’s commentary?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe was requesting the ark to pause and wait for the people, so God’s enemies could scatter and those who hate Him would flee.
Q: How does Rashi interpret “those who hate You”?
A: Rashi identifies “those who hate You” as those who hate Israel, as hating Israel is equivalent to hating God.
Q: Why did Rashi emphasize the importance of the ark “not being in its proper place”?
A: Rashi comments that interruptions were inserted here to break up consecutive failings of the Jewish people.
Q: What is the meaning of “repose, God, among the myriads and thousands of Israel” according to Rashi?
A: Rashi explains that the Divine Presence does not rest among Israel unless they number at least 22,000 people.
Q: How does Rashi interpret the term “the people sought a pretext”?
A: Rashi notes that “the people” refers to wicked individuals seeking excuses to avoid following God.
Q: What does Rashi say about the phrase “weeping with their families”?
A: Rashi suggests it refers to groups of families grieving openly or lamenting forbidden relationships.
Q: How did Rashi interpret the Israelites crying about having no meat?
A: Rashi argues that the complaint was insincere, as they had plenty of livestock, and it was an attempt to seek a pretext to rebel.
Q: Why does Rashi say the Israelites recalled fish “freely” in Egypt?
A: Rashi clarifies that “freely” meant free from commandments, not that food was provided without cost.
Q: According to Rashi, why did the manna not taste like certain vegetables?
A: Rashi explains that these vegetables were harmful to nursing women, which was why their taste wasn’t replicated in the manna.
Q: What does Rashi say about the shape and color of the manna?
A: Rashi describes the manna as round like coriander seeds and its color as resembling crystal.
Q: How does Rashi interpret the phrase “the dew descended on the camp at night”?
A: Rashi explains that the manna was concealed within layers of dew, serving as protection.
- Who were Eldad and Meidad, and why did they remain in the camp?
Rashi explains that Eldad and Meidad were among those chosen to become elders, but they felt unworthy of the position and did not go to the Tent of Meeting. Despite this, the spirit of prophecy rested upon them.
- What does Rashi say about the phrase “וְהֵמָּה בַּכְּתֻבִים” (“They were among those written”)?
Rashi interprets this to mean Eldad and Meidad were among those selected for the Sanhedrin. Their names were written on tickets, but the selection of elders was determined by lottery.
- How does Rashi describe the process Moshe used to select the 70 elders?
Moshe wrote “elder” on 70 of 72 tickets, leaving two blank. Each candidate drew a ticket, and those who drew “elder” were appointed. The two who drew blanks were told they were not chosen by God.
- Why does Rashi say 72 names were included when only 70 elders were needed?
This was to ensure that no tribe would be offended by having fewer representatives. Six men were selected from each of the 12 tribes.
- What does Rashi say about the lad who ran to tell Moshe about Eldad and Meidad prophesying?
According to Rashi, some say the lad was Gershom, Moshe’ son.
- How does Rashi interpret Joshua’s request to “Exhaust them” (כְּלָאֵֽם)?
Rashi offers two explanations: First, Joshua suggested burdening Eldad and Meidad with public affairs so they would stop their prophecies. Second, he suggested imprisoning them.
- What prophecy does Rashi attribute to Eldad and Meidad?
Rashi explains that their prophecy was about Moshe’ death and Joshua’s future leadership of the Israelites.
- How does Rashi explain Moshe’ response to Joshua, “Are you zealous for my sake?”?
Rashi interprets this as Moshe questioning Joshua’s zeal, suggesting that Joshua was overly concerned on Moshe’ behalf.
- What does Rashi say about Moshe’ wish, “If only all God’s people were prophets”?
Rashi explains that Moshe expressed a desire for all Israelites to receive the spirit of prophecy, not just a select few.
- How does Rashi interpret the term “לִי” in Moshe’ response to Joshua?
Rashi notes that “לִי” means “for my sake,” implying that Joshua’s zeal was misplaced.
- What significance does Rashi attribute to the phrase “וַיִּשָּֽׁאֲרוּ שְׁנֵֽי־אֲנָשִׁים” (“Now two men remained”)?
Rashi explains that Eldad and Meidad remained in the camp because they considered themselves unworthy of the position of elder.
- Why did Moshe use a lottery system, according to Rashi?
Rashi explains that Moshe used a lottery system to ensure fairness and to avoid disputes among the tribes.
- How does Rashi clarify the phrase “The Omnipresent did not choose you”?
Rashi interprets this as Moshe’ way of explaining to those who drew blank tickets that their non-selection was God’s decision, not his own.
- Why does Rashi mention the mixed multitude in connection with other events?
While not directly related to Eldad and Meidad, Rashi often uses context from other events to highlight how different groups within Israel behaved, including those not fully committed to God’s covenant.
- What does Rashi say about the fairness of tribal representation among the elders?
Rashi notes that Moshe ensured equal representation by selecting six men from each tribe, avoiding any perception of favoritism.
- According to Rashi, how did Eldad and Meidad react to their unworthiness?
Rashi explains that their humility played a key role in their decision to remain in the camp rather than join the other elders.
- What does Rashi suggest about the general attitude of the elders and their selection process?
Rashi hints that the selection process was divinely guided, ensuring that those best suited for leadership were chosen.
- How does Rashi view Moshe’ leadership throughout this event?
Rashi portrays Moshe as a fair and humble leader, willing to share authority and guided by divine wisdom.
- What does Rashi imply about the spirit of prophecy resting on Eldad and Meidad?
Rashi suggests that their prophecy was a result of divine will, emphasizing that God can bestow His spirit on whomever He chooses.
- How does Rashi integrate humility as a theme in his commentary on Eldad and Meidad?
Rashi highlights their humility, showing how their self-perceived unworthiness led to a unique and unexpected blessing of prophecy.