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Exodus 11:3 - Divine favor before redemption.

Exodus 11:3 - שמות 11:3

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן יְהוָה אֶת־חֵן הָעָם בְּעֵינֵי מִצְרָיִם גַּם הָאִישׁ מֹשֶׁה גָּדוֹל מְאֹד בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בְּעֵינֵי עַבְדֵי־פַרְעֹה וּבְעֵינֵי הָעָם׃

English Translation

And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of Miżrayim; moreover the man Moshe was very great in the land of Miżrayim, in the sight of Par῾o’s servants, and in the sight of the people.

Transliteration

Vayiten Adonai et-chen ha'am be'enei Mitzrayim, gam ha'ish Moshe gadol me'od be'eretz Mitzrayim be'enei avdei-Faroh uve'enei ha'am.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָעָ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם גַּ֣ם <b>׀</b> הָאִ֣ישׁ מֹשֶׁ֗ה גָּד֤וֹל מְאֹד֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּעֵינֵ֥י עַבְדֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה וּבְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָעָ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם גַּ֣ם ׀ הָאִ֣ישׁ מֹשֶׁ֗ה גָּד֤וֹל מְאֹד֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּעֵינֵ֥י עַבְדֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה וּבְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Favor for Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim

The verse states that Hashem granted the Jewish people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. Rashi (Shemot 11:3) explains that this favor was manifested when the Egyptians willingly lent their precious items to Bnei Yisrael before the Exodus, fulfilling the promise that they would leave with great wealth (Bereishit 15:14). The Sforno adds that this favor was necessary to ensure the Egyptians would not harm the Jews during the final plagues.

The Greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu

The Torah emphasizes that Moshe was "very great in the land of Mitzrayim." Ramban (Shemot 11:3) explains this refers to Moshe's elevated status as a leader and prophet, recognized even by Pharaoh's court. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 8:1) elaborates that Moshe's greatness included:

  • His unwavering commitment to demanding Pharaoh release the Jewish people
  • His miraculous powers demonstrated through the plagues
  • His moral authority that commanded respect from both royalty and commoners

Dual Perspective on Moshe's Greatness

The verse specifies that Moshe was esteemed both by "Pharaoh's servants" and "the people." The Malbim notes this distinction:

  • Pharaoh's servants respected Moshe due to his supernatural abilities and divine mandate
  • The general Egyptian populace revered him because of his moral character and leadership

This dual recognition reflects the complete nature of Moshe's leadership - both in spiritual and temporal matters.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem gave the Jewish people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians?
A: According to Rashi, this means that the Egyptians willingly lent their precious items to the Jews before the Exodus, despite the plagues. This fulfilled Hashem's promise to Avraham that the Jews would leave Egypt with great wealth (Bereishit 15:14).
Q: Why was Moshe considered 'very great' in Egypt?
A: The Midrash explains that Moshe had tremendous stature both physically and spiritually. His leadership during the plagues earned him respect even among Pharaoh's servants and the Egyptian people, showing that true greatness comes from serving Hashem with dedication.
Q: How does this verse show Hashem's kindness to the Jewish people?
A: The Rambam teaches that Hashem arranged for the Egyptians to view the Jews favorably so they would willingly give them gifts. This demonstrates how Hashem cares for His people even in difficult circumstances, ensuring they had provisions for their journey.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe being respected by the Egyptians?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that a person who is righteous and consistent in their service of Hashem will ultimately earn respect, even from adversaries. Moshe's greatness came from his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
Q: Why is it important that this happened right before the Exodus?
A: The Sforno explains that this favor and Moshe's stature were necessary preparations for the Exodus. It ensured the Jews could leave peacefully with their belongings, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating Hashem's complete control over the redemption process.