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Exodus 6:13 - Divine mission: free Israel.

Exodus 6:13 - שמות 6:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וְאֶל־אַהֲרֹן וַיְצַוֵּם אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶל־פַּרְעֹה מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם לְהוֹצִיא אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, and gave them a charge to the children of Yisra᾽el, and to Par῾o king of Miżrayim, to bring the children of Yisra᾽el out of the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Va'y'daber Adonai el-Moshe v'el-Aharon va'y'tzavem el-b'nei Yisrael v'el-Par'oh melech Mitzrayim l'hotzi et-b'nei-Yisrael mei'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהֹוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאֶֽל־אַהֲרֹן֒ וַיְצַוֵּם֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְהוֹצִ֥יא אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהֹוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאֶֽל־אַהֲרֹן֒ וַיְצַוֵּם֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְהוֹצִ֥יא אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Divine Command to Moshe and Aharon

The verse (Shemot 6:13) describes Hashem speaking to Moshe and Aharon, charging them with the mission to bring Bnei Yisrael out of Mitzrayim. Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיְצַוֵּם" ("and gave them a charge") refers to the mitzvah of leading Klal Yisrael with patience and compassion, despite the difficulties they would face. This charge was not only for Bnei Yisrael but also for Pharaoh, indicating that Moshe and Aharon were to deliver Hashem's demands directly to the Egyptian ruler.

The Dual Audience: Bnei Yisrael and Pharaoh

The Ramban notes that the command was directed both "אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" and "אֶל־פַּרְעֹה", teaching that the redemption required two parallel efforts:

  • To Bnei Yisrael: To strengthen their emunah (faith) and prepare them spiritually for geulah (redemption), as they were in a state of despair (Shemot 6:9).
  • To Pharaoh: To demand their freedom unequivocally, demonstrating Hashem's supremacy over human rulers (Midrash Shemot Rabbah 7:3).

The Role of Leadership in Redemption

The Sforno emphasizes that Moshe and Aharon were chosen as intermediaries because of their unique qualities:

  • Moshe: Represented din (justice) and the uncompromising word of Hashem.
  • Aharon: Embodied chesed (kindness), ensuring the message was delivered with compassion (Talmud, Sanhedrin 6b).

This duality ensured that the redemption would be achieved through both steadfastness and mercy.

The Significance of "לְהוֹצִיא" (To Bring Out)

The Kli Yakar highlights that the term "לְהוֹצִיא" implies not just physical liberation but also spiritual elevation. The Exodus was not merely about leaving Mitzrayim but about becoming a nation capable of receiving the Torah (Mechilta, Bo). The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) further explains that this event established the foundation of emunah in Hashem's direct intervention in history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem speak to both Moshe and Aharon together in this verse?
A: According to Rashi, Hashem spoke to both Moshe and Aharon together because they were equal partners in the mission to bring Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt. While Moshe was the primary leader, Aharon played an essential role as his spokesman and supporter.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem 'gave them a charge' (וַיְצַוֵּם)?
A: The Ramban explains that this charge included both the instructions for how to speak to Pharaoh and how to lead Bnei Yisrael. It was a commandment to be strong and persistent in their mission despite the challenges ahead, as the redemption process would require great patience and faith.
Q: Why is Pharaoh mentioned in the commandment to bring Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt?
A: The Midrash teaches that Pharaoh is mentioned here to emphasize that the Exodus would happen through direct confrontation with him. Hashem wanted Pharaoh to acknowledge His power and ultimately release Bnei Yisrael, fulfilling the divine plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about leadership?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) derives from this verse that leadership requires partnership and mutual support. Moshe and Aharon worked together, showing that true leaders must be humble, cooperative, and dedicated to the mission, even when facing great obstacles.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus)?
A: This verse marks a turning point where Hashem formally commands Moshe and Aharon to begin the process of redemption. As the Sforno explains, it sets the stage for the plagues and miracles that would follow, demonstrating Hashem's absolute control over history and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to the Jewish people.