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Exodus 9:1 - Divine demand: Free My people!

Exodus 9:1 - שמות 9:1

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בֹּא אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְדִבַּרְתָּ אֵלָיו כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים שַׁלַּח אֶת־עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי׃

English Translation

Then the Lord said to Moshe, Go in to Par῾o, and tell him, Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe bo el-Par'o ve'dibarta elav ko-amar Adonai Elohei ha'Ivrim shalach et-ami ve'ya'avduni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בֹּ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בֹּ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Exodus Narrative

This verse (Shemot 9:1) appears during the sequence of the ten plagues, specifically before the fifth plague, dever (pestilence). Hashem instructs Moshe to confront Pharaoh once again, demanding the release of Bnei Yisrael so they may serve Him. This refrain—"Let My people go, that they may serve Me"—is central to the Exodus narrative, emphasizing that freedom is not an end in itself but a means to fulfill divine service.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes the phrase "בֹּא אֶל־פַּרְעֹה" ("Go in to Pharaoh") and explains that Moshe was commanded to approach Pharaoh with boldness, despite the king's arrogance and resistance. Rashi also highlights the title "אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים" ("God of the Hebrews"), underscoring that Hashem identifies specifically with the oppressed Hebrews, reinforcing His covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Mission

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses the nature of prophecy and Moshe's unique role. Here, Moshe serves as the intermediary delivering Hashem's exact words ("כֹּה־אָמַר ה'"—"Thus says the Lord"), emphasizing the precision and authority of divine communication. The demand for Pharaoh to release Bnei Yisrael is not negotiable, reflecting the absolute sovereignty of Hashem over human rulers.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (11:6): The Midrash explains that Pharaoh's stubbornness was divinely orchestrated ("וַיְחַזֵּק ה' אֶת־לֵב פַּרְעֹה") to demonstrate Hashem's power through escalating miracles, ultimately teaching the world that He alone governs history.
  • Mechilta: The phrase "וְיַעַבְדֻנִי" ("that they may serve Me") hints at the ultimate purpose of Yetziat Mitzrayim—receiving the Torah at Har Sinai, where service to Hashem would be formalized through mitzvot.

Theological Implications

The verse encapsulates the duality of physical and spiritual liberation. The Ibn Ezra emphasizes that true freedom is not merely escape from bondage but devotion to divine service. This principle underpins the Jewish understanding of redemption, later actualized in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash as centers of avodah (service).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the bravery of Moses and Aaron in confronting Pharaoh.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Let my people go, that they may serve me' mean in Exodus 9:1?
A: This verse means that Hashem commanded Moshe to tell Pharaoh to release the Jewish people from slavery so they could serve Him by keeping the mitzvot (commandments) and worshipping Him freely. Rashi explains that the purpose of the Exodus was not just physical freedom, but spiritual service to Hashem.
Q: Why does Hashem call Himself 'the God of the Hebrews' in this verse?
A: Hashem identifies as 'the God of the Hebrews' to remind Pharaoh that He is the protector and ruler of the Jewish people. The Midrash teaches that this title emphasizes Hashem's special relationship with the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, who were called 'Hebrews' (Ivrim).
Q: Why did Hashem send Moshe to speak to Pharaoh again in Exodus 9:1?
A: Hashem sent Moshe repeatedly to Pharaoh to give him multiple opportunities to repent and free the Jews willingly. The Rambam teaches that Hashem always gives people chances to do teshuvah (repentance) before bringing punishment. Each refusal hardened Pharaoh's heart further.
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 serving Hashem. Just as the Jews left Egypt to receive the Torah, we must use our freedom for spiritual growth. The Chafetz Chaim explains that we should free ourselves from negative influences that prevent us from serving Hashem properly.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe speaking to Pharaoh directly?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 11a) teaches that Moshe showed great courage by confronting Pharaoh face-to-face. This demonstrates the Jewish value of not fearing powerful oppressors when fulfilling Hashem's will. Moshe's boldness became a model for standing up for truth despite danger.