Parshas Veira - Thoughts on the first Rashi

In last week’s parsha, Moshe first appeared (as God’s agent) before Pharoh and asked him to release the Jews from slavery. Pharoh refused and, to demonstrate his power, increased the severity of their work. Moshe appealed to God: “My Master, why have you brought harm to this people? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharoh, he has done harm to this people and You have not rescued your people.” (Shemos 5:22-23). God begins to answer Moshe and continues his reply in this week’s parsha.

“Elohim spoke to Moshe and said to him: I am Adonoy.”

Shemos 6:2

Elohim spoke to Moshe. He (God) spoke to him with severity for he (Moshe) had spoken harshly, saying: Why have you brought harm to this nation?”

Rashi on Shemos 6:2

Rabbi Avrohom Davis, in his translation and elucidation of Rashi, notes that the name Elohim denotes God’s attribute of strict justice and the word used for ‘spoke,’ VaYiDaBear, indicates a harsh tone. So we have God manifesting Himself in exacting judgment and speaking firmly with Moshe.

Isn’t it odd, then, that the first thing God says in such a serious tone is: I am Adonoy – since the name of Adonoy denotes mercy, the opposite of strict justice! What do we make of this?

It appears to me that, while God had to clarify to Moshe at this point His merciful attitude towards the Jewish people (despite evidence to the contrary), He also saw the need to subtly rebuke Moshe for his approach to God. A message we can take away from this perplexing juxtaposition of God’s names is that no matter the justice of any appeal we make to God, His approach in responding to us may well reflect the tone, the intensity, and the sincerity of our own prayer. Our prayers may still be answered but the answer may well be sweeter, and more pleasant, if we appeal to God with faith and deference.