THE POWER OF WORDS – WHO GETS THE CREDIT IN YOUR STORY?

בס”ד

A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT CHUKAT 5786

In Book of Numbers 20:12, we encounter a striking statement from G-d to Moses and Aaron: because they did not trust Him enough and did not uphold His holiness before the people, they would not enter the Promised Land. This raises an honest question: where do we actually see this lack of trust?

If you read the preceding verses, it’s not immediately obvious. Moses does act—he even strikes the rock twice, and water flows. It feels more like a moment of frustration toward the people, whom he calls “rebellious,” than a lack of faith. Yet classical Jewish commentators see something deeper happening.

What went wrong?

According to Rabbeinu Chananel, the core issue lies in Moses’ words: “Shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10). In that moment, the focus subtly shifted from G-d to human action. In earlier situations—such as the giving of the manna—Moses had been very careful to clearly attribute everything to G-d.

Rashi adds another important layer. G-d had instructed Moses to speak to the rock, not strike it. Had Moses spoken and water still flowed, it would have created a powerful lesson for the people. They might have said: If even a silent, lifeless rock obeys G-d’s word, how much more should we?

In other words, it wasn’t just about what Moses did, but about how clearly he revealed G-d’s Presence to the people of Israel—and in this case, he missed that opportunity.

A missed moment of sanctification

Later, G-d says that Moses and Aaron did not “sanctify” Him in the eyes of the people (see Deuteronomy 32:51). That means they failed to make it clear that G-d was the true source of the miracle. As a result, the people could have concluded that Moses and Aaron themselves were responsible.

And that brings us to a lesson that feels surprisingly relevant today.

What does this mean for us?

We may not be standing before a rock in the desert, but we do experience good things every day: success at work, restored health, solutions to problems, unexpected opportunities.

The question is: how do we talk about those moments?

Do we (even subtly) give the impression that everything is the result of our own effort and ability? Or do we also acknowledge—out loud—that something greater is at work?

A simple way many Jewish people express this is by saying “Baruch Hashem” (ברוך השם), meaning “Blessed is G-d.” It’s not just a formal religious phrase, but an everyday expression that brings awareness of God into daily conversation.

Interestingly, in the Bible this phrase is often spoken דווקא by non-Israelites:

Melchizedek praises G-d after Abraham’s victory (Genesis 14:20)
Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, uses it when he finds a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:27)
Jethro blesses G-d after the Israelites are delivered from Egypt (Exodus 18:10)

Each time, it’s a spontaneous acknowledgment: this good did not come from people alone—it came from G-d.

Two relatable examples

1. Success at work
You’ve just delivered an important presentation, and everything went smoothly. Colleagues compliment your preparation and skill. You could say, “Yes, I worked really hard on it.”
But imagine saying: “I’m truly grateful—Baruch Hashem, it went well.”
You’re not denying your effort, but you are shifting the focus to something beyond yourself.

2. Recovery after a difficult time
After a period of stress or illness, you finally start feeling better. Someone asks how you’re doing.
You could respond, “Thankfully, I’m doing better.”
But what if you said: “Baruch Hashem, I’m doing better.”
That small change turns your answer into an expression of gratitude directed toward the Source of that healing.

Small words, great impact

Moses’ mistake was not a grand theological error, but a subtle shift in wording. Yet its consequences were enormous. That shows how powerful words can be.

By speaking more intentionally, we can:

deepen our sense of gratitude
cultivate humility
help others recognize G-d’s presence in everyday life

Perhaps that is the deeper invitation of this story:
not only to believe that G-d is involved in our lives, but to make that belief audible in the way we speak.

So the next time something goes well—big or small—try it:

“Baruch Hashem – Thank G-d – Blessed be G-d.”

By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton

Sources used

Ibn Ezra on Numbers 16:9:1–2
Kli Yakar on Numbers 16:9:1
Rabbeinu Bahya on Numbers 16:9:1–2
Rashi on Numbers 16:9:1
Sforno on Numbers 16:9:1
Tze’enah Ure’enah, Korach 14
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 10:9