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Deuteronomy 11:4 - Divine might over Pharaoh's army

Deuteronomy 11:4 - דברים 11:4

Hebrew Text

וַאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לְחֵיל מִצְרַיִם לְסוּסָיו וּלְרִכְבּוֹ אֲשֶׁר הֵצִיף אֶת־מֵי יַם־סוּף עַל־פְּנֵיהֶם בְּרָדְפָם אַחֲרֵיכֶם וַיְאַבְּדֵם יְהוָה עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

and what he did to the army of Miżrayim, to their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Sea of Suf overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the Lord destroyed them unto this day;

Transliteration

Va'asher asah lecheil mitzrayim lesusav ulrichbo asher hetzif et-mei yam-suf al-peneihem berodfam achareichem vayabdem Adonai ad hayom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂה֩ לְחֵ֨יל מִצְרַ֜יִם לְסוּסָ֣יו וּלְרִכְבּ֗וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵצִ֜יף אֶת־מֵ֤י יַם־סוּף֙ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם בְּרׇדְפָ֖ם אַחֲרֵיכֶ֑ם וַיְאַבְּדֵ֣ם יְהֹוָ֔ה עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂה֩ לְחֵ֨יל מִצְרַ֜יִם לְסוּסָ֣יו וּלְרִכְבּ֗וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵצִ֜יף אֶת־מֵ֤י יַם־סוּף֙ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם בְּרׇדְפָ֖ם אַחֲרֵיכֶ֑ם וַיְאַבְּדֵ֣ם יְהֹוָ֔ה עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 11:4) recounts the miraculous drowning of the Egyptian army in the Yam Suf (Red Sea) during Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). It emphasizes Hashem's intervention on behalf of Bnei Yisrael and the utter destruction of their pursuers.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("unto this day") to mean that the destruction of the Egyptians was so complete that their bodies and chariots remained visible on the shore of the Yam Suf for generations. This served as a lasting testimony to Hashem's power and the futility of opposing His will.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50), Rambam discusses the purpose of miracles like the splitting of the Yam Suf. He explains that such events were necessary to establish the truth of Moshe's prophecy and the divine origin of the Torah, ensuring Bnei Yisrael's unwavering faith in Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta (Beshalach 14:28): Describes how the sea did not merely drown the Egyptians but also expelled their bodies onto the shore, fulfilling the verse "Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore" (Shemot 14:30).
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 10): Teaches that the Egyptians' horses and chariots were specially judged—the same waters that carried Bnei Yisrael safely became a grave for their pursuers, demonstrating divine justice.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov (as cited in Kedushas Levi) explains that the phrase "בְּרָדְפָם אַחֲרֵיכֶם" ("as they pursued after you") hints at the spiritual lesson: just as the Egyptians were destroyed by the very waters they sought to overcome, so too do negative forces collapse when one remains steadfast in faith and mitzvot.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Kriat Shema 1:3) derives from this verse that one must recall Yetziat Mitzrayim daily, as it is a foundational event demonstrating Hashem's mastery over nature and history. The drowning of the Egyptians is included in this obligation as proof of divine justice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:4 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 11:4 recalls the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea (Yam Suf), where Hashem drowned the Egyptian army—including their horses and chariots—as they pursued the Israelites. This verse emphasizes G-d's power and protection of the Jewish people during the Exodus.
Q: Why is the splitting of the Red Sea mentioned here?
A: This verse appears in a section where Moshe reminds the Jewish people of the miracles they witnessed, reinforcing their faith in Hashem. The splitting of the Red Sea was a defining moment that demonstrated G-d's absolute control over nature and His commitment to saving His people (Rashi on Deuteronomy 11:4).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us to remember G-d's miracles and kindness, strengthening our trust in Him. Just as He saved our ancestors, we must believe that He continues to guide and protect us in every generation (based on Rambam's teachings on divine providence).
Q: Why does it say 'unto this day'?
A: The phrase 'unto this day' means that the destruction of the Egyptian army was permanent and serves as an everlasting reminder of G-d's justice. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) explains that even later generations could see the sea occasionally washing up remnants of Pharaoh's chariots as proof of the miracle.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish faith?
A: This verse is part of the daily Shema prayer's second paragraph (Deuteronomy 11:13-21), reminding Jews of G-d's miracles and the importance of following His commandments. The Exodus and splitting of the sea are foundational events that shape Jewish identity and belief in Divine intervention (Talmud Berachot 21a).