Parshat Vayera: Nuanced Respect

Before the plagues begin the Torah takes a brief detour to tell us the lineage of the tribes of Reuven, Shimon and Levi, in order to get to Moshe and Aharon. Now that we understand the context of our heroes’ origins, the Torah tells us, “This is Aharon and Moshe, to whom G-d told them ‘Take the Israelites out of Egypt according to their hosts.’ They are the ones speaking to Pharaoh, King of Egypt, to take the Israelites out of Egypt. This is Moshe and Aharon (6:26-27).”

It is clear that these two verses are almost exact replicas of one another, with perhaps two essential differences. The first is that one verse speaks of what G-d told them to do, while the other explains that they are speaking to Pharaoh. The second difference is in the order their names are presented. First Aharon precedes Moshe, and then Moshe precedes Aharon.

While there is not much discussion in the commentaries over why the content of the two verses are essentially the same, many thoughts are shared over why Aharon is listed first in 6:26 and why Moshe is listed first in 6:27.

Rashi suggests there is no rhyme or reason to pit one before the other — indeed, the Torah switches back and forth simply because they are equal in every way. There is no way to otherwise indicate their equality beyond taking turns being listed first.

Ibn Ezra suggests Aharon is listed first because he was greater than Moshe and also because he was a prophet for the Israelites before Moshe returned from Midyan. Rabbi Yosef Karo suggests Aharon received prophecy earlier in his life than Moshe did, which was why he was listed first. By the time the two reach Pharaoh, however, Moshe has caught up in prophecy and is listed first.

Other commentators (Rashbam, Chizkuni and more) explain the discrepancies rather simply, following the more specific context in which their names are listed. Aharon was older, and is therefore listed first at the end of the genealogy list. In terms of G-d speaking to them, Moshe was the greater prophet and was therefore listed first.