The Yalkut comments that actually Moshe had been given ten names, each expressing a different attribute. Yet, Hashem called him by one name–Moshe. The Almighty chose the name that was given to Moshe by Bisyah bas Pharaoh, which refers to her drawing him from the water: “ki min ha’mayim meshisihu,” “for I have drawn him from the water.” This became the name by which Klal Yisrael’s quintessential leader, the Almighty’s eved ne’eman–faithful servant, was to be called. Why? Was there no other name that described Moshe’s character, devotion, self-sacrifice, leadership ability, teaching skills, etc.? Also, the name “Moshe” does not really apply to Moshe; rather, it focuses more on Bisyah and her act of drawing Moshe from the water. Should not Moshe have a name that reflects his essence, rather than one that emphasizes the means of his rescue?
Horav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Shlita, posits that the name “Moshe” does define Moshe Rabbeinu’s unique personality more than it describes Bisyah’s courageous act of saving him. While the miracle of Moshe’s rescue is significant, it pales in distinction to the name’s other implication. The name “Moshe” serves as a constant reminder that Moshe is alive only due to miraculous intervention. Moshe is able to be the leader of Klal Yisrael only because he was drawn from the water. Moshe will go throughout his life remembering, reflecting, realizing until his very last breath, that he could have been left in the basket–if not for Divine assistance.
Moshe was not like so many of us. He did not forget! All of his life, he remembered himself in that little basket, hanging on precariously to life. He would always be grateful to Hashem and His agent, Bisyah, for drawing him out of the water. Moshe’s entire essence was comprised of chesed, kindness. He should not have been alive. He lived only as a result of chesed. His name personified this emotion that accompanied him throughout his life. It shaped his perspective. He understood that if not for the grace of the Almighty, he would not be here. That is the principle upon which he based his life.
This is a compelling thought. Can each of us assert that we look at life in the same manner? How often are we reminded of our mortality only to forget very conveniently that we owe an overwhelming debt of gratitude to the Almighty just for being here? That is why Moshe was unique. Is it any wonder that the name “Moshe” has such eminence associated with it?
