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Deuteronomy 26:8 - Divine power redeems from Egypt

Deuteronomy 26:8 - דברים 26:8

Hebrew Text

וַיּוֹצִאֵנוּ יְהוָה מִמִּצְרַיִם בְּיָד חֲזָקָה וּבִזְרֹעַ נְטוּיָה וּבְמֹרָא גָּדֹל וּבְאֹתוֹת וּבְמֹפְתִים׃

English Translation

and the Lord brought us out of Miżrayim with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

Transliteration

Vayotzi'enu Adonai miMitzrayim b'yad chazakah uvizroa netuyah uv'mora gadol uv'otot uv'moftim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיּוֹצִאֵ֤נוּ יְהֹוָה֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם בְּיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ וּבִזְרֹ֣עַ נְטוּיָ֔ה וּבְמֹרָ֖א גָּדֹ֑ל וּבְאֹת֖וֹת וּבְמֹפְתִֽים׃
וַיּוֹצִאֵ֤נוּ יְהֹוָה֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם בְּיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ וּבִזְרֹ֣עַ נְטוּיָ֔ה וּבְמֹרָ֖א גָּדֹ֑ל וּבְאֹת֖וֹת וּבְמֹפְתִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm

The phrase "בְּיָד חֲזָקָה" (with a mighty hand) refers to the fifth plague, דֶּבֶר (pestilence), as explained by Rashi (Devarim 26:8). The "בִזְרֹעַ נְטוּיָה" (outstretched arm) alludes to the sword of divine retribution, as the Midrash (Mechilta Bo 6) teaches that this represents Hashem's direct intervention against Pharaoh and his army.

Great Terribleness and Manifestations

The term "בְמֹרָא גָּדֹל" (with great terribleness) is interpreted by Ramban (Devarim 4:34) as referring to the revelation of the Shechinah at the splitting of the Red Sea, where even the simplest maidservant perceived divine visions greater than those of the prophet Yechezkel (Mechilta Beshalach 15:2). The "אֹתוֹת" (signs) and "מֹפְתִים" (wonders) correspond respectively to the plagues in Egypt and the miracles at the sea, as per Ibn Ezra's distinction.

Four Expressions of Redemption

The Sifrei (Devarim 26:8) notes that this verse contains four expressions of redemption, paralleling the four terms of redemption in Shemot 6:6-7. These correspond to:

  • Mighty hand - Overcoming Egyptian resistance
  • Outstretched arm - Active divine intervention
  • Great terribleness - Revelation of divine presence
  • Signs and wonders - Demonstration of Hashem's sovereignty

Contemporary Significance

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 26:8) emphasizes that these phrases serve as an eternal reminder that our redemption wasn't through natural means, but through overt divine miracles. This forms the basis for our obligation in hagadah (telling) at the Seder, as codified in Rambam's Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 9b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Exodus from Egypt and the miracles performed by God.
📖 Pesachim 116a
The verse is quoted in the context of the Haggadah, discussing the signs and wonders God performed during the Exodus.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the hardships endured by the Israelites in Egypt and God's intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'mighty hand' and 'outstretched arm' mean in Deuteronomy 26:8?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentaries, the 'mighty hand' refers to the plague of the firstborn (the final and most severe plague), while the 'outstretched arm' symbolizes G-d's direct and powerful intervention in freeing the Jewish people from Egypt. These phrases emphasize G-d's strength and active role in the Exodus.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'signs and wonders' in the Exodus story?
A: The 'signs and wonders' refer to the Ten Plagues and other miracles that G-d performed in Egypt. The Rambam explains that these miracles were meant to demonstrate G-d's absolute power over nature and to prove to both the Israelites and Egyptians that He alone is the true G-d. They also served to strengthen the faith of the Jewish people.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 26:8 relate to the Passover holiday?
A: This verse is part of the declaration recited when bringing the first fruits to the Temple (Bikkurim). It reminds us of the Exodus, which is the central theme of Passover. The Sages teach that recounting G-d's miracles, like those described in this verse, is a key part of the Passover Seder and helps us connect to our history and faith.
Q: What is the meaning of 'great terribleness' in this verse?
A: The term 'great terribleness' (מורא גדול) refers to the awe-inspiring and frightening nature of G-d's miracles in Egypt. The Midrash explains that the Egyptians were filled with dread as they witnessed G-d's power. This phrase teaches that the Exodus was not just a physical liberation but also a display of divine majesty that left a lasting impression.
Q: Why is it important to remember the Exodus today?
A: The Torah commands us to remember the Exodus daily (as in the Shema prayer) because it is the foundation of Jewish faith. Rambam teaches that remembering G-d's miracles strengthens our belief in His providence. The Exodus also reminds us of G-d's commitment to redeeming the Jewish people, giving us hope for future redemption.