Deuteronomy 11:3 - Divine wonders in Egypt revealed

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Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־אֹתֹתָיו וְאֶת־מַעֲשָׂיו אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה בְּתוֹךְ מִצְרָיִם לְפַרְעֹה מֶלֶךְ־מִצְרַיִם וּלְכָל־אַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

and his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Miżrayim to Par῾o the king of Miżrayim, and to all his land;

Transliteration

Ve'et-ototav ve'et-ma'asav asher asah betoch Mitzrayim le-Faroh melech-Mitzrayim ulechol-artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־אֹֽתֹתָיו֙ וְאֶֽת־מַעֲשָׂ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה בְּת֣וֹךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְפַרְעֹ֥ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרַ֖יִם וּלְכׇל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 11:3) refers to the miracles and acts that Hashem performed in Mitzrayim (Egypt), specifically directed at Pharaoh and his entire land. This serves as a reminder of Hashem's absolute power and His intervention in history to fulfill His covenant with Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "אֶת־אֹתֹתָיו" (his signs) refers to the miraculous plagues, such as the staff turning into a snake (Shemot 7:10-12), which were meant to demonstrate Hashem's supremacy to Pharaoh. The term "מַעֲשָׂיו" (his acts) refers to the actual plagues that afflicted Egypt, like blood, frogs, and locusts, which were tangible punishments.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50), Rambam emphasizes that these miracles were not arbitrary displays of power but served a dual purpose:

To break Pharaoh's arrogance and demonstrate that no ruler can defy Hashem's will.
To instill faith in Bnei Yisrael, reinforcing their belief in Hashem as their Redeemer.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 8:2) elaborates that the miracles in Egypt were structured in a progressive manner, each one escalating in severity to give Pharaoh opportunities to repent. The phrase "בְּתוֹךְ מִצְרָיִם" (in the midst of Egypt) underscores that these events were not hidden—they were public displays witnessed by all, leaving no doubt about their divine origin.

Chizkuni's Insight

Chizkuni notes that the verse specifies "לְפַרְעֹה... וּלְכָל־אַרְצוֹ" (to Pharaoh and to all his land) to highlight that the plagues affected both the leadership and the common people. This was a deliberate measure to show that the entire Egyptian society was complicit in enslaving Bnei Yisrael and thus shared in the punishment.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Devarim 11:3) connects this verse to the mitzvah of remembering Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt), which is a foundational principle in Jewish faith. The miracles performed in Egypt serve as eternal proof of Hashem's involvement in the world and His commitment to His people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:3 mean when it mentions 'his miracles and his acts'?
A: This verse refers to the miraculous signs and wonders that Hashem performed in Egypt, such as the Ten Plagues, to demonstrate His power and to bring about the Exodus. Rashi explains that these miracles were clear proofs of Hashem's control over nature and His commitment to the Jewish people.

Q: Why is it important to remember the miracles in Egypt?
A: Remembering these miracles strengthens our faith in Hashem and reminds us of His ongoing providence. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that recalling these events helps us recognize Hashem's hand in history and reinforces our commitment to Torah and mitzvot.

Q: How do the miracles in Egypt apply to us today?
A: The miracles teach us that Hashem intervenes in the world to protect His people. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah) explains that just as Hashem redeemed us from Egypt, He continues to guide and redeem us in every generation, especially when we remain faithful to His commandments.

Q: Why does the verse specify Pharaoh and 'all his land'?
A: This emphasizes that the miracles were not just directed at Pharaoh personally but affected the entire nation of Egypt. The Talmud (Berachot 9a) notes that this shows Hashem's justice—Pharaoh and all who supported his oppression of the Israelites were held accountable.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the miracles in Egypt?
A: The miracles teach us about Hashem's absolute power and His faithfulness to His promises. The Sforno explains that these events were meant to instill awe and trust in Hashem, reminding us that He fulfills His word and protects those who follow His ways.