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Exodus 2:24 - Divine promise remembered in suffering

Exodus 2:24 - שמות 2:24

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נַאֲקָתָם וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־בְּרִיתוֹ אֶת־אַבְרָהָם אֶת־יִצְחָק וְאֶת־יַעֲקֹב׃

English Translation

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Avraham, with Yiżĥaq, and with Ya῾aqov.

Transliteration

Va'yishma Elohim et-na'akatam va'yizkor Elohim et-brito et-Avraham et-Yitzhak ve'et-Ya'akov.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־נַאֲקָתָ֑ם וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־בְּרִית֔וֹ אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־יִצְחָ֥ק וְאֶֽת־יַעֲקֹֽב׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־נַאֲקָתָ֑ם וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־בְּרִית֔וֹ אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־יִצְחָ֥ק וְאֶֽת־יַעֲקֹֽב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Response to Suffering

The verse (Shemot 2:24) describes Hashem's response to the groaning of Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim. Rashi explains that "וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים" ("God remembered") does not imply forgetfulness, but rather denotes the activation of divine mercy in response to their suffering. The term "נַאֲקָתָם" ("their groaning") refers to their cries under oppression, as the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:34) teaches that their groans ascended before Hashem like a silent scream that pierces the heavens.

The Covenant Remembered

Ramban emphasizes that the verse connects their redemption to the covenant with the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov). This teaches that their merit, not Israel's own righteousness, prompted the redemption. The Sforno adds that the covenant was "remembered" because the time had arrived for its fulfillment, as promised in Bereshit 15:13-14.

The Order of the Avot

  • Avraham: Mentioned first as the initiator of the covenant (Bereshit 15), whose "test of the furnace" (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 38:13) demonstrated his unwavering faith.
  • Yitzchak: His binding (Akeidah) solidified the covenant's endurance, as the Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 31) states his ashes were eternally before Hashem.
  • Yaakov: Represented the future nation, as his vision of the ladder (Bereshit 28) foreshadowed exile and redemption.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:6) derives from this verse that divine mercy responds to sincere cries, even when undeserved. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11a) links this "remembrance" to the future redemption, teaching that just as they were redeemed in Nissan, so too will the final redemption occur in Nissan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 11a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing when God remembers His covenant with the patriarchs, particularly in relation to the timing of the Exodus from Egypt.
📖 Sanhedrin 90b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the resurrection of the dead, emphasizing God's remembrance of the covenant with the patriarchs as a basis for future redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that God 'heard their groaning' in Exodus 2:24?
A: According to Rashi, this means that God paid attention to the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. Even though they didn't necessarily cry out in prayer, God heard their 'groaning' - their silent suffering and oppression. This teaches us that God is aware of our pain even when we don't formally pray.
Q: Why does the verse mention God remembering the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov?
A: The Midrash explains that God remembered the merit of our forefathers (zechut avot). Even when the Israelites themselves weren't worthy of redemption, God acted because of the righteous deeds and covenant He made with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. This shows how the merits of our ancestors can benefit future generations.
Q: How does Exodus 2:24 show God's relationship with the Jewish people?
A: This verse demonstrates two key aspects of our relationship with God: 1) God hears our suffering, and 2) God keeps His promises. The Rambam teaches that this shows God's hashgacha pratit (divine providence) over the Jewish people. Even during difficult times like slavery in Egypt, God was aware and would fulfill His covenant.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Exodus 2:24 today?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 11a) connects this verse to the idea that God redeems us in the month of Nissan. Today, we learn that: 1) We should never despair during difficult times, as God hears our suffering, 2) The merit of our righteous ancestors continues to help us, and 3) God keeps His promises to the Jewish people throughout history.
Q: Why are the patriarchs listed in this specific order in Exodus 2:24?
A: Rashi notes they are listed chronologically (Avraham, then Yitzchak, then Yaakov) to show that each made their own covenant with God. The Sforno adds that each patriarch represents a different aspect of our relationship with God: Avraham - kindness, Yitzchak - strength in service, Yaakov - Torah study. All these qualities helped merit the redemption.