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Exodus 11:4 - Divine midnight judgment strikes Egypt.

Exodus 11:4 - שמות 11:4

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה כַּחֲצֹת הַלַּיְלָה אֲנִי יוֹצֵא בְּתוֹךְ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And Moshe said, Thus says the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Miżrayim:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe: "Ko amar Adonai: Kachatzot halaila ani yotze betoch Mitzrayim."

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּחֲצֹ֣ת הַלַּ֔יְלָה אֲנִ֥י יוֹצֵ֖א בְּת֥וֹךְ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּחֲצֹ֣ת הַלַּ֔יְלָה אֲנִ֥י יוֹצֵ֖א בְּת֥וֹךְ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Timing of the Plague

The verse states that Hashem would go out into the midst of Mitzrayim "כַּחֲצֹת הַלַּיְלָה" (about midnight). Rashi (Shemot 11:4) explains that Moshe said "about midnight" rather than specifying the exact time because the Egyptian astrologers might miscalculate and accuse Moshe of falsehood if the plague did not occur precisely at midnight. This teaches the importance of precision in speech to avoid even the appearance of deception.

Hashem's Direct Intervention

The phrase "אֲנִי יוֹצֵא בְּתוֹךְ מִצְרָיִם" (I will go out into the midst of Mitzrayim) emphasizes that the final plague—the death of the firstborn—was carried out by Hashem Himself, not through an intermediary angel or natural cause. The Ramban (Shemot 12:12) highlights this as a demonstration of Hashem's absolute sovereignty and direct judgment upon Egypt.

Midnight as a Time of Judgment

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 18:1) notes that midnight is a time associated with divine judgment and redemption. Just as the plague of the firstborn occurred at midnight, so too was the redemption from Egypt completed at this time. This connects to the broader theme of "ma'aseh avot siman la'banim" (the deeds of the forefathers are a sign for the children), as future redemptions may follow similar patterns.

The Precision of Divine Justice

  • The Ibn Ezra (Shemot 11:4) points out that the plague struck precisely at midnight, demonstrating Hashem's exacting justice. The Egyptians oppressed Bnei Yisrael at all hours, yet the judgment came at a specific, measured time.
  • The Sforno adds that the term "כַּחֲצֹת" (about midnight) also alludes to the idea that while human perception of time is approximate, Hashem's actions are perfectly timed.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 4a
The verse is discussed in the context of the precise timing of midnight and its significance in Jewish law and tradition.
📖 Yoma 28b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of divine interventions and the importance of precision in fulfilling commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'about midnight' mean in Exodus 11:4?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe said 'about midnight' instead of 'at midnight' because Pharaoh's astrologers might make a mistake in their calculations and accuse Moshe of falsehood if the plague didn't happen exactly at midnight. This teaches us the importance of precise speech and avoiding even potential misunderstandings.
Q: Why did Hashem bring the final plague at midnight?
A: The Midrash teaches that midnight represents the deepest darkness, when Egypt was at the height of its arrogance and oppression. By striking at this exact time, Hashem demonstrated His complete control over nature and His ability to judge the wicked at their most powerful moment.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem 'going out' into Egypt in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains that this emphasizes Hashem's personal involvement in the plague of the firstborn. Unlike other plagues which were brought through intermediaries, this final judgment came directly from Hashem Himself, showing the severity of Egypt's sins and the special protection over Bnei Yisrael.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Passover story?
A: This verse introduces the final plague which led directly to the Exodus. The Sages teach that the precise timing at midnight shows how Hashem's redemption comes exactly when He determines, and that our salvation often comes at what seems like the darkest hour.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 11:4?
A: The Talmud derives from this verse that we should be careful in our speech (like Moshe was with 'about midnight'). Additionally, it teaches that Hashem is intimately involved in world events and will bring justice at the exact right time, even if we don't see it immediately.