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Exodus 9:30 - Pharaoh's stubborn defiance persists.

Exodus 9:30 - שמות 9:30

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה וַעֲבָדֶיךָ יָדַעְתִּי כִּי טֶרֶם תִּירְאוּן מִפְּנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים׃

English Translation

But as for thee and thy servants, I know that you will not yet fear the Lord God.

Transliteration

Ve'ata va'avadecha yadati ki terem tir'un mipnei Adonai Elohim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֖ה וַעֲבָדֶ֑יךָ יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּ֚י טֶ֣רֶם תִּֽירְא֔וּן מִפְּנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִֽים׃
וְאַתָּ֖ה וַעֲבָדֶ֑יךָ יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּ֚י טֶ֣רֶם תִּֽירְא֔וּן מִפְּנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 9:30) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's words to Pharaoh during the plague of hail. Moshe acknowledges that despite witnessing Hashem's miracles, Pharaoh and his servants have not yet developed true fear of Hashem. This reflects the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Moshe is making a distinction between Pharaoh's current state and future repentance. The phrase "טֶרֶם תִּירְאוּן" ("you will not yet fear") implies that while they do not fear Hashem now, there will come a time when they will. Rashi cites the example of the officers who did eventually fear Hashem's word (Exodus 9:20) by bringing their servants and livestock indoors before the hail.

Rambam's Perspective on Fear of Heaven

In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (2:1-2), the Rambam discusses the levels of fear of Hashem. The verse highlights Pharaoh's lack of yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven), which is a fundamental requirement for proper service of Hashem. Rambam would view this as Pharaoh's failure to recognize Hashem's sovereignty, despite clear divine intervention.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 12:1) notes that Moshe's statement reveals an important principle: witnessing miracles alone does not necessarily lead to genuine fear of Hashem. True yirah requires internal transformation, which Pharaoh and his servants had not yet achieved. The Midrash contrasts this with the Jewish people, who did develop fear of Hashem through these events.

Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Insight

Ibn Ezra points out that the word "טֶרֶם" ("yet") indicates something that has not happened but may in the future. This suggests that Moshe is leaving room for the possibility of Pharaoh's eventual recognition of Hashem's power, though it had not manifested at that moment.

Practical Lessons

  • Recognition of Hashem's Power: The verse teaches that mere exposure to divine miracles does not guarantee proper fear of Hashem; internal acceptance is required.
  • Patience in Spiritual Growth: Moshe's wording implies that spiritual development can be a process, even for those initially resistant.
  • Contrast Between Pharaoh and Bnei Yisrael: The Jewish people's eventual fear of Hashem (Exodus 14:31) stands in contrast to Pharaoh's stubbornness, highlighting the importance of humility in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:30 mean when it says Pharaoh and his servants did not 'yet fear the Lord God'?
A: This verse, spoken by Moshe (Moses) to Pharaoh during the plague of hail, means that despite witnessing Hashem's power through the plagues, Pharaoh and his officials still lacked true reverence for G-d. Rashi explains that Moshe was acknowledging their current stubbornness but hinting that eventually they would come to fear Hashem.
Q: Why is fearing G-d important according to Exodus 9:30?
A: The verse highlights that true fear of Hashem is essential for proper service to Him. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) teaches that awe of G-d is the foundation of mitzvos. Without yiras Shamayim (fear of Heaven), one cannot properly fulfill Torah commandments or recognize Divine authority.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Exodus 9:30 in our lives today?
A: Just as Pharaoh needed to develop genuine fear of Hashem, we must work on cultivating sincere yiras Shamayim in our daily lives. The Talmud (Shabbos 31a) states that the world's existence depends on this. Practical ways include studying Torah about G-d's greatness and reflecting on His providence in our lives.
Q: What's the significance of Moshe saying 'I know' in Exodus 9:30?
A: When Moshe says 'I know,' he's demonstrating prophetic insight into Pharaoh's spiritual state. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 12:1) explains that Moshe could perceive their inner thoughts and knew they hadn't reached proper fear of G-d despite witnessing miracles. This shows how prophets understood people's spiritual levels.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'the Lord' (Hashem) and 'God' (Elokim)?
A: The dual names represent different aspects of G-d's relationship with creation. 'Hashem' represents Divine mercy while 'Elokim' represents judgment (Rashi on Bereishis 1:1). Here it teaches that proper fear of G-d includes recognizing both His kindness in giving us opportunities to repent and His strict justice in holding us accountable.