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Exodus 9:16 - Divine purpose through Pharaoh's defiance

Exodus 9:16 - שמות 9:16

Hebrew Text

וְאוּלָם בַּעֲבוּר זֹאת הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ בַּעֲבוּר הַרְאֹתְךָ אֶת־כֹּחִי וּלְמַעַן סַפֵּר שְׁמִי בְּכָל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, to show in thee my power; and that my name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth.

Transliteration

Ve'ulam ba'avur zot he'emadticha ba'avur har'otcha et kochi ul'ma'an saper shmi b'chol ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאוּלָ֗ם בַּעֲב֥וּר זֹאת֙ הֶעֱמַדְתִּ֔יךָ בַּעֲב֖וּר הַרְאֹתְךָ֣ אֶת־כֹּחִ֑י וּלְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖י בְּכׇל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וְאוּלָ֗ם בַּעֲב֥וּר זֹאת֙ הֶעֱמַדְתִּ֔יךָ בַּעֲב֖וּר הַרְאֹתְךָ֣ אֶת־כֹּחִ֑י וּלְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖י בְּכׇל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 9:16) is part of Hashem's message to Pharaoh through Moshe during the plagues in Egypt. It explains the divine purpose behind Pharaoh's continued resistance despite witnessing Hashem's power through the plagues.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets this verse to mean that Hashem sustained Pharaoh's life and maintained his position of power specifically to demonstrate His might through the plagues. The phrase "הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ" (I have raised you up) is understood as preserving Pharaoh's rule so that the full measure of divine justice and power could be displayed.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam discusses how Pharaoh's free will was not removed, but his heart was hardened after he persistently chose evil. This hardening served the greater purpose of making Hashem's power and justice known throughout the world, fulfilling the divine plan.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (13:3) teaches that Pharaoh was like a chest filled with gold - the true value (Hashem's power) was revealed only when the chest (Pharaoh's resistance) was broken open through the plagues.
  • The Midrash emphasizes that the phrase "בְּכָל־הָאָרֶץ" (throughout all the earth) refers to the eternal impact of these events, establishing Hashem's sovereignty for all generations.

Ibn Ezra's Commentary

Ibn Ezra notes that the demonstration of divine power through Pharaoh served two purposes: 1) To show that no power can oppose Hashem's will, and 2) To ensure that knowledge of Hashem would spread to all nations, not just Israel.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushat Levi explains that Pharaoh's resistance created the opportunity for greater revelations of divine attributes (middot) - particularly Hashem's strength and sovereignty. The greater the opposition, the more profound the demonstration of divine power.

Halachic Implication

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 25) derives from this verse the importance of publicizing miracles as they demonstrate Hashem's providence and strengthen faith. This forms the basis for the obligation to recount the Exodus story.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is discussed in the context of Pharaoh's role in demonstrating God's power and the proclamation of His name.
📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ways God's name is made known through historical events and figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:16 mean when it says 'to show in thee my power'?
A: This verse refers to Hashem hardening Pharaoh's heart during the plagues in Egypt to demonstrate His supreme power. According to Rashi, this was to show the world that no ruler can oppose Hashem's will. The plagues displayed Hashem's control over nature and nations, proving His uniqueness.
Q: Why did Hashem want His name proclaimed throughout the earth in Exodus 9:16?
A: The Rambam explains that the Exodus miracles served to establish belief in Hashem worldwide. By demonstrating His power over Egypt - the superpower of that era - Hashem's name and sovereignty would become known to all nations, fulfilling the divine purpose of spreading awareness of the One true G-d.
Q: How does Exodus 9:16 apply to us today?
A: The Midrash teaches that just as Hashem's greatness was revealed through historical events, we must recognize His hand in our lives today. This verse reminds us to publicize Hashem's wonders (like the Exodus) through prayer, study, and living according to Torah - thereby continuing to sanctify His name in the world.
Q: What is the significance of Pharaoh being 'raised up' in this verse?
A: Ibn Ezra explains that Pharaoh wasn't merely preserved, but elevated to his powerful position specifically so that his downfall would be more dramatic. This contrast between Pharaoh's apparent might and his ultimate helplessness against Hashem made the divine lesson more impactful for all generations.
Q: Does Exodus 9:16 mean Pharaoh had no free will?
A: Traditional Jewish sources like the Rambam clarify that Pharaoh first hardened his own heart through wickedness (during the first five plagues), and only afterward did Hashem strengthen this stubbornness as punishment. This demonstrates the Torah principle that one who persists in evil may lose opportunities for repentance.