share torah logo

Exodus 10:26 - Total devotion to Divine service

Exodus 10:26 - שמות 10:26

Hebrew Text

וְגַם־מִקְנֵנוּ יֵלֵךְ עִמָּנוּ לֹא תִשָּׁאֵר פַּרְסָה כִּי מִמֶּנּוּ נִקַּח לַעֲבֹד אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וַאֲנַחְנוּ לֹא־נֵדַע מַה־נַּעֲבֹד אֶת־יְהוָה עַד־בֹּאֵנוּ שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind; for of them must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come there.

Transliteration

Vegam-miknenu yeilekh imanu lo tisha'er parsah ki mimenyu nikach la'avod et-Adonai Eloheinu va'anachnu lo-neda mah-na'avod et-Adonai ad-boenu shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגַם־מִקְנֵ֜נוּ יֵלֵ֣ךְ עִמָּ֗נוּ לֹ֤א תִשָּׁאֵר֙ פַּרְסָ֔ה כִּ֚י מִמֶּ֣נּוּ נִקַּ֔ח לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַאֲנַ֣חְנוּ לֹֽא־נֵדַ֗ע מַֽה־נַּעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֔ה עַד־בֹּאֵ֖נוּ שָֽׁמָּה׃
וְגַם־מִקְנֵ֜נוּ יֵלֵ֣ךְ עִמָּ֗נוּ לֹ֤א תִשָּׁאֵר֙ פַּרְסָ֔ה כִּ֚י מִמֶּ֣נּוּ נִקַּ֔ח לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַאֲנַ֣חְנוּ לֹֽא־נֵדַ֗ע מַֽה־נַּעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֔ה עַד־בֹּאֵ֖נוּ שָֽׁמָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Exodus Narrative

This verse (Exodus 10:26) is part of Moshe's response to Pharaoh's demand that the Israelites leave their livestock behind when departing Egypt. Moshe insists that all livestock must accompany Bnei Yisrael, emphasizing their need for these animals to serve Hashem. The exchange occurs during the negotiations preceding the final plague (Makkat Bechorot).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "לֹא תִשָּׁאֵר פַּרְסָה" ("there shall not a hoof be left behind") that Moshe was conveying absolute refusal to compromise—even a single animal's hoof would not remain in Egypt. Rashi further explains that the livestock were needed for sacrifices, particularly the Korban Pesach, which Bnei Yisrael would soon offer (citing Mechilta).

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Service

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 8:8) discusses how the verse underscores the principle that serving Hashem requires proper preparation and resources. The phrase "וַאֲנַחְנוּ לֹא־נֵדַע מַה־נַּעֲבֹד" ("we know not with what we must serve") teaches that one cannot predict all future mitzvah obligations, so it is essential to be fully equipped for avodat Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (13:7): The Midrash interprets Moshe's statement as reflecting the uncertainty of future divine commandments. Just as Avraham was tested with the Akeidah without prior warning, Bnei Yisrael needed to be prepared for unforeseen mitzvot.
  • Mechilta deRabbi Yishmael: Highlights that Pharaoh sought to weaken Bnei Yisrael economically by retaining their livestock, but Moshe insisted on complete independence to serve Hashem without constraints.

Halachic Implications

The Chatam Sofer (Torat Moshe) derives from this verse that when fulfilling mitzvot, one must ensure all necessary materials are available without relying on others. The refusal to leave even a single hoof teaches the importance of complete ownership and readiness in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'there shall not a hoof be left behind' mean in Exodus 10:26?
A: This phrase means that the Israelites were determined to take all their livestock with them when leaving Egypt, not leaving even a single animal behind. Rashi explains that this was because they needed these animals for sacrifices to serve Hashem in the wilderness and later in the Land of Israel.
Q: Why did Moshe insist on taking all the livestock out of Egypt?
A: Moshe insisted on taking all the livestock because some animals were needed for sacrifices to Hashem (as mentioned in the verse). Additionally, the Midrash teaches that this demonstrated the Israelites' complete break from Egyptian servitude—taking everything that belonged to them, symbolizing their full redemption.
Q: What does 'we know not with what we must serve the Lord until we come there' mean?
A: This means that the Israelites did not yet know all the details of how they would serve Hashem in the wilderness (such as which specific animals would be needed for sacrifices). Ramban explains that this shows their faith—they prepared everything, trusting that Hashem would later reveal His commandments.
Q: How does Exodus 10:26 relate to serving Hashem today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of complete dedication to serving Hashem. Just as the Israelites prepared all their resources without knowing the full details, we too should be ready to devote our possessions and efforts to mitzvot, trusting in Hashem's guidance. The Talmud (Berachot 63a) emphasizes that one should always be prepared to fulfill mitzvot with all their means.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of the Exodus?
A: This verse highlights the Israelites' commitment to serving Hashem fully, even before receiving all the commandments. It also marks Pharaoh's final refusal, leading to the final plague (the death of the firstborn). The Sforno notes that this demand showed that the Israelites were leaving Egypt permanently, not just for a temporary religious ceremony.