A Donkey with a History
A Donkey with a History
A Donkey with a History
The donkey that Moshe's family rode on to Egypt was not your average donkey; it was what the Torah calls, "The Donkey". As Rashi explains, "This was the donkey that Avraham saddled to travel to the Akeida of Yitzchak, and it is the one upon which Moshiach is destined to appear."
In view of this donkey's uniqueness, we can understand why the Torah makes mention of Moshe's means of transportation at all. That is, because this illustrious animal carried particular significance to the mission Moshe that was about to embark upon.
For seven days, G-d implored Moshe to accept the mission of redeeming Bnei Yisrael (see Rashi 4:10). Moshe argued that his brother Aharon was older and more suitable than he was, and that he did not want to offend him. Additionally, Moshe said, "I know that I am not destined to take them into the Land of Israel and to be their Future Redeemer. You have other messengers (i.e., the future Moshiach)—send them!"
Ultimately, G-d insisted and Moshe accepted the mission. But to address Moshe's concerns, G-d caused that the donkey upon which Moshe's family would ride to Egypt would be "The Donkey".
Firstly, the donkey served as a reminder that though Avraham had good reason to hesitate when G-d instructed him to offer his son Yitzchak as a sacrifice, yet he "arose early in the morning, and he saddled his donkey" (Bereishis 22:3). As Rashi there explains, out of love for G-d and eagerness to obey His command, Avraham hastened to saddle the donkey himself, instead of commanding his servants to do so. Thus, the donkey represented the eagerness and enthusiasm with which one must approach G-d's instructions. Accordingly, even if Moshe was legitimately concerned for his brother's honor, the donkey hinted that he should emulate Avraham and not hesitate to carry out G-d's command that he redeem Bnei Yisrael.
Finally, with this donkey's distinction as the one upon which Moshiach is destined to appear, G-d responded to Moshe's second argument as well. He thereby hinted to Moshe that the Redemption of Bnei Yisrael through Moshiach is not a "future" and distinct redemption; it will be an outgrowth and continuation of the Redemption from Egypt that Moshe was about to lead.
—Likkutei Sichos, vol. 31, pp. 15-18
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