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Exodus 4:27 - Divine reunion of brothers ordained

Exodus 4:27 - שמות 4:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־אַהֲרֹן לֵךְ לִקְרַאת מֹשֶׁה הַמִּדְבָּרָה וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁהוּ בְּהַר הָאֱלֹהִים וַיִּשַּׁק־לוֹ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Aharon, Go to the wilderness to meet Moshe. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Aharon, lekh likrat Moshe ha'midbara, va'yelekh va'yifg'shehu b'har ha'Elohim va'yishak-lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן לֵ֛ךְ לִקְרַ֥את מֹשֶׁ֖ה הַמִּדְבָּ֑רָה וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ וַֽיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֛הוּ בְּהַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים וַיִּשַּׁק־לֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן לֵ֛ךְ לִקְרַ֥את מֹשֶׁ֖ה הַמִּדְבָּ֑רָה וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ וַֽיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֛הוּ בְּהַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים וַיִּשַּׁק־לֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Command to Aharon

Rashi (Shemos 4:27) explains that Hashem instructed Aharon to meet Moshe in the wilderness to demonstrate Aharon's great merit. Despite being the elder brother who was about to be superseded by Moshe as leader, Aharon went with joy and without jealousy. The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemos 27) adds that this command came after Moshe had already begun his journey back to Egypt, showing Aharon's immediate obedience to the Divine word.

The Significance of the Meeting Place

The meeting at "Har HaElokim" (the Mountain of God) carries deep symbolism. Ramban (Shemos 4:27) notes this was Mount Sinai, foreshadowing the future revelation. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this holy location was chosen to inspire both brothers with prophetic spirit before their mission to Pharaoh. The Sforno adds that meeting at this sacred site demonstrated their shared spiritual greatness.

The Kiss Between Brothers

The verse states that Aharon "kissed him" (vayishak lo). Rashi explains this as a display of genuine brotherly love. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27a) derives from the extra letter "vav" in "vayishak" that Aharon kissed Moshe wholeheartedly. The Baal HaTurim notes the numerical value of "vayishak" equals "b'ahava" (with love), emphasizing the pure affection between them.

  • The Ohr HaChaim highlights how this kiss fulfilled the verse in Mishlei (27:10) about not forsaking "your friend and your father's friend"
  • The Malbim explains the kiss represented Aharon's complete acceptance of Moshe's leadership role
  • The Netziv in Haamek Davar sees this as the model for how Torah scholars should greet each other

Lessons in Leadership and Character

This episode, as explained in Midrash Rabbah (Shemos 3:17), became the paradigm for proper conduct among leaders and scholars. Aharon's lack of jealousy and wholehearted acceptance of Moshe's superior role earned him the merit of wearing the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment). The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 1:6) cites this as the ultimate example of loving one's fellow without ulterior motives.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem tell Aharon to meet Moshe in the wilderness?
A: According to Rashi, Aharon was sent to meet Moshe in the wilderness to show honor to Moshe and to demonstrate the importance of their reunion. The wilderness (midbar) symbolizes a place of humility and openness to divine mission, setting the stage for their joint leadership of Bnei Yisrael.
Q: What is the significance of Aharon kissing Moshe when they met?
A: The kiss (וַיִּשַּׁק־לוֹ) represents brotherly love and respect. The Midrash teaches that this act showed Aharon's genuine joy at Moshe's appointment as leader, despite Aharon himself being the older brother. It sets an example of overcoming personal interests for the sake of a higher purpose.
Q: Where exactly did Aharon meet Moshe? What is 'Har HaElokim'?
A: Har HaElokim (the mountain of God) refers to Mount Horeb (another name for Mount Sinai), where Moshe had previously encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1). Rashi explains that this was the same mountain where the Torah would later be given, hinting at their shared destiny in receiving and teaching Torah to Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah mention this meeting between Moshe and Aharon?
A: The Rambam teaches that this episode establishes the unity between Moshe and Aharon as leaders. Their harmonious relationship was essential for the Exodus and receiving the Torah. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) also derives from here the importance of reconciling with others before undertaking important missions.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Aharon meeting Moshe in our lives today?
A: This teaches the Jewish values of humility (meeting in the wilderness), brotherly love (the kiss), and putting communal needs before personal honor. Just as Aharon set aside any potential jealousy to support Moshe's leadership, we too should celebrate others' successes and work together for holy purposes.