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Exodus 12:12 - Divine judgment on Egyptian deities

Exodus 12:12 - שמות 12:12

Hebrew Text

וְעָבַרְתִּי בְאֶרֶץ־מִצְרַיִם בַּלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה וְהִכֵּיתִי כָל־בְּכוֹר בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם מֵאָדָם וְעַד־בְּהֵמָה וּבְכָל־אֱלֹהֵי מִצְרַיִם אֶעֱשֶׂה שְׁפָטִים אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

For I will pass through the land of Miżrayim this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Miżrayim, both man and beast: and against all the gods of Miżrayim I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Ve'avarti be'eretz-mitzrayim balayla hazeh vehiketi chol-bechor be'eretz mitzrayim me'adam ve'ad-behema uvechol-elohay mitzrayim e'eseh shefatim ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָבַרְתִּ֣י בְאֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֘יִם֮ בַּלַּ֣יְלָה הַזֶּה֒ וְהִכֵּיתִ֤י כׇל־בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם מֵאָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה וּבְכׇל־אֱלֹהֵ֥י מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה שְׁפָטִ֖ים אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וְעָבַרְתִּ֣י בְאֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֘יִם֮ בַּלַּ֣יְלָה הַזֶּה֒ וְהִכֵּיתִ֤י כׇל־בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם מֵאָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה וּבְכׇל־אֱלֹהֵ֥י מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה שְׁפָטִ֖ים אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Judgment on Egypt

The verse describes Hashem's execution of the final plague—the death of the firstborn—as both a punishment against Egypt and a demonstration of His supreme authority. Rashi (Shemot 12:12) explains that the phrase "I will pass through" (וְעָבַרְתִּי) indicates Hashem's personal involvement, as He alone distinguishes between the firstborn and others. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 18:11) elaborates that this was a direct intervention, bypassing natural law, to show that no angel or intermediary carried out the plague.

The Scope of the Plague

The verse specifies that the plague affected "all the firstborn... from man to beast", emphasizing its totality. Ramban (Shemot 12:12) notes that even animals were included to demonstrate that Egypt's suffering was complete, leaving no aspect of their society untouched. The Ibn Ezra adds that the inclusion of animals also served to negate any Egyptian claim that the plague was a mere coincidence or natural occurrence.

Judgment Against the Gods of Egypt

The phrase "against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments" is interpreted by Rashi as a direct strike against Egypt's idolatry. The Midrash (Mechilta Bo 12) explains that many Egyptian deities were represented by animals (e.g., the Apis bull, the ram of Amun), and the death of their firstborn animals disgraced these false gods. Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:3) teaches that this was part of Hashem's broader campaign to dismantle idolatry and prove its futility.

The Declaration "I am Hashem"

The verse concludes with "I am Hashem", which the Sforno explains as a reaffirmation of Divine sovereignty. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that this statement reinforced that the plagues were not random acts of nature but deliberate acts of a purposeful G-d, fulfilling His promise to Avraham (Bereishis 15:14) to judge the nation that enslaved His people.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Precision: Hashem's intervention was exact, distinguishing between firstborn and others (Rashi).
  • Total Defeat of Evil: The plague left no room for denial, affecting humans, animals, and even false deities (Ramban).
  • Idolatry's Futility: The judgment exposed the powerlessness of Egypt's gods (Mechilta).
  • Covenantal Fulfillment: The plague affirmed Hashem's commitment to His promises (Netziv).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96b
The verse is discussed in the context of the Passover sacrifice and the plague of the firstborn in Egypt.
📖 Sanhedrin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine justice and the punishment of the Egyptians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:12 mean when it says Hashem will 'pass through' Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that this means Hashem Himself would personally execute judgment in Egypt during the final plague (Makas Bechoros - the Plague of the Firstborn). Unlike other plagues brought through intermediaries like Moshe or Aharon, this was a direct Divine intervention showing Hashem's absolute control.
Q: Why did the plague specifically target firstborns in Egypt?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 18:3) teaches that the firstborn represented Egypt's pride and future. Additionally, since Pharaoh and the Egyptians had drowned Jewish babies in the Nile (Exodus 1:22), this was measure-for-measure justice. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 6:5) notes this demonstrates Divine precision in judgment.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem would execute judgments against Egypt's gods?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 43a) explains that many Egyptian idols were depicted as animals (like the ram, bull, etc.). When the plague killed firstborn animals, it showed the helplessness of these false deities. Rashi adds that some idols literally broke apart during this plague, proving their nothingness before the One true G-d.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize 'I am Hashem' at the end?
A: The Sforno explains this declaration reinforces that this was an act of Divine sovereignty - not natural disaster. Hashem was demonstrating His absolute authority over creation and His unique relationship with Israel. This phrase appears in Exodus to remind us that Hashem keeps His promises (as sworn to Avraham in Genesis 15:14).
Q: How do we commemorate this event today?
A: This verse describes the foundational event of Pesach (Passover). We retell it at the Seder (based on Exodus 13:8), especially when discussing the Ten Plagues. The Rambam (Hilchos Chametz U'Matzah 7:1) rules that we must vividly describe these miracles to transmit our history to future generations.