Torah Tidbit

 

Sometimes Torah explanations are simpler than they seem.

Near the end of Moses’ life, he says: “I am now one hundred and twenty years old, I can no longer go and come.” (Deut 31:2)

Commentators have wrapped themselves in knots trying to explain why this phrase is used, why “go” happens before “come,” ad infinitum.

The explanation is actually trivial: Much earlier in the Torah, we are told that: “Whenever Moses went out to the Tent [of Meeting], all the people would rise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he had come into the Tent [of Meeting].” (Ex. 33:8)

The Hebrew words match: Moses would “go” and then he would “come.” This was his daily routine!

So when he says “I can no longer go and come,” he is saying that he can no longer manage his daily routine, that he could no longer fulfill his duties. There is no obvious mystery in the phrase.

[An @iwe and @eliyahumasinter tidbit]

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There are 4 comments.

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  1. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    It makes more sense with that order. You can’t come back if you can’t leave.

    • #1
  2. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    iWe: Commentators have wrapped themselves in knots trying to explain why this phrase is used, why “go” happens before “come,” ad infinitum.

    Most commentators are good at tying knots. Often for the nooses that hang them.

    • #2
  3. Gary McVey Contributor
    Gary McVey
    @GaryMcVey

    At age 69, I’m already beginning to drift away from duties that involve lifting heavy objects, running any real distance, sliding under a car to change oil, or doing 100 push-ups. I’m ready to cut Moses some slack when he hit the big one-two-oh. 

    Thanks as always, iWe! 

    • #3
  4. EJHill Podcaster
    EJHill
    @EJHill

    I am waiting for the movie about @iwe attacking Hawaii: Torah! Torah! Torah!

    (I’ll see myself out now…)

    • #4
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