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Deuteronomy 6:22 - Divine signs against Egypt

Deuteronomy 6:22 - דברים 6:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן יְהוָה אוֹתֹת וּמֹפְתִים גְּדֹלִים וְרָעִים בְּמִצְרַיִם בְּפַרְעֹה וּבְכָל־בֵּיתוֹ לְעֵינֵינוּ׃

English Translation

and the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Miżrayim, upon Par῾o, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

Transliteration

Vayiten Adonay otot umoftim gedolim vera'im bemitzrayim befar'o uvchol-beito le'eineinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֡ה אוֹתֹ֣ת וּ֠מֹפְתִ֠ים גְּדֹלִ֨ים וְרָעִ֧ים <small>׀</small> בְּמִצְרַ֛יִם בְּפַרְעֹ֥ה וּבְכׇל־בֵּית֖וֹ לְעֵינֵֽינוּ׃
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֡ה אוֹתֹ֣ת וּ֠מֹפְתִ֠ים גְּדֹלִ֨ים וְרָעִ֧ים ׀ בְּמִצְרַ֛יִם בְּפַרְעֹ֥ה וּבְכׇל־בֵּית֖וֹ לְעֵינֵֽינוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 6:22) recounts the miraculous signs and wonders that Hashem performed in Mitzrayim (Egypt) against Pharaoh and his household. This serves as a foundational testimony of divine intervention in Jewish history, reinforcing the obligation to remember and internalize these events.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "אותות ומפתים" (signs and wonders) refers to two types of miracles:

  • "אותות" (signs): These were miracles performed through Moshe and Aharon, such as the staff turning into a snake (Shemot 7:10), which served as warnings to Pharaoh.
  • "מפתים" (wonders): These were the Ten Plagues, which defied nature and demonstrated Hashem's absolute control over creation.

Rashi also notes that the phrase "גדלים ורעים" (great and sore) emphasizes both the magnitude and severity of the plagues, highlighting their dual purpose: to punish the Egyptians and to liberate Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50), Rambam teaches that the miracles in Mitzrayim were not arbitrary but served to establish the truth of Moshe's prophecy and Hashem's sovereignty. The plagues were meticulously structured to dismantle Egyptian idolatry, targeting their false beliefs (e.g., the Nile, frogs, and sun deities).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 9:1) elaborates that the phrase "לעינינו" (before our eyes) underscores that the miracles were witnessed firsthand by Bnei Yisrael, ensuring their transmission as an eternal testimony. The Midrash also states that the plagues were "great" in their impact and "sore" in their suffering, leaving no doubt about their divine origin.

Chizkuni's Explanation

Chizkuni adds that the inclusion of "ביתו" (his household) refers not only to Pharaoh's family but also to his advisors and magicians, who were complicit in his refusal to release Bnei Yisrael. Their punishment demonstrated that no one could evade divine justice.

Practical Lessons

  • Emunah (Faith): The verse reinforces the importance of recognizing Hashem's hand in history and daily life.
  • Zechirat Yetziat Mitzrayim (Remembering the Exodus): This event is a cornerstone of Jewish identity, obligating us to recall it daily (as in the Shema and Pesach).
  • Divine Justice: The plagues illustrate that oppression and injustice will ultimately be met with retribution.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 118a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracles performed in Egypt, emphasizing the greatness of the signs and wonders shown by God.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prophets and the miracles they witnessed, highlighting the divine intervention in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 6:22 mean when it says 'signs and wonders'?
A: The 'signs and wonders' refer to the miraculous plagues that Hashem brought upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and free the Jewish people. Rashi explains that these were extraordinary events that clearly showed divine intervention, proving to both the Egyptians and Israelites that Hashem controls nature.
Q: Why does the verse mention that these miracles happened 'before our eyes'?
A: The phrase 'before our eyes' emphasizes that the Exodus wasn't just a story passed down, but something the entire nation witnessed firsthand. The Rambam teaches that this direct experience created an unshakable foundation of faith for future generations, as parents could testify to their children about what they personally saw.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning Pharaoh's household specifically?
A: The Midrash explains that including Pharaoh's household shows that the miracles affected everyone in Egypt - from the lowest slave to Pharaoh's own family. This demonstrates that no one was exempt from seeing Hashem's power, making the redemption complete and undeniable.
Q: How does this verse connect to our daily lives as Jews today?
A: This verse is part of the daily Shema prayer, reminding us morning and night of Hashem's miracles. The Talmud (Berachot 21a) teaches that regularly recalling these events strengthens our faith and gratitude, helping us recognize divine providence in our own lives just as our ancestors did in Egypt.
Q: Why are the signs described as both 'great' and 'sore'?
A: Rashi explains that 'great' refers to their supernatural nature, while 'sore' indicates they brought suffering to the Egyptians. The Sforno adds that this duality shows the plagues were simultaneously demonstrations of Hashem's greatness to the Israelites and punishments for Egyptian oppression.