The Redemption

By: Rabbi Sholom Klass

Published: April 6th, 2012
Latest update: January 21st, 2013

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Ordering his servants to take Moshe out of the pit, he then had the prisoner taken to his home, where he was bathed and given fresh clothing.

“Now I know that you are truly a man of G-d,” said Yisro. “For only so could you have survived all these years in the pit.”

And Moshe was allowed out and soon after took Tzipporah as a wife.

Moshe And The Kid

One day, as Moshe was tending Yisro’s flocks, he took the sheep and goats to the edge of the desert area where they could eat the soft and lovely grass that grew there.

Suddenly, he saw one of the sheep run in the direction of the desert.

“Stop!” cried Moshe, and he began to pursue the kid.

The animal, seeing Moshe pursue it, grew frightened and began to run even faster. It headed directly for a spring of water and began to drink thirstily.

Moshe, coming upon the kid, saw what was happening and realized that the kid had not intended to escape, but rather was very thirsty and merely wanted to drink.

Coming closer, Moshe put his arms around it and said:

“My little kid, I am sorry. Had I known that you were thirsty, I would never have chased you and frightened you.”

He allowed the kid to finish drinking, and then lifted it to his shoulder, saying:

“I will carry you back to the herd, for you are young and weak.”

And the Almighty looked down and saw Moshe’ actions, and He said:

“How great are your mercies, Moshe. You have pity on a kid because you are merciful. Because of this you are fit to be the leader of My flock Israel, and I know that you will be a faithful shepherd and a merciful leader for them, too.”

The Burning Bush

And so, the time was now ripe for God to appear to Moshe and appoint him leader of Bnei Yisrael. Thus, Moshe was in the desert one day, as was his custom, since he hesitated to let his flocks gather in populated areas because of the danger that they might graze in other people’s fields.

Suddenly, he noticed a very strange bush. It was very low and bent, and there were no flowers or leaves on it – just thorns.

“How strange,” thought Moshe as he looked at it. “It is so similar to my people who have become low and depressed and who have become ugly because of their slavery.”

And as he continued to look at it, a flame suddenly burst forth from the midst of the bush.

“The bush is similar to my people,” thought Moshe. “Is this flame meant to represent the enemies of the Jews who will consume them?”

But even as he thought these words, Moshe beheld a wonderful thing. The flames surrounded the bush and encircled it, but could not consume it.

“This is a good sign,” he said happily. “Just as the flame could not consume the bush, so shall the enemies of the Jews never be able to overcome them.”

His Father’s Voice

God now spoke to Moshe for the first time, but not wishing to frighten him, made His voice sound like that of his father Amram.

“Moshe, Moshe!”

Moshe looked around and said, “Father, is that your voice?”

Now the Almighty answered, “No, it is the voice of the Lord.” Thus was Moshe introduced to his role of leader.