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Exodus 4:23 - Firstborn fate: serve or perish?

Exodus 4:23 - שמות 4:23

Hebrew Text

וָאֹמַר אֵלֶיךָ שַׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנִי וְיַעַבְדֵנִי וַתְּמָאֵן לְשַׁלְּחוֹ הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי הֹרֵג אֶת־בִּנְךָ בְּכֹרֶךָ׃

English Translation

and I say to thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, thy firstborn.

Transliteration

Va'omar elekha shalach et-bni veya'avdeni vatma'en leshalcho hineh anochi horeg et-bincha bechorecha

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֹמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֗יךָ שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִי֙ וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ הִנֵּה֙ אָנֹכִ֣י הֹרֵ֔ג אֶת־בִּנְךָ֖ בְּכֹרֶֽךָ׃
וָאֹמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֗יךָ שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִי֙ וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ הִנֵּה֙ אָנֹכִ֣י הֹרֵ֔ג אֶת־בִּנְךָ֖ בְּכֹרֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Exodus

This verse (Exodus 4:23) is part of Hashem's command to Moshe to deliver a final warning to Pharaoh before the plague of the firstborn. It encapsulates the central demand of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt): the liberation of Bnei Yisrael to serve Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi emphasizes that "בְּנִי" ("My son") refers to Klal Yisrael, whom Hashem calls His firstborn (Exodus 4:22). The demand for Pharaoh to release them is framed as returning a father's rightful possession. Rashi notes that Pharaoh's refusal constitutes a rejection of Hashem's sovereignty, making the subsequent plague of the firstborn a measure-for-measure punishment (מידה כנגד מידה).

Rambam on Divine Justice

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:17), Rambam explains that the plagues demonstrated Hashem's absolute control over nature and human affairs. The targeting of firstborns specifically addressed Egyptian society's hierarchical structure, striking at the future leadership (firstborns being heirs) to break Pharaoh's resistance.

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta states this verse establishes the principle that withholding others from serving Hashem is tantamount to denying Divine kingship.
  • Shemot Rabbah 5:7 notes the linguistic parallel between "בִּנְךָ בְּכֹרֶךָ" ("your son, your firstborn") and "בְּנִי בְכֹרִי" ("My son, My firstborn" in the preceding verse), showing the reciprocal nature of the judgment.

Halachic Dimension

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 31) derives from this verse the obligation to remember Yetziat Mitzrayim daily, as it embodies the foundational truth of Hashem's intervention in history to establish His covenant with Israel.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet teaches that "וְיַעַבְדֵנִי" ("that he may serve Me") refers not only to physical liberation but to the spiritual purpose of receiving the Torah at Har Sinai. Pharaoh's refusal symbolized the yetzer hara's resistance to this higher service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 101a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the plagues in Egypt and Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go.
📖 Exodus Rabbah 11:4
The verse is cited in a midrashic discussion about the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the consequences of his refusal to release the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Let my son go, that he may serve me' mean in Exodus 4:23?
A: In this verse, Hashem is commanding Pharaoh to release the Jewish people, whom He refers to as 'My son' (as explained by Rashi), so they can serve Him through keeping the mitzvot and fulfilling their divine purpose. This emphasizes the special relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why does Hashem refer to the Jewish people as 'My son' in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that the Jewish people are called 'Hashem's son' to show their unique and beloved status, just as a father cares deeply for his child. This metaphor highlights our close relationship with Hashem and our responsibility to serve Him with love and devotion.
Q: What is the significance of the warning about the firstborn in Exodus 4:23?
A: This verse foreshadows the final and most severe of the Ten Plagues—the death of the firstborn (as explained in Shemot Rabbah). It shows that Pharaoh's refusal to free the Jewish people would lead to severe consequences, demonstrating Hashem's power and justice.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that just as the Jewish people were freed from Egypt to serve Hashem, we too must recognize our purpose in observing Torah and mitzvot. The Rambam teaches that every generation should see themselves as if they personally left Egypt, reinforcing our commitment to divine service.
Q: Why did Hashem harden Pharaoh's heart before this warning?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources (like Rashi and the Talmud), Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate His full power over creation and to bring about all Ten Plagues, which would fully prove His sovereignty to both Egypt and the Jewish people.