Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die'?
A: Pharaoh is issuing a severe warning to Moshe (Moses), threatening him with death if he appears before him again. According to Rashi, Pharaoh was expressing his anger and frustration after the plague of locusts, showing that he had reached his limit and would not tolerate further requests to let the Israelites go.
Q: Why did Pharaoh tell Moshe 'see my face no more'?
A: Pharaoh was trying to cut off communication with Moshe because he was unwilling to relent and free the Israelites. The Midrash explains that Pharaoh, hardened by his own stubbornness and Hashem's intervention (as mentioned in earlier verses), refused to engage further, showing his complete rejection of Moshe's demands.
Q: How does this verse show Pharaoh's arrogance?
A: Pharaoh's threat reveals his pride and belief in his own absolute power. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that arrogance leads to downfall, and here, Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself before Hashem's signs (the plagues) demonstrates his misplaced confidence in his own authority.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's warning to Moshe?
A: This verse teaches the danger of stubbornness and refusing to recognize truth. The Talmud (Sotah 11a) discusses how Pharaoh's hardened heart led to his eventual downfall. It reminds us to remain open to wisdom and correction rather than resisting change out of pride.
Q: Did Moshe actually see Pharaoh's face again after this warning?
A: Yes, Moshe did see Pharaoh again, as recorded in Exodus 12:31, when Pharaoh finally commanded the Israelites to leave Egypt. However, Pharaoh's threat was not fulfilled because Hashem protected Moshe, showing that human threats cannot override divine will.
Pharaoh's Warning to Moshe
The verse (Shemot 10:28) records Pharaoh's harsh command to Moshe: "Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die." This statement reflects Pharaoh's anger and frustration after the plague of locusts and darkness, demonstrating his hardened heart despite the clear divine signs.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that Pharaoh's threat—"in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die"—was not an idle warning. Pharaoh intended to execute Moshe if he dared appear before him again. Rashi further notes that Moshe responded (as recorded in the next verse, 10:29) by declaring he would not see Pharaoh's face again, implying that the final plague (the death of the firstborn) would soon occur, after which Pharaoh would urgently seek Moshe out (Shemot 12:31).
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra explains that Pharaoh's words were a royal decree, emphasizing his authority. By saying "see my face no more," Pharaoh was barring Moshe from further audiences, treating him as a rebellious subject rather than a negotiator. This reflects Pharaoh's refusal to acknowledge Hashem's supremacy, despite the plagues.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:4) elaborates that Pharaoh's threat was not merely political but also spiritual. His statement "thou shalt die" was a curse, invoking his own gods to strike Moshe down. However, Moshe, protected by divine providence, was unharmed, demonstrating the futility of Pharaoh's defiance against Hashem's will.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) discusses how Pharaoh's obstinacy exemplifies the concept of free will. Despite witnessing miracles, Pharaoh chose to harden his heart, showing that even in the face of divine intervention, human beings retain the capacity to reject truth. His threat against Moshe was a continuation of this defiance.
Chizkuni's Additional Note
Chizkuni observes that Pharaoh's phrasing—"take heed to thyself"—implies a veiled warning to Moshe's personal safety. He suggests that Pharaoh may have intended to have Moshe assassinated if he returned, highlighting the danger Moshe faced in fulfilling his mission.