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Exodus 10:7 - Pharaoh's advisors fear destruction?

Exodus 10:7 - שמות 10:7

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ עַבְדֵי פַרְעֹה אֵלָיו עַד־מָתַי יִהְיֶה זֶה לָנוּ לְמוֹקֵשׁ שַׁלַּח אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁים וְיַעַבְדוּ אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם הֲטֶרֶם תֵּדַע כִּי אָבְדָה מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And Par῾o’s servants said to him, How long shall this man be a snare to us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowst thou not yet that Miżrayim is destroyed?

Transliteration

Vayomru avdei Paro elav ad-matai yihyeh zeh lanu lemokesh shalach et-ha'anashim veya'avdu et-Adonai Eloheihem haterem teda ki avda Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ֩ עַבְדֵ֨י פַרְעֹ֜ה אֵלָ֗יו עַד־מָתַי֙ יִהְיֶ֨ה זֶ֥ה לָ֙נוּ֙ לְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְיַֽעַבְד֖וּ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם הֲטֶ֣רֶם תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֩ עַבְדֵ֨י פַרְעֹ֜ה אֵלָ֗יו עַד־מָתַי֙ יִהְיֶ֨ה זֶ֥ה לָ֙נוּ֙ לְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְיַֽעַבְד֖וּ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם הֲטֶ֣רֶם תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Exodus 10:7) appears during the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, specifically before the plague of locusts. Pharaoh's servants, witnessing the devastation caused by the previous plagues, urge Pharaoh to relent and allow the Israelites to leave Egypt to serve Hashem. Their plea reflects the growing recognition among the Egyptians of the futility of resisting the Divine will.

Pharaoh's Servants Speak Out

The phrase "עַד־מָתַי יִהְיֶה זֶה לָנוּ לְמוֹקֵשׁ" ("How long shall this man be a snare to us?") suggests that Pharaoh's stubbornness is causing harm to Egypt. Rashi explains that "this man" refers to Moshe, whose demands for Israel's freedom have become a "snare" (מוֹקֵשׁ)—a trap leading to Egypt's downfall. The servants recognize that Pharaoh's refusal to yield is self-destructive.

The Servants' Argument

Their statement "שַׁלַּח אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁים וְיַעַבְדוּ אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם" ("Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God") indicates a pragmatic shift in their stance. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 5) notes that even Pharaoh's advisors, who initially supported his oppression of Israel, now see the wisdom in releasing them to avoid further calamity.

"הֲטֶרֶם תֵּדַע כִּי אָבְדָה מִצְרָיִם"

The servants' warning—"Know you not yet that Egypt is destroyed?"—highlights the severity of the plagues' impact. The Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that the word "אָבְדָה" ("destroyed") implies not just physical ruin but also economic and social collapse. Egypt's infrastructure, agriculture, and morale were decimated, yet Pharaoh remained obstinate.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Recognition of Divine Power: Even Pharaoh's servants, who were complicit in Israel's oppression, ultimately acknowledged Hashem's supremacy (Sforno).
  • The Danger of Stubbornness: Pharaoh's refusal to heed wise counsel led to Egypt's downfall, teaching the consequences of arrogance (Talmud, Sotah 11a).
  • Impact of Leadership Decisions: A ruler's choices affect the entire nation, as seen in how Pharaoh's defiance brought suffering upon all Egyptians (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'this man be a snare to us' mean in Exodus 10:7?
A: Pharaoh's advisors refer to Moshe (Moses) as a 'snare' because his demands to free the Israelites and the resulting plagues were causing great harm to Egypt. Rashi explains that they saw Moshe's presence and messages as a trap leading to their downfall, urging Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to avoid further destruction.
Q: Why did Pharaoh's servants say 'Egypt is destroyed' in Exodus 10:7?
A: After witnessing the devastating plagues, Pharaoh's advisors recognized that Egypt was being ruined economically and socially. The Midrash teaches that they pleaded with Pharaoh to acknowledge reality—the country could not withstand more punishments from Hashem for refusing to free the Israelites.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's servants admitting Egypt's downfall?
A: This verse teaches the importance of recognizing truth and admitting when one is wrong. Unlike Pharaoh, who hardened his heart, his advisors showed wisdom by acknowledging Hashem's power. The Rambam emphasizes that true leadership requires humility to change course when faced with clear evidence of wrongdoing.
Q: How does Exodus 10:7 show the impact of the plagues on Egypt?
A: The plea from Pharaoh's servants proves that the plagues had crippled Egypt. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) notes that even the elite, who initially supported Pharaoh, now saw the futility of resisting Hashem's will. Their statement reflects the complete societal collapse caused by the plagues.
Q: Why did Pharaoh's servants suggest letting the Israelites worship Hashem?
A: They understood that Egypt's suffering would only end if the Israelites were permitted to serve Hashem. Rashi explains that they recognized the plagues as divine punishment for oppressing the Israelites. Their advice reflects the Torah principle that injustice inevitably brings consequences, and repentance (letting the Israelites go) is the solution.