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Exodus 12:32 - Pharaoh begs for blessing?

Exodus 12:32 - שמות 12:32

Hebrew Text

גַּם־צֹאנְכֶם גַּם־בְּקַרְכֶם קְחוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתֶּם וָלֵכוּ וּבֵרַכְתֶּם גַּם־אֹתִי׃

English Translation

Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

Transliteration

Gam-tzonkhem gam-bekarkhem k'khu ka'asher dibartem valekhu uverakhtem gam-oti.

Hebrew Leining Text

גַּם־צֹאנְכֶ֨ם גַּם־בְּקַרְכֶ֥ם קְח֛וּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּרְתֶּ֖ם וָלֵ֑כוּ וּבֵֽרַכְתֶּ֖ם גַּם־אֹתִֽי׃
גַּם־צֹאנְכֶ֨ם גַּם־בְּקַרְכֶ֥ם קְח֛וּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּרְתֶּ֖ם וָלֵ֑כוּ וּבֵֽרַכְתֶּ֖ם גַּם־אֹתִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 12:32) appears during the final moments before Bnei Yisrael's departure from Mitzrayim (Egypt). Pharaoh, after the devastating tenth plague (Makkat Bechorot—the death of the firstborn), finally relents and commands Moshe and Aharon to take the Jewish people and their possessions out of Egypt. The phrase "גַּם־צֹאנְכֶם גַּם־בְּקַרְכֶם" ("your flocks and your herds") reflects Pharaoh's acknowledgment of Bnei Yisrael's right to their livestock, which had been a point of contention earlier (see Shemot 10:24-26).

Pharaoh's Request for a Blessing

The unusual request "וּבֵרַכְתֶּם גַּם־אֹתִי" ("and bless me also") is interpreted by Rashi as Pharaoh recognizing the power of the God of Israel. After witnessing the plagues, Pharaoh understood that Bnei Yisrael's God controlled life and death, and he sought divine favor. Rashi explains that Pharaoh was essentially saying, "Pray for me, that I may not die, since I am a firstborn" (as he feared the plague might extend to him).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 7) elaborates that Pharaoh, despite his earlier arrogance, now humbled himself before Moshe and Aharon, acknowledging their connection to the Divine.
  • The Ibn Ezra suggests that Pharaoh's request was pragmatic—he hoped that if Bnei Yisrael blessed him, future calamities might be averted.
  • The Kli Yakar notes that Pharaoh’s phrasing ("גַּם־אֹתִי") implies he saw himself as equal in importance to the flocks and herds, revealing his continued egotism even in submission.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6-7) teaches that one should respond to even an enemy’s sincere request for blessing with compassion. Here, Moshe and Aharon do not refuse Pharaoh, demonstrating the principle of kavod habriyot (respect for all people). The Or HaChaim adds that this interaction underscores the importance of recognizing divine providence—even a wicked ruler like Pharaoh ultimately had to admit God’s supremacy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'bless me also' in Exodus 12:32?
A: Pharaoh, after suffering through the Ten Plagues, recognizes Hashem's power and asks the Israelites to pray for him before they leave Egypt. Rashi explains that Pharaoh was asking for a blessing so that he wouldn't die, as he feared divine punishment for his actions against the Jewish people.
Q: Why does Pharaoh tell the Israelites to take their flocks and herds in Exodus 12:32?
A: Earlier, Pharaoh had refused to let the Israelites take their livestock (Exodus 10:24). Now, after the final plague, he completely surrenders and allows them to take everything, showing his total defeat. The Ramban notes that this demonstrates how Pharaoh's resistance was completely broken by Hashem's might.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh asking for a blessing in Exodus 12:32?
A: The Midrash teaches that this shows even wicked people recognize Hashem's power in moments of truth. It also demonstrates the Jewish people's spiritual stature - even their oppressor had to acknowledge their special relationship with Hashem and request their prayers. This teaches us about the importance of our connection to Hashem.