Behaalotecha. Moses in Crisis

Moses is in crisis. He feels all alone. He feels worthless. You see, the nation are traveling to the promised land, to fulfill their historic destiny, but instead of appreciating the greatness of the moment, they are just thinking about food! They are consumed by a “gluttonous craving” for meat.

“If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish that we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic…

And Moses said to the Lord, “…Did I conceive this people, or give birth to them that You say to me, ‘Carry them as an adopted father carries the suckling child … to the land that You have promised… I cannot carry all this people by myself, for it is too much for me… kill me rather, I beg You, and let me see no more of my misfortune!” (11:11-15)

Moses perceives the nation as a needy, impetuous infant who needs constant feeding, depicting Israel as God’s child that he has been forced to adopt, raise and carry. He requests to die rather than to continue as the national leader. Moses is seriously stuck. He has lost patience, he has lost hope!

How will God alleviate Moses’ distress?

"The Lord said to Moses, “Gather seventy of Israel’s elders … and bring them to the Tent of Meeting and let stand there with you. I will descend and speak with you there, and I will draw upon the spirit that is on you and place it upon them; they shall share the burden of the people with you, and you shall not bear it alone.”

And so, please raise the following for discussion: