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Exodus 7:26 - Divine demand: Free My servants!

Exodus 7:26 - שמות 7:26

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בֹּא אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְאָמַרְתָּ אֵלָיו כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה שַׁלַּח אֶת־עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe, Go to Par῾o, and say to him, Thus says the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe bo el-Paroh ve'amarta elav ko amar Adonai shalach et-ami ve'ya'avduni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בֹּ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בֹּ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Command to Confront Pharaoh

The verse (Shemot 9:1) records Hashem's instruction to Moshe to approach Pharaoh with the demand to release Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that the phrase "בֹּא אֶל־פַּרְעֹה" ("Go to Pharaoh") implies Moshe was to enter Pharaoh's inner chambers, indicating that despite Pharaoh's arrogance, Moshe had divine permission to approach him directly. This demonstrates that a shaliach (emissary) of Hashem carries divine authority, even when confronting powerful rulers.

The Purpose of the Exodus

The demand "שַׁלַּח אֶת־עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי" ("Let My people go, that they may serve Me") emphasizes that the liberation from Egypt was not merely for physical freedom but for spiritual service. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) explains that the ultimate goal of Yetziat Mitzrayim was to bring Bnei Yisrael to Har Sinai to receive the Torah and dedicate themselves to Avodat Hashem (service of G-d). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:6) further elaborates that true freedom is the ability to serve Hashem without oppression.

The Divine Authority Behind the Demand

The phrase "כֹּה אָמַר ה'" ("Thus says the Lord") underscores that Moshe was not speaking in his own name but as a messenger of Hashem. The Sforno notes that this formula was used to remind Pharaoh that the demand came from the Supreme Authority, before whom even kings must submit. The Talmud (Berachot 34b) teaches that prophecy often uses this language to convey the absolute truth of divine decrees.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Emissaries of Hashem carry divine authority – Moshe's mission teaches that those fulfilling a divine task must act with confidence, knowing they represent a higher power.
  • Freedom is for spiritual purpose – The exodus was not an end in itself but a means to enable Bnei Yisrael to serve Hashem.
  • Divine decrees are absolute – Pharaoh's resistance was futile because Hashem's will cannot be overturned.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the plagues in Egypt and Moses' mission to Pharaoh.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the divine command to Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Let my people go, that they may serve me' mean in Exodus 7:26?
A: This verse means that Hashem commanded Moshe to tell Pharaoh to release the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt so they could freely serve Hashem. According to Rashi, the purpose of the Exodus was not just freedom from oppression, but to enable the Jewish people to fulfill their divine mission of serving Hashem through Torah and mitzvot.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to speak to Pharaoh instead of freeing the Jews directly?
A: The Rambam explains that Hashem wanted to give Pharaoh the opportunity to repent and do the right thing voluntarily. Additionally, the Midrash teaches that each confrontation between Moshe and Pharaoh served to demonstrate Hashem's power and gradually break Pharaoh's arrogance before the final redemption.
Q: How does the message 'Let my people go' apply to us today?
A: The Sages teach that this verse reminds us that true freedom means using our liberation from constraints (whether physical or spiritual) to serve Hashem. Just as the Jews left Egypt to receive the Torah, we must use our personal freedoms for spiritual growth and divine service.
Q: Why does the verse say 'my people' instead of just 'the people'?
A: Rashi explains that by saying 'my people,' Hashem emphasizes the special relationship between Himself and the Jewish nation. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that this language shows Hashem's love for Israel, comparing it to a father pleading for his child's freedom.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'that they may serve me' in this verse?
A: The Sforno explains that this clarifies the purpose of the Exodus - not just physical freedom, but the opportunity for spiritual service. The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) connects this to the obligation to tell the story of the Exodus at the Seder, emphasizing that we were freed to serve Hashem through Torah observance.