daf bit: Menachot 85

[cellio]

The g'mara, in discussing from where to bring choice offerings, relates the following story: Yohana and Mamre, two of Paro's magicians, said to Moshe: would you carry straw to Hafaraim? (Straw was plentiful there; this is the talmudic equivalent of "coals to Newcastle".) By this they meant: we have many fine magicians here in Mitzrayim; why do you bring your tricks here? (For that is how they viewed the miracles.) Moshe replied: there is a common saying: bring herbs to Herbtown, meaning that many merchants gather there and the demand for herbs is great. (85a)

I read this as Moshe saying to the magicians that his "herbs" are superior to theirs, so of course he should bring them. This is in contrast to our usual view of Moshe as being extremely humble, and I think that's telling: he's standing up for God to God's enemies. Of course, the rabbis of the g'mara might have intended something completely different with this story...

Comments

[dvarin.livejournal.com]

It may not necessarily be that his herbs are better, but just that he prefers a large, interested audience. Herbtown has many herbs, but also more than anywhere else it has more merchants _seeking_ herbs, so even subpar herbs would get more sales there than anywhere else.

[cellio]

That's a good point.