Machshavot HaLev - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

173
בלה תובשחמ
land of Israel. The Torah does not give us Yitro’s response. Most commentators
believe that Yitro acquiesced to Moshe’s request, and almost all agree that at the
very least Yitro’s children stayed with the people. Regardless, there is a subtle
question. Why is this passage placed at this point? The Torah has just given us a
comprehensive panorama of B’nei Yisrael’s travel formation. The logical sequence
would be for this description to flow into their departure from Har Sinai. Instead,
however, the Torah records this seemingly incongruous passage. Why is this
event the bridge between the episodes of the compliant behavior of the people
and the instances of their rebellion?
As well, Moshe seems to be begging Yitro to stay with the people. He asks Yitro
twice to remain, and the reasons for this desperate plead vary. Moshe says, “Please
do not forsake us, inasmuch as you know our encampments in the wilderness, and
you have been as eyes for us” (10:31). There are many interpretations of the exact
meaning of this pasuk, but Moshe is apparently concerned about Yitro leaving
because he may give away the nation’s position in the desert. He has also had an
enlightening effect on the people, as evinced by his previous advice to Moshe
(Shemot chapter 18). Alternatively he has been as ‘eyes’ in that he has seen the
majesty and glory of Hashem and if he were to leave it would be tantamount to
denying Hashem’s revelation to the Jews. Either way, Moshe seems to be placing
unduly critical significance on Yitro’s decision. It should not matter so much if
Yitro leaves because Hashem will protect the people regardless of who is privy
to the location of their encampment. Admittedly, Yitro is a great individual, but
Moshe should have the faith in Hashem that He will supply the people with all
that they need and will guide them through the desert to the cusp of the Holy
Land.
It is possible that this story is placed here to exemplify the national sentiment at
the time immediately prior to the people’s journey from Har Sinai. For whatever
reason, the nation lacked confidence in Hashem and were looking for any pretext
to shirk the newfound responsibility they had been given. If a man of Yitro’s
eminence would leave, it would prompt the people to consider leaving as well.
Yitro had experienced Hashem’s sublime presence along with the people; if this
was not enough to compel him to stay, why should the rest of the people be any