A conductor was once asked, 'What is the hardest instrument to play in the orchestra?' Without hesitation, he replied, 'Second fiddle'.

Nobody remembers who came second. Noone wants to be the runner up. I came second in the poetry competition 3 times in primary school...it still rankles.

The moon found itself in this very awkward position when it suggested to Hashem that there can only be one king.Hashem said - 'Good point. Go and diminish yourself'. We will see what the moon continues to argue with Hashem about. Strangely, Hashem almost seems to concede to the moon in one way, by having a 'Sin offering' brought for Him every Rosh CHodesh - the festival of the moon. 

We need to explore the dark side of the moon, to understand what the subplot of this Gemoro is really teaching us. The Master Conductor has given the moon the hardest job of all. To play second fiddle.