Here's the gist of the story: Moshe led the Jewish people out of Egypt and into the wilderness. He sent spies to explore the Promised Land. They reported that it was fertile and beautiful, but its inhabitants were strong and powerful. The Jewish people became discouraged and wanted to return to Egypt, blaming Moshe and Aaron for their situation.
Yehoshua and Calev, two spies who had seen the Promised Land, tried to uplift the people's spirits. They believed that, with Hashem's help, the Jewish people could conquer the land. However, the majority remained unconvinced, preferring death in the wilderness over facing the challenges of the Promised Land.
This angered Hashem, who felt spurned by the Jewish people. He threatened to kill them, and create a new, more faithful nation. Moshe pleaded with Hashem, arguing that punishing the Jewish people would make Him appear weak to other nations. Hashem relented but decreed that the Jewish people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years.
It might seem strange to argue against rebuilding the Jewish people based on public relations. But that wasn’t Moshe’s intent. He was highlighting Hashem's kindness. Moshe reminded Hashem that He was slow to punish Noah’s generation (120 years) and was tolerant of the Egyptians for at least a year. Now His people who He chose and cares about so much, deserve the same. Moshe questioned the justice in being harsher on them after they had just received the Torah.
Just as a child, even after the age of 13 (bar mitzvah), may exhibit silliness, the parent needs to recognize that he is still a child and be tolerant and help them grow, so too Moshe implored Hashem to be tolerant of the newly formed Jewish nation.
True greatness doesn't depend on public opinion but on who you truly are. Moshe's closing argument of “Let the power of Hashem be great" was about reminding Hashem of His built-in benevolence, greatness, and fairness, rather than mere public perception.
How can we elicit a response from someone who is about to do something not so great, and bring out their inherent greatness/patience as Moshe - so to speak - did for Hashem?
Have a good, tolerant and compassionate Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman