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Exodus 34:10 - Divine wonders for Israel's covenant

Exodus 34:10 - שמות 34:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי כֹּרֵת בְּרִית נֶגֶד כָּל־עַמְּךָ אֶעֱשֶׂה נִפְלָאֹת אֲשֶׁר לֹא־נִבְרְאוּ בְכָל־הָאָרֶץ וּבְכָל־הַגּוֹיִם וְרָאָה כָל־הָעָם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה בְקִרְבּוֹ אֶת־מַעֲשֵׂה יְהוָה כִּי־נוֹרָא הוּא אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי עֹשֶׂה עִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among whom thou art shall see the work of the Lord that I will do with thee, that it is tremendous.

Transliteration

Va'yomer hineh anochi koret brit neged kol-amecha e'eseh nifla'ot asher lo-nivreu ve'chol-ha'aretz u've'chol-hagoyim ve'ra'ah kol-ha'am asher-atah be'kirbo et-ma'aseh Adonai ki-nora hu asher ani oseh imach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּ֣ה אָנֹכִי֮ כֹּרֵ֣ת בְּרִית֒ נֶ֤גֶד כׇּֽל־עַמְּךָ֙ אֶעֱשֶׂ֣ה נִפְלָאֹ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־נִבְרְא֥וּ בְכׇל־הָאָ֖רֶץ וּבְכׇל־הַגּוֹיִ֑ם וְרָאָ֣ה כׇל־הָ֠עָ֠ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֨ה בְקִרְבּ֜וֹ אֶת־מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־נוֹרָ֣א ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י עֹשֶׂ֥ה עִמָּֽךְ׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּ֣ה אָנֹכִי֮ כֹּרֵ֣ת בְּרִית֒ נֶ֤גֶד כׇּֽל־עַמְּךָ֙ אֶעֱשֶׂ֣ה נִפְלָאֹ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־נִבְרְא֥וּ בְכׇל־הָאָ֖רֶץ וּבְכׇל־הַגּוֹיִ֑ם וְרָאָ֣ה כׇל־הָ֠עָ֠ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֨ה בְקִרְבּ֜וֹ אֶת־מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־נוֹרָ֣א ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י עֹשֶׂ֥ה עִמָּֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Context of the Covenant

The verse (Shemot 34:10) appears after the sin of the Golden Calf, when Moshe Rabbeinu ascends Har Sinai a second time to receive the second set of Luchot. Hashem reassures Moshe that He will renew His covenant with Bnei Yisrael, despite their transgression. Rashi explains that this covenant is a reaffirmation of the original brit, now with even greater wonders to demonstrate Hashem's forgiveness and enduring relationship with His people.

The Nature of the "Nifla'ot" (Marvels)

The "nifla'ot" mentioned here refer to the miraculous events that would accompany Bnei Yisrael's journey and settlement in Eretz Yisrael. Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that these wonders would surpass even the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim, as they would be ongoing and visible to all nations. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 31) states that these marvels include:

  • The daily descent of the manna
  • The protection of the Clouds of Glory
  • The miraculous victories in conquering Eretz Yisrael

"Before All Your People" - The Public Nature of the Miracles

The phrase "before all your people" emphasizes that these wonders would be openly displayed to the entire nation, not just to select individuals. The Sforno explains that this public display serves two purposes:

  • To strengthen the emunah of Bnei Yisrael
  • To demonstrate to the surrounding nations the unique relationship between Hashem and His chosen people

The Purpose of the Tremendous Deeds

The concluding phrase "that it is tremendous" (כי נורא הוא) teaches, as the Malbim explains, that these miracles would inspire awe and recognition of Hashem's absolute power. The Kli Yakar adds that the word "nora" (tremendous) also implies that these events would instill yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) in all who witnessed them, both Jews and gentiles alike.

The Eternal Nature of the Covenant

Rabbeinu Bachya notes that this covenant, though made in the context of the desert generation, extends to all future generations. The "marvels" include not just the physical miracles of that era, but also the ongoing miracles of Jewish survival and Torah transmission throughout history, which stand as testimony to this eternal covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 34:10 mean when it says Hashem will 'do marvels'?
A: This verse refers to the miracles and wonders Hashem performed for the Jewish people, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the splitting of the Red Sea. Rashi explains that these marvels would be greater than any miracles ever done before, demonstrating Hashem's unique relationship with Israel.
Q: Why is the covenant mentioned in Exodus 34:10 important?
A: This covenant reaffirms the special bond between Hashem and the Jewish people after the sin of the Golden Calf. The Rambam teaches that this shows Hashem's willingness to forgive and renew the relationship, emphasizing His mercy and commitment to the Jewish nation.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 34:10 about Hashem's relationship with us?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem performs wonders specifically for His people. The Midrash Tanchuma explains that this demonstrates His personal involvement in Jewish history and His readiness to perform miracles when we uphold our covenant with Him.
Q: How does Exodus 34:10 apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that just as Hashem performed wonders for our ancestors, He continues to guide and protect the Jewish people in every generation. This verse reminds us to recognize Hashem's hand in both obvious and hidden miracles in our daily lives.
Q: What does 'the work of the Lord that is tremendous' refer to in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 4a) interprets this as referring to the awe-inspiring nature of Hashem's miracles and His divine justice. The 'tremendous work' includes both the spectacular miracles of the Exodus and the profound ways Hashem governs the world with justice and mercy.