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Exodus 12:33 - Egypt's desperate plea: Leave now!

Exodus 12:33 - שמות 12:33

Hebrew Text

וַתֶּחֱזַק מִצְרַיִם עַל־הָעָם לְמַהֵר לְשַׁלְּחָם מִן־הָאָרֶץ כִּי אָמְרוּ כֻּלָּנוּ מֵתִים׃

English Translation

And Miżrayim was urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We are all dead men.

Transliteration

Vathekhezak mitsrayim al-ha'am lemaher leshalkham min-ha'aretz ki amru kulanu metim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֶּחֱזַ֤ק מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ עַל־הָעָ֔ם לְמַהֵ֖ר לְשַׁלְּחָ֣ם מִן־הָאָ֑רֶץ כִּ֥י אָמְר֖וּ כֻּלָּ֥נוּ מֵתִֽים׃
וַתֶּחֱזַ֤ק מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ עַל־הָעָ֔ם לְמַהֵ֖ר לְשַׁלְּחָ֣ם מִן־הָאָ֑רֶץ כִּ֥י אָמְר֖וּ כֻּלָּ֥נוּ מֵתִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 12:33) describes the urgency with which the Egyptians compelled the Israelites to leave Egypt after the final plague, the death of the firstborn. The Egyptians feared further devastation and declared, "We are all dead men," expressing their terror that they would perish entirely if the Israelites remained.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the Egyptians "were urgent upon the people"—meaning they pressured the Israelites to leave quickly. He notes that the Egyptians feared additional plagues or retribution if the Israelites delayed. The phrase "for they said, We are all dead men" reflects their belief that they would face complete annihilation if the Israelites stayed any longer.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the Egyptians' fear was not just of further plagues but also of divine retribution. He suggests that their statement, "We are all dead men," was a realization that they had no power against Hashem's will, and their survival depended on the Israelites' swift departure.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 18:10) elaborates that the Egyptians were not merely afraid of death but also of the Israelites taking revenge for their enslavement. They feared that the Israelites, now emboldened by divine intervention, might turn against them. This explains their urgency in sending them away.

Rambam's Insight

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses how the plagues demonstrated Hashem's absolute control over nature and human affairs. The Egyptians' declaration, "We are all dead men," was an acknowledgment of their helplessness before divine judgment.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Justice: The Egyptians recognized that their suffering was a direct result of their oppression of the Israelites.
  • Human Powerlessness: Despite their former dominance, the Egyptians realized they were powerless against Hashem's will.
  • Urgency of Redemption: The haste with which the Israelites left foreshadowed the future urgency of the Geulah (final redemption).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:33 mean when it says 'Miżrayim was urgent upon the people'?
A: This verse describes how the Egyptians, after experiencing the final plague (the death of the firstborn), desperately urged the Israelites to leave Egypt quickly. Rashi explains that the Egyptians feared further punishment and death if the Israelites stayed any longer.
Q: Why did the Egyptians say 'We are all dead men' in Exodus 12:33?
A: The Egyptians said this because they realized that the plagues were divine punishments for oppressing the Israelites. After the devastating tenth plague, they feared that if the Israelites remained, more death would come upon them. The Midrash teaches that their terror was a recognition of Hashem's power.
Q: How does Exodus 12:33 show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to free the Israelites?
A: This verse demonstrates the complete reversal of Egypt's stance—from enslaving the Israelites to urgently expelling them. Rambam notes that this was part of Hashem's plan to show His absolute control over history and His faithfulness to the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 12:33 about oppression and redemption?
A: The verse teaches that no matter how powerful an oppressor seems, Hashem can swiftly bring justice and liberation. The Talmud (Berachot 9b) derives from this that redemption can come suddenly ('keheref ayin'), reminding us to always hope for Hashem's salvation.
Q: How does Exodus 12:33 connect to the mitzvah of remembering the Exodus?
A: This moment of urgent departure is part of why we eat matzah—the bread of haste (Devarim 16:3). The Sforno explains that remembering Egypt's sudden desperation reinforces our gratitude for Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) and recognition of Hashem's intervention in history.