share torah logo

Exodus 10:3 - Pharaoh's stubbornness delays redemption?

Exodus 10:3 - שמות 10:3

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֵלָיו כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים עַד־מָתַי מֵאַנְתָּ לֵעָנֹת מִפָּנָי שַׁלַּח עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי׃

English Translation

And Moshe and Aharon came to Par῾o and said to him, Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Moshe ve'Aharon el-Par'o va'yomru elav ko-amar Adonai Elohei ha'Ivrim ad-matai me'anta le'anot mipanai shalach ami ve'ya'avduni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹן֮ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה֒ וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים עַד־מָתַ֣י מֵאַ֔נְתָּ לֵעָנֹ֖ת מִפָּנָ֑י שַׁלַּ֥ח עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃
וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹן֮ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה֒ וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים עַד־מָתַ֣י מֵאַ֔נְתָּ לֵעָנֹ֖ת מִפָּנָ֑י שַׁלַּ֥ח עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 10:3) occurs during the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, specifically before the plague of locusts. Moshe and Aharon deliver a stern message from Hashem to Pharaoh, demanding the release of Bnei Yisrael so they may serve Him. This confrontation highlights the ongoing struggle between divine will and Pharaoh's obstinacy.

Key Phrases and Their Meanings

  • "כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים" (Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews): Rashi explains that this phrasing emphasizes Hashem's unique relationship with the Hebrews (Bnei Yisrael), distinguishing Him from the gods of Egypt. The title "God of the Hebrews" reinforces that the demand for liberation is tied to their divine service.
  • "עַד־מָתַי מֵאַנְתָּ לֵעָנֹת מִפָּנָי" (How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me?): The Ramban notes that this rebuke underscores Pharaoh's repeated refusal to submit to Hashem's authority despite witnessing the previous plagues. The term "לֵעָנֹת" (to humble yourself) implies that Pharaoh's resistance stems from pride, a recurring theme in the narrative.
  • "שַׁלַּח עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי" (Let my people go, that they may serve me): The Sforno teaches that the ultimate purpose of the Exodus was not merely physical freedom but spiritual service—Bnei Yisrael were to leave Egypt to fulfill their destiny as Hashem's nation through Torah and mitzvot.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 5) elaborates that Pharaoh's stubbornness was a result of Hashem hardening his heart, a divine measure to demonstrate His full power through the plagues. This hardening was a response to Pharaoh's initial, voluntary defiance, as seen in earlier chapters.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

  • The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 6:3) derives from this verse that true humility before Hashem requires acknowledging His sovereignty and abandoning arrogance—a lesson applicable to all generations.
  • The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the demand for Pharaoh to "humble himself" serves as a timeless reminder that leadership must be tempered with humility before the Divine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Let my people go, that they may serve me' mean in Exodus 10:3?
A: This verse means that Hashem commanded Pharaoh to release the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt so they could freely serve Him. According to Rashi, the purpose of the Exodus was not just physical freedom, but the ability to worship Hashem and receive the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon say 'God of the Hebrews' when speaking to Pharaoh?
A: Moshe and Aharon emphasized 'God of the Hebrews' to remind Pharaoh that Hashem is specifically the God of the Jewish people, as explained by the Ramban. This was a direct challenge to Pharaoh's claim of divinity and Egypt's idolatrous beliefs, showing that the true God was demanding the freedom of His people.
Q: What does 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me' teach us?
A: This phrase teaches that Pharaoh's stubbornness was a refusal to acknowledge Hashem's authority. The Midrash explains that Hashem gave Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent through the plagues, showing that true leadership requires humility before God. This lesson applies to all people about the importance of submitting to divine will.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Passover story?
A: This verse is part of the buildup to the final plagues and the Exodus, which we commemorate on Passover. The Sforno explains that the demand 'Let my people go' was essential for the Jewish people to fulfill their destiny of becoming a nation that serves Hashem, which began with the Passover offering and the Exodus.
Q: What can we learn today from Moshe and Aharon confronting Pharaoh?
A: We learn the importance of courageously standing up for truth and Jewish values, even against powerful opposition. The Talmud (Sotah 11a) praises Moshe and Aharon's bravery in repeatedly confronting Pharaoh. This teaches us to be steadfast in our faith and commitments, just as our leaders were in Egypt.