From Rav Nosson Englard:
At the end of last week’s parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu voices a complaint. Hashem sent him to Pharoah, and instead of helping, it made things even worse! This week’s parsha begins with Hashem speaking sternly to Moshe Rabbeinu, as evidenced by the language – Vayidaber Elokim – “and the Lord spoke”. The hebrew vayidaber denotes a harsher language than the word vayomer – the usual word Hashem uses when speaking to Moshe. Similarly, the name Hashem uses, Elokim, is the name associated with strict justice. Yet, the language immediately reverts back to the softer word, vayomer (say) and the name of Hashem (Y-H-V-H) connoting mercy. The Mei Hashiloach explains this is like someone who has to rebuke a friend, and first speaks strongly but then hints to him that the anger isn’t genuine. The rebuke is necessary, but immediately the attribute of mercy and compassion is employed.
What a great lesson this teaches us. Sometimes we need to correct someone we care about….a friend, a child. There are matters that are serious and require a stern rebuke, yet this must immediately be tempered with the love and mercy that emanates from our relationship with the other person. The “anger” must be only surface deep to make an impression, but the boundless love we feel for our friend or child, must be reaffirmed at once.
Git Shabbos!