Moses has encountered pushback and complaints from the people numerous times. However, this time, he completely loses hope, and asks God to kill him now. Rabbi Sacks describes two different responses to challenges: first, leaders usually leaders grow stronger when they face challenges; second, leaders may instead lose control. He quotes Prof. Heifetz, who distinguishes between technical and adaptive challenges. In the former, the person has the problem while someone else has the solution. In the latter, the person himself is part of the problem. Adaptive leadership is required when the world itself is changing. In Exodus, Moses was required to exercise technical leadership, whereas in Numbers, he is required to adapt.
