share torah logo

Exodus 10:2 - Pass down Egypt's miracles forever?

Exodus 10:2 - שמות 10:2

Hebrew Text

וּלְמַעַן תְּסַפֵּר בְּאָזְנֵי בִנְךָ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ אֵת אֲשֶׁר הִתְעַלַּלְתִּי בְּמִצְרַיִם וְאֶת־אֹתֹתַי אֲשֶׁר־שַׂמְתִּי בָם וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי־אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

and that thou mayst tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have done in Miżrayim, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Ulema'an tesaper be'oznei vincha uven-bincha et asher hit'alalti bemitzrayim ve'et-ototai asher-samti vam viyeda'tem ki-ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְמַ֡עַן תְּסַפֵּר֩ בְּאׇזְנֵ֨י בִנְךָ֜ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ֗ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִתְעַלַּ֙לְתִּי֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וְאֶת־אֹתֹתַ֖י אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בָ֑ם וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם כִּי־אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וּלְמַ֡עַן תְּסַפֵּר֩ בְּאׇזְנֵ֨י בִנְךָ֜ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ֗ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִתְעַלַּ֙לְתִּי֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וְאֶת־אֹתֹתַ֖י אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בָ֑ם וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם כִּי־אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim

The verse (Shemot 10:2) emphasizes the obligation to recount the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt) to future generations. This forms the basis for the mitzvah of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim on Pesach night, as codified in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1).

Transmission Through Generations

Rashi explains that the phrase "בְּאָזְנֵי בִנְךָ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ" ("in the ears of your son and your grandson") teaches that each generation must transmit the story to the next. The Mechilta (Bo, Parsha 1) elaborates that this creates an unbroken chain of mesorah (tradition) from the Exodus until the coming of Mashiach.

Purpose of the Narrative

The verse gives two purposes for recounting the miracles:

  • Historical Continuity: "That you may tell" - To preserve the collective memory of Am Yisrael (Sforno)
  • Divine Recognition: "That you may know that I am Hashem" - To strengthen emunah (faith) in Hashem's providence (Ramban)

The Nature of the Miracles

The term "הִתְעַלַּלְתִּי" ("I have dealt harshly") is interpreted by Onkelos as "I performed wonders." The Kli Yakar notes this refers to both the makkot (plagues) and the subsequent redemption, showing Hashem's complete control over nature and history.

Educational Methodology

The instruction to tell "בְּאָזְנֵי" ("in the ears") implies an active, engaging transmission. As the Talmud states (Pesachim 116a), one must adapt the telling to the child's understanding, following the model of the four sons in the Haggadah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 116b
The verse is referenced in the context of the Passover Haggadah, where it is used to emphasize the importance of recounting the Exodus from Egypt to future generations.
📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is discussed in relation to the miracles performed in Egypt and the importance of transmitting these stories to descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 10:2 mean?
A: Exodus 10:2 emphasizes the importance of passing down the story of the Exodus from Egypt to future generations. It instructs us to recount the miracles and signs that Hashem performed in Egypt so that our children and grandchildren will recognize His power and sovereignty. This verse highlights the mitzvah of 'Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim' (telling the story of the Exodus), which is central to the Passover Seder.
Q: Why is telling the story of the Exodus to our children important?
A: Telling the story of the Exodus is a fundamental mitzvah (commandment) in Judaism, as it strengthens our faith and connects us to our history. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah that recounting the miracles helps us internalize Hashem's presence in our lives. The Talmud (Pesachim 116a) also teaches that each person must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt, making the story relevant to every generation.
Q: How does Exodus 10:2 apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us the ongoing responsibility to educate our children about Jewish history and faith. The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that the Exodus was not just a past event but a lesson for all generations. By retelling the story, we ensure that our children understand Hashem's role in our lives and remain committed to Torah values. This is why the Passover Haggadah places such emphasis on engaging children in the Seder.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'that you may know that I am the Lord' in Exodus 10:2?
A: This phrase teaches that the purpose of the Exodus miracles was to reveal Hashem's presence and authority. Rashi explains that the plagues in Egypt were not just punishments but demonstrations of Hashem's power over nature and false gods. By witnessing and remembering these events, we strengthen our belief in Hashem's unity and His role in guiding Jewish history.
Q: How should we fulfill the commandment to tell the Exodus story to our children?
A: The Torah (Exodus 13:8) and the Mishnah (Pesachim 10:4) instruct us to teach the Exodus story in a way that children can understand. The Passover Seder, with its Four Questions (Mah Nishtana) and storytelling format, is the primary way we fulfill this mitzvah. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1) also emphasizes adjusting the explanation based on the child's level of understanding, ensuring the message is meaningful to them.