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Exodus 15:27 - Divine oasis after hardship

Exodus 15:27 - שמות 15:27

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹאוּ אֵילִמָה וְשָׁם שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה עֵינֹת מַיִם וְשִׁבְעִים תְּמָרִים וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָׁם עַל־הַמָּיִם׃

English Translation

And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees: and they encamped there by the water.

Transliteration

Vayavo'u Eilima vesham shteym esre einot mayim veshiv'im temarim vayachanu-sham al-hamayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ אֵילִ֔מָה וְשָׁ֗ם שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֛ה עֵינֹ֥ת מַ֖יִם וְשִׁבְעִ֣ים תְּמָרִ֑ים וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָׁ֖ם עַל־הַמָּֽיִם׃
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ אֵילִ֔מָה וְשָׁ֗ם שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֛ה עֵינֹ֥ת מַ֖יִם וְשִׁבְעִ֣ים תְּמָרִ֑ים וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָׁ֖ם עַל־הַמָּֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of Elim

The verse describes the Israelites' arrival at Elim, a place of abundant water and palm trees after their journey through the wilderness. According to Rashi (Shemot 15:27), Elim was a place of respite and comfort following the hardships of the desert. The twelve springs and seventy palm trees are seen as symbolic of divine providence, providing for the physical and spiritual needs of the Israelites.

Symbolism of the Twelve Springs

The twelve springs of water are interpreted by the Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 5) as corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. Each spring represents the unique spiritual sustenance provided to each tribe, emphasizing that Hashem cares for each group individually. The Ramban (Shemot 15:27) adds that the springs signify Torah, which is compared to water, sustaining the nation spiritually.

Meaning of the Seventy Palm Trees

The seventy palm trees are linked by the Talmud (Sukkah 45b) to the seventy elders of Israel (Bamidbar 11:16). The palm tree, known for its upright stature and fruitfulness, symbolizes righteousness and wisdom (Tehillim 92:13). The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 24) further connects the seventy trees to the seventy nations of the world, suggesting that Israel's journey foreshadows its future role among the nations.

Encampment by the Waters

The phrase "וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָׁם עַל־הַמָּיִם" ("and they encamped there by the water") is highlighted by the Sforno (Shemot 15:27) as a lesson in gratitude. After experiencing the bitterness of Marah (where the waters were undrinkable), the Israelites were now able to camp peacefully near fresh springs, teaching that hardship is often followed by divine kindness.

  • Rashi: Elim was a place of rest and preparation before further challenges.
  • Ramban: The springs symbolize Torah, the eternal source of life.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: The seventy trees hint at Israel's future influence on the nations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 12 springs and 70 palm trees in Exodus 15:27?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash (Mechilta), the 12 springs correspond to the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 70 palm trees represent the 70 elders (Sanhedrin) who would later lead the nation. This shows Hashem's kindness in providing for both the physical and spiritual needs of the Jewish people.
Q: Why did the Israelites camp at Elim after leaving Marah?
A: After the bitter waters of Marah (Exodus 15:23), Elim was a place of refreshment and abundance. The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) teaches that this demonstrates how Hashem often follows difficulties with comforts, preparing the Jewish people for their journey in the wilderness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the oasis at Elim today?
A: The Rambam teaches that just as Hashem provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He continues to provide for our needs. The palm trees (which provide shade and fruit) and springs (which give water) remind us to recognize and appreciate Hashem's constant kindness in our lives.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the exact number of springs and palm trees?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 24:4) explains that every detail in the Torah teaches us something. The specific numbers show that Hashem's providence is exact - He provided precisely what the Jewish people needed at that time, neither too little nor too much.
Q: How long did the Israelites stay at Elim?
A: While the Torah doesn't specify, Rashi (on Numbers 33:9) notes that they camped there for an extended period to recover from their difficult journey. This teaches us the importance of proper rest and spiritual rejuvenation during challenging times.