When had they said such a thing to Moshe?
Rashi: See Shemos 5:21.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "Mi'Museinu - me'Asher Namus. Had [the letter Mem] been given the vowel 'Melapum,' it would be translated 'mi'Misaseinu.'" The name Melapum is unfamiliar to us today. What names did Rashi use for the vowels of Leshon Kodesh?
Gur Aryeh: Rashi calls the vowel Ashkenazim call 'Cholam,' a 'Melapum' -- which means 'full mouth.' One must open one's mouth fully when pronouncing it. 1 The vowel consisting of a Vav with a mid-level dot inside (which was called in Ashkenaz a 'Melapum'), Rashi calls a 'Shuruk' (as we call it today) -- which means 'to whistle.' Rashi also calls the column of three dots (known today as 'Kubutz') a Shuruk as well, as they are pronounced the same way - with the lips puckered as if in a whistle.
This description seems to best fit the classic Ashkenaz pronunciation of the Cholam, AUw (as in "now"); or OHw (as in "go"). (CS)
Rashi writes: "Mi'Museinu - [means] 'me'Asher Namus;' [whereas had it used the vowel Cholam, 'mi'Moseinu,' it] would mean 'mi'Misaseinu.'" What is the difference between the two terms?
Gur Aryeh: Moseinu (from 'Maves') is a noun -- 'our death.' Museinu (from 'la'Mus') is a verb in the infinitive -- 'to die.'
