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Exodus 6:27 - Divine messengers challenge Pharaoh

Exodus 6:27 - שמות 6:27

Hebrew Text

הֵם הַמְדַבְּרִים אֶל־פַּרְעֹה מֶלֶךְ־מִצְרַיִם לְהוֹצִיא אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם הוּא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן׃

English Translation

These are they who spoke to Par῾o king of Miżrayim, to bring out the children of Yisra᾽el from Miżrayim: these are that Moshe and Aharon.

Transliteration

Hem hamdabrim el-Par'o melech-Mitzrayim lehotzi et-bnei-Yisrael mi-Mitzrayim hu Moshe ve-Aharon.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֵ֗ם הַֽמְדַבְּרִים֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרַ֔יִם לְהוֹצִ֥יא אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם ה֥וּא מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃
הֵ֗ם הַֽמְדַבְּרִים֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרַ֔יִם לְהוֹצִ֥יא אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם ה֥וּא מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Role of Moshe and Aharon as Divine Emissaries

The verse emphasizes that Moshe and Aharon were specifically chosen as Hashem's agents to speak to Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 6:13) notes that the phrase "הֵם הַמְדַבְּרִים" ("these are they who spoke") underscores their unique mission, distinguishing them from all other prophets. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that Moshe's prophecy was fundamentally different in nature, as he communicated directly with Pharaoh as Hashem's precise messenger.

The Significance of Their Dual Leadership

The pairing of Moshe and Aharon reflects a divine strategy for redemption. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:16) teaches that Moshe, who initially resisted the mission due to his humility (Shemot 4:10), was partnered with Aharon, whose strength was in speech. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) highlights that Aharon's role was essential in bridging Moshe's prophetic clarity with the need for effective communication to both Pharaoh and Bnei Yisrael.

The Mention of Pharaoh's Title

The verse specifies "פַּרְעֹה מֶלֶךְ־מִצְרַיִם" ("Pharaoh king of Egypt") to emphasize the power dynamic. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 6:13) explains that this phrasing reminds us that Pharaoh, despite his earthly kingship, was ultimately subordinate to Hashem's will. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that mentioning his title reinforces that Moshe and Aharon confronted the full might of Egypt's monarchy, demonstrating divine supremacy.

The Repetition of "הוּא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן"

The concluding phrase "הוּא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן" ("these are that Moshe and Aharon") serves a literary and theological purpose. Ibn Ezra suggests this repetition affirms their unchanging roles as redeemers, despite Pharaoh's resistance. The Ohr HaChaim (Shemot 6:13) teaches that "הוּא" ("these are") implies consistency—the same Moshe and Aharon who began the mission would complete it, reflecting Hashem's unwavering plan.

  • Moshe's Leadership: Represented divine authority and Torah transmission (Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 9:1).
  • Aharon's Role: Embodied diplomacy and unity (Pirkei Avot 1:12).
  • Historical Context: Their partnership foreshadowed the balance between kohen and navi in Jewish leadership (Malbim, Shemot 6:13).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are Moses and Aaron in Exodus 6:27?
A: Moses (Moshe) and Aaron (Aharon) were brothers chosen by Hashem to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses was the main prophet who communicated directly with G-d, while Aaron served as his spokesman to Pharaoh and the people (Rashi on Exodus 4:16).
Q: Why does the Torah specify that Moses and Aaron spoke to Pharaoh?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show that they were the official representatives sent by Hashem to demand Israel's freedom. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 7:3) explains that their mission was divinely appointed, giving them the authority to confront Pharaoh.
Q: What is the significance of Moses and Aaron working together?
A: Moses and Aaron complemented each other—Moses was hesitant in speech (Exodus 4:10), while Aaron was eloquent. Their partnership teaches the importance of teamwork in fulfilling G-d's mission (Talmud, Sanhedrin 19b).
Q: Why does the verse mention 'bringing the Israelites out of Egypt' specifically?
A: This was the central purpose of their mission—to redeem the Jewish people from slavery and fulfill G-d's promise to the forefathers (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1). It marks the beginning of the Exodus, a foundational event in Jewish history.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the Exodus?
A: This verse introduces Moses and Aaron's role as leaders in the redemption process. It sets the stage for the Ten Plagues and the eventual liberation, showing that human leaders carry out G-d's plan (Sforno on Exodus 6:27).