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Exodus 13:11 - Divine promise fulfilled in Canaan

Exodus 13:11 - שמות 13:11

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כִּי־יְבִאֲךָ יְהוָה אֶל־אֶרֶץ הַכְּנַעֲנִי כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לְךָ וְלַאֲבֹתֶיךָ וּנְתָנָהּ לָךְ׃

English Translation

And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Kena῾ani, as he swore to thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

Transliteration

Vehayah ki-yevi'akha Adonai el-eretz hakna'ani ka'asher nishba lekha vela'avotekha unetanah lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יְבִאֲךָ֤ יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע לְךָ֖ וְלַֽאֲבֹתֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָֽךְ׃
וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יְבִאֲךָ֤ יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע לְךָ֖ וְלַֽאֲבֹתֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 13:11, as part of the commandments regarding the consecration of firstborns and the future entry into Eretz Yisrael. The promise of the land is a central theme in the Torah, rooted in the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לְךָ וְלַאֲבֹתֶיךָ" ("as He swore to you and to your fathers") emphasizes that the fulfillment of this oath is not dependent on the merit of Bnei Yisrael alone, but also on the merit of the Avot (forefathers). This underscores the eternal nature of the covenant.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim, Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the obligation to settle Eretz Yisrael as a mitzvah. This verse serves as a foundational prooftext for the divine promise and commandment to inherit the land, which remains binding in all generations.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta notes that the phrase "וְהָיָה כִּי־יְבִאֲךָ" ("And it shall be when He brings you") uses the future tense to indicate certainty—Hashem’s promise is absolute and will undoubtedly come to pass, despite any obstacles.

Land of the Kena'ani

The verse specifies "אֶרֶץ הַכְּנַעֲנִי" ("the land of the Kena'ani"), which the Talmud (Sotah 34a) explains refers to the seven nations inhabiting the land at the time. Their presence did not negate Bnei Yisrael’s right to the land, as it was divinely ordained for them.

Theological Significance

  • The verse reinforces the idea of eretz hakodesh (the holy land) as an eternal inheritance for the Jewish people.
  • It highlights the fulfillment of divine promises, a recurring theme in Nevi'im and Ketuvim.
  • The oath to the Avot serves as a reminder of the unbreakable bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 32b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the recitation of the Shema and the exodus from Egypt, emphasizing God's promise to bring the Israelites into the land of Canaan.
📖 Kiddushin 37b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the commandments that are obligatory only in the land of Israel, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 13:11 mean?
A: Exodus 13:11 is a promise from Hashem that He will bring the Jewish people into the land of Canaan (later called Eretz Yisrael), as He swore to our forefathers—Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. This verse emphasizes the fulfillment of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why is the land of Canaan important in this verse?
A: The land of Canaan (Eretz Yisrael) is central to Jewish identity and destiny. Hashem promised this land to Avraham and his descendants (Bereishit 12:7, 15:18). This verse in Shemot (Exodus) reaffirms that promise as the Jewish people prepare to leave Egypt and inherit their homeland.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 13:11 today?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem's faithfulness—He keeps His promises. Just as He brought our ancestors into Eretz Yisrael, we trust in His divine plan for the Jewish people. It also reminds us of the eternal bond between Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
Q: How does Rashi explain this verse?
A: Rashi (on Shemot 13:11) connects this verse to the mitzvah of consecrating firstborn animals, which applies only after entering Eretz Yisrael. He explains that this verse sets the condition for many mitzvot that depend on living in the land, showing the special spiritual status of Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem 'swearing' to give the land?
A: In Jewish tradition, an oath from Hashem (like the one to our forefathers) is unbreakable and eternal. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) explains that this promise ensures the Jewish people's right to the land in all generations, even if they are temporarily exiled.