A Project Genesis website

JewishAnswers.org

Ask the Rabbi: answers from Project Genesis rabbis

,

Moshe and the Hot Coal

Question

Where in the Torah does it describe Moshe putting a hot coal in his mouth so that he had a speech defect and where does it state that Aaron was sent with Moshe to Egypt to speak for the Jews?

Answer

The story involving the coals can be found in Midrash Shemos Rabbah 1:26. Aaron’s involvement as spokesman is found in the Torah in Shemos (Exodus) 4:14-16.

Follow-up question

Question

If taking the hot coal in his hand, was sufficient for saving his life…. then, why did he put the hot coal into his mouth and cause himself harm ?

Answer

He put his hand quickly in his mouth after touching the hot coal in order to minimize the burn on his hand.