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Deuteronomy 34:11 - Miracles beyond compare?

Deuteronomy 34:11 - דברים 34:11

Hebrew Text

לְכָל־הָאֹתוֹת וְהַמּוֹפְתִים אֲשֶׁר שְׁלָחוֹ יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם לְפַרְעֹה וּלְכָל־עֲבָדָיו וּלְכָל־אַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

in all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Miżrayim to Par῾o, and to all his servants and to all his land,

Transliteration

Lekol-ha'otot vehamoftim asher shelakho Adonai la'asot be'eretz Mitzrayim lefar'o ulekol-avadav ulekol-artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְכׇל־הָ֨אֹתֹ֜ת וְהַמּוֹפְתִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר שְׁלָחוֹ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְפַרְעֹ֥ה וּלְכׇל־עֲבָדָ֖יו וּלְכׇל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃
לְכׇל־הָ֨אֹתֹ֜ת וְהַמּוֹפְתִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר שְׁלָחוֹ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְפַרְעֹ֥ה וּלְכׇל־עֲבָדָ֖יו וּלְכׇל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 34:11) appears at the conclusion of the Torah, summarizing Moshe's role in performing the miraculous signs and wonders in Mitzrayim (Egypt). It emphasizes the divine authority behind Moshe's actions, as all miracles were executed under Hashem's direct command.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 34:11) clarifies that the phrase "לְכָל־הָאֹתוֹת וְהַמּוֹפְתִים" ("all the signs and wonders") refers specifically to the Ten Plagues and the Splitting of the Red Sea. He notes that these miracles were not performed arbitrarily but were directed by Hashem to demonstrate His supreme power to Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:63), Rambam explains that the purpose of these miracles was twofold:

  • To validate Moshe's prophecy and establish his credibility as Hashem's messenger.
  • To break the Egyptians' belief in their own deities and demonstrate the absolute sovereignty of Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 9:1) elaborates that each plague targeted a specific aspect of Egyptian idolatry. For example:

  • The Nile turning to blood discredited Hapi, the god of the Nile.
  • Darkness undermined Ra, the sun god.

This systematic dismantling of Egyptian beliefs reinforced the monotheistic truth of Torah.

Significance of "לְפַרְעֹה וּלְכָל־עֲבָדָיו וּלְכָל־אַרְצוֹ"

The Malbim highlights that the verse specifies three audiences for these miracles:

  • Pharaoh – As the ruler, his obstinacy required direct divine intervention.
  • His servants – The Egyptian nobility who supported Pharaoh's defiance.
  • All his land – The general populace, who needed to recognize Hashem's supremacy.

This comprehensive scope ensured that no segment of Egyptian society remained unaware of Hashem's power.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 34:11 mean when it mentions 'signs and wonders'?
A: The 'signs and wonders' refer to the miraculous plagues and supernatural events that Hashem performed through Moshe in Egypt to demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh to free the Jewish people. Rashi explains that these miracles served as clear proof of Hashem's authority and Moshe's divine mission.
Q: Why does the verse mention Pharaoh, his servants, and his land?
A: The Torah specifies these three groups to show that the miracles affected every level of Egyptian society - the leadership (Pharaoh), the officials (his servants), and the general population (his land). The Rambam teaches that this comprehensive impact left no doubt about Hashem's involvement in the Exodus.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Deuteronomy 34:11?
A: This verse reminds us of Hashem's absolute control over nature and human affairs. The Midrash teaches that just as Hashem performed wonders to redeem our ancestors from Egypt, He continues to guide Jewish history. This gives us faith that Hashem will ultimately bring the final redemption.