Selected Exegesis

After Moses met Khiḍr, Moses said to him that he had come to learn from him, asking: “Would you allow me to accompany you so that you may teach me from what God has taught you that would lead to my growth?” From this expression, it becomes clear that the main purpose of teaching and learning is growth.

Khiḍr strongly denied Moses’ ability to be patient with his teaching method and what he was commanded to do, saying that you cannot tolerate what you will see from me in the course of learning; meaning, you cannot endure my teaching method, not that you cannot bear my knowledge.

On this basis, Khiḍr explained the scope of Moses’ action and his capability, saying you cannot be patient because you do not have comprehensive knowledge of my method; how can you be patient with that which you do not know its secrets, since Moses was commanded with the outer aspects of religious law, while Khiḍr’s mission concerned inner matters and internal secrets. Therefore, he knew that his actions, which would conflict with the outer aspects of Moses’ religious law, would be met with questions from him.