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Exodus 7:7 - Elders challenge Pharaoh's might

Exodus 7:7 - שמות 7:7

Hebrew Text

וּמֹשֶׁה בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִים שָׁנָה וְאַהֲרֹן בֶּן־שָׁלֹשׁ וּשְׁמֹנִים שָׁנָה בְּדַבְּרָם אֶל־פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And Moshe was eighty years old, and Aharon, eighty three years old, when they spoke to Par῾o.

Transliteration

U-Moshe ben-shmonim shana ve-Aharon ben-shalosh u-shmonim shana be-dabram el-Paro.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמֹשֶׁה֙ בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּשְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה בְּדַבְּרָ֖ם אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּמֹשֶׁה֙ בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּשְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה בְּדַבְּרָ֖ם אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Age of Moshe and Aharon at the Time of Their Mission

The verse states that Moshe was 80 years old and Aharon was 83 when they spoke to Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 7:7) notes that this information is provided to emphasize that they were not young men but elders of stature, demonstrating that leadership is not limited by age. The Torah highlights their ages to show that their wisdom and readiness for this divine mission came with maturity.

Significance of Their Ages in Jewish Tradition

According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 7:3), Moshe's 80 years are divided into three distinct periods:

  • First 40 years: He lived as a prince in Pharaoh's palace, acquiring worldly knowledge.
  • Second 40 years: He fled to Midian, where he developed humility and shepherding skills, traits necessary for leading Klal Yisrael.
  • Final 40 years: He served as the leader of Bnei Yisrael, taking them out of Egypt and guiding them in the wilderness.

Aharon, being three years older, had already attained a higher level of spiritual maturity by the time of their mission, as reflected in his role as Kohen Gadol.

Why Mention Their Ages Before Speaking to Pharaoh?

The Ramban (Shemot 7:7) explains that the Torah specifies their ages to counter any assumption that their success was due to youthful vigor or charisma. Instead, their authority came from Hashem, and their advanced age underscored their divinely appointed roles. The Talmud (Chullin 24a) also teaches that leadership qualities often strengthen with age, as seen in Moshe and Aharon’s unwavering commitment despite their years.

Aharon’s Seniority Over Moshe

Although Moshe was the primary leader, Aharon was older, which the Midrash (Tanchuma, Shemot 27) interprets as a sign of mutual respect between them. Despite Aharon’s seniority, he willingly accepted Moshe’s leadership without jealousy—a model of humility and unity in service of Hashem’s will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe and Aharon's ages when they spoke to Pharaoh?
A: The Torah mentions their ages to teach us that leadership and prophecy can come at any stage of life. Rashi explains that despite their advanced ages, Moshe and Aharon were chosen by Hashem to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt, showing that age does not limit one's ability to serve Hashem and fulfill a divine mission.
Q: Why was Moshe younger than Aharon when they spoke to Pharaoh?
A: According to the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 7:3), Moshe was younger than Aharon because leadership is not based on seniority alone. Hashem chose Moshe as the primary leader due to his unique qualities of humility and readiness to fulfill Hashem's will, even though Aharon was older and could have been seen as more experienced.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe and Aharon speaking to Pharaoh at an older age?
A: This teaches us that age should not be a barrier to taking on great responsibilities. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:1) emphasizes that wisdom and righteousness can grow with age, and Moshe and Aharon demonstrate that one can accomplish monumental tasks even later in life when guided by faith and divine purpose.
Q: How does this verse connect to the idea of leadership in Judaism?
A: The verse highlights that true Jewish leadership is based on divine appointment and personal merit, not just age or lineage. The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) teaches that Moshe was chosen because of his humility and dedication to truth, showing that leadership in Judaism is about character and devotion to Hashem's will above all else.