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Exodus 12:28 - Israel obeys divine Passover command

Exodus 12:28 - שמות 12:28

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלְכוּ וַיַּעֲשׂוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן כֵּן עָשׂוּ׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moshe and Aharon, so they did.

Transliteration

Vayelchu vaya'asu bnei Yisrael ka'asher tzivah Hashem et Moshe ve'Aharon ken asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Obedience to Divine Command

The verse (Shemot 12:28) emphasizes the complete obedience of Bnei Yisrael to the commandments of Hashem as conveyed through Moshe and Aharon. Rashi notes that the repetition of the phrase "כֵּן עָשׂוּ" ("so they did") underscores their unwavering compliance without adding or omitting any details. This mirrors the principle of "לא תסור מן הדבר אשר יגידו לך ימין ושמאל" (Devarim 17:11), which commands adherence to Torah leadership without deviation.

Unity in Fulfillment

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 7) highlights that the phrase "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("the children of Israel") indicates collective action—the entire nation acted as one. This unity was crucial for the redemption from Mitzrayim, as the Sforno explains that their unanimous acceptance of the mitzvah of Korban Pesach demonstrated their readiness for geulah (redemption).

The Role of Moshe and Aharon

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) teaches that the authority of Moshe and Aharon as divine messengers was foundational. The verse stresses "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה' אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן" ("as the Lord commanded Moshe and Aharon"), reinforcing that their directives were not personal but emanated from Hashem. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) states that honoring Torah leaders is akin to honoring the Divine Presence itself.

Lessons for Future Generations

  • Emunah in Leadership: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that Bnei Yisrael's trust in Moshe and Aharon set a precedent for emunah (faith) in Torah sages throughout history.
  • Precision in Mitzvot: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that their exact fulfillment teaches the importance of performing mitzvot meticulously, without alteration.
  • Communal Responsibility: The Ohr HaChaim highlights that their collective action reflects the principle of "כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה" ("all Jews are responsible for one another").

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:28 mean?
A: Exodus 12:28 describes how the Jewish people faithfully followed G-d's commandments regarding the Passover offering (Korban Pesach) exactly as instructed through Moshe and Aharon. This verse highlights their obedience during the Exodus from Egypt, marking a key moment of trust in G-d's instructions before the final plague.
Q: Why is Exodus 12:28 important?
A: This verse is important because it demonstrates the Jewish people's commitment to fulfilling G-d's commandments precisely, even under difficult circumstances in Egypt. Rashi notes that their immediate compliance ('so they did') showed their readiness for redemption, setting a precedent for future generations in observing mitzvot with devotion.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 12:28 today?
A: We learn the value of unwavering faith and prompt fulfillment of mitzvot. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) derives from this verse that performing commandments exactly as instructed—without additions or omissions—is essential. This applies today in our meticulous observance of halacha (Jewish law) as transmitted through tradition.
Q: How did the Jewish people know what to do in Exodus 12:28?
A: Moshe and Aharon conveyed G-d's detailed instructions for the Passover offering (Exodus 12:1–27), including selecting a lamb, slaughtering it, and marking doorposts with its blood. The Midrash (Mechilta) emphasizes that the people followed these laws despite the Egyptians' hostility, showing extraordinary faith.
Q: Does Exodus 12:28 relate to Passover observance today?
A: Yes! Just as the verse describes obedience to the original Passover commandments, today we commemorate this event through the Seder and retelling the Exodus story (Haggadah). The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1) explains that remembering this moment reinforces our connection to G-d's miracles and our ancestors' faithfulness.