Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 10:29 mean when Moshe says 'I will see your face again no more'?
A: This verse marks the final confrontation between Moshe and Pharaoh before the final plague (the death of the firstborn). Rashi explains that Moshe was declaring he would no longer come to Pharaoh to plead or warn him, as the time for negotiations had ended. The 'face' represents direct interaction - Moshe would no longer appear before Pharaoh personally.
Q: Why is Exodus 10:29 important in the story of the Exodus?
A: This verse is significant because it represents the point of no return in the conflict between Moshe and Pharaoh. The Midrash teaches that until this moment, there was always the possibility of Pharaoh repenting to avoid further plagues. After this declaration, the process leading to the final plague and the Exodus became inevitable.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's statement in Exodus 10:29?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse demonstrates there comes a point when one must stop trying to persuade those who persistently reject truth. After repeated warnings (through the first nine plagues), Moshe recognized further discussion with Pharaoh was futile. This teaches us wisdom in knowing when to disengage from unproductive conflicts.
Q: How does the phrase 'see your face' have special meaning in Jewish tradition?
A: In Jewish thought, 'seeing someone's face' often represents intimate, direct interaction. The Talmud (Berachos 6b) explains that 'face' (פנים) implies being in someone's presence. Thus, Moshe wasn't just saying he wouldn't see Pharaoh visually, but that he would completely cease all direct communication with him.
Q: Why did Moshe say 'you have spoken well' before his strong statement in Exodus 10:29?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe was acknowledging Pharaoh's earlier words (in verse 10:28) where Pharaoh threatened Moshe. By saying 'you have spoken well,' Moshe was showing that he accepted this as Pharaoh's final position, and therefore their interactions were concluded. This demonstrates the Jewish value of recognizing when dialogue has reached its limit.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Shemot 10:29) appears at the conclusion of the plague of darkness, where Pharaoh partially relents but still refuses to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt permanently. Moshe responds to Pharaoh's conditional offer with this firm declaration.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Moshe's words, "כֵּן דִּבַּרְתָּ" ("Thou hast spoken well"), are not praise but rather an acknowledgment of Pharaoh's stubbornness. Moshe is essentially saying: "You have spoken truthfully in revealing your unwillingness to fully submit to Hashem's will." The phrase "לֹא־אֹסִף עוֹד רְאוֹת פָּנֶיךָ" ("I will see thy face again no more") is interpreted by Rashi to mean that Moshe would no longer come to Pharaoh of his own initiative—only by divine command (as seen later in Shemot 11:4-8).
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra emphasizes that Moshe's statement was a prophetic declaration, indicating that the final plague (the death of the firstborn) would soon follow, after which Pharaoh would no longer have the power to negotiate. Thus, Moshe was conveying that their meetings had reached an end.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:4) elaborates that Moshe's words carried a deeper meaning: Pharaoh had exhausted his opportunities for repentance. By refusing to fully release Bnei Yisrael, he sealed his fate, and Moshe would no longer engage with him in dialogue.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 6:3) alludes to this verse when discussing the concept of השגחה פרטית (divine providence). Pharaoh's hardened heart and Moshe's response demonstrate that when a person repeatedly rejects repentance, they may lose the chance to change—highlighting the gravity of free will.
Key Lessons