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Exodus 10:23 - Light amidst Egyptian darkness

Exodus 10:23 - שמות 10:23

Hebrew Text

לֹא־רָאוּ אִישׁ אֶת־אָחִיו וְלֹא־קָמוּ אִישׁ מִתַּחְתָּיו שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים וּלְכָל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָיָה אוֹר בְּמוֹשְׁבֹתָם׃

English Translation

they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Yisra᾽el had light in their dwellings.

Transliteration

Lo-ra'u ish et-achiv ve-lo-kamu ish mitachtav shloshet yamim u-lechol-bnei Yisrael haya or be-moshvotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־רָא֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת־אָחִ֗יו וְלֹא־קָ֛מוּ אִ֥ישׁ מִתַּחְתָּ֖יו שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֑ים וּֽלְכׇל־בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל הָ֥יָה א֖וֹר בְּמוֹשְׁבֹתָֽם׃
לֹֽא־רָא֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת־אָחִ֗יו וְלֹא־קָ֛מוּ אִ֥ישׁ מִתַּחְתָּ֖יו שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֑ים וּֽלְכׇל־בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל הָ֥יָה א֖וֹר בְּמוֹשְׁבֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Plagues of Egypt

The verse (Shemot 10:23) describes the ninth plague—darkness—that struck Egypt while Bnei Yisrael had light in their dwellings. This plague lasted three days, during which the Egyptians could not see one another or move from their places. The contrast between the Egyptians and Bnei Yisrael highlights Divine intervention and the distinction between the oppressors and the oppressed.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 10:23) explains that the darkness was so thick that the Egyptians could not even see each other, nor could they rise from their seated positions. This immobilized them, preventing any resistance or escape. Meanwhile, Bnei Yisrael had light, allowing them to inspect the Egyptian homes and identify where valuables were stored. This later facilitated the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Bnei Yisrael would leave Egypt with great wealth (Shemot 3:22).

Midrashic Insights

  • Darkness as Punishment: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:3) teaches that this plague corresponded to the Egyptians' oppression of Bnei Yisrael, who were forced to live in darkness and confinement. The plague thus served as middah k'neged middah (measure for measure).
  • Spiritual Darkness: The darkness also symbolized the moral and spiritual blindness of the Egyptians, who refused to recognize Hashem's sovereignty despite witnessing the previous plagues.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:10) discusses how the plagues demonstrated Hashem's control over nature. The darkness, in particular, defied natural laws, as it was not merely an absence of light but a tangible obstruction—preventing movement and vision only for the Egyptians.

Light for Bnei Yisrael

The light in the dwellings of Bnei Yisrael was miraculous, as it allowed them to see while the Egyptians were engulfed in darkness. The Mechilta (Bo 13) notes that this light was not merely physical but also spiritual, symbolizing the Divine favor and protection granted to Bnei Yisrael even amidst the plagues.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the plagues in Egypt, particularly the plague of darkness, and how the Israelites were unaffected by it.
📖 Sanhedrin 39b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the miracles performed for the Israelites in Egypt, emphasizing the distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians during the plagues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the Egyptians couldn't see each other for three days?
A: This was the ninth plague—darkness—where a thick, tangible darkness covered Egypt (Rashi on Exodus 10:22). The darkness was so intense that Egyptians couldn't move or see one another (Midrash Shemot Rabbah 14:3). This demonstrated Hashem's power over nature and His protection of Bnei Yisrael, who had light in their homes.
Q: Why did Bnei Yisrael have light while Egypt was in darkness?
A: The light in Jewish homes showed Hashem's distinction between the Egyptians and Bnei Yisrael (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 1:24). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:3) explains that this light also allowed Jews to inspect Egyptian homes discreetly before the Exodus, seeing where treasures were kept (as later they would request them).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the plague of darkness?
A: The plague teaches that Hashem controls all aspects of existence—even light and darkness (Talmud, Chagigah 12a). It also emphasizes divine justice: the Egyptians enslaved Bnei Yisrael, so they were 'imprisoned' in darkness (Midrash Tanchuma, Bo 3). Today, it reminds us that even in times of hardship, Hashem provides clarity for those who follow His ways.