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Exodus 12:41 - Divine promise fulfilled precisely.

Exodus 12:41 - שמות 12:41

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי מִקֵּץ שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה וַיְהִי בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה יָצְאוּ כָּל־צִבְאוֹת יְהוָה מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass at the end of four hundred and thirty years, even on that very day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Vayehi miketz shloshim shana ve'arba me'ot shana vayehi be'etzem hayom haze yatz'u kol-tzivot Adonai me'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י מִקֵּץ֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיְהִ֗י בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה יָ֥צְא֛וּ כׇּל־צִבְא֥וֹת יְהֹוָ֖ה מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיְהִ֗י מִקֵּץ֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיְהִ֗י בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה יָ֥צְא֛וּ כׇּל־צִבְא֥וֹת יְהֹוָ֖ה מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Duration of the Egyptian Exile

The verse states that Bnei Yisrael left Egypt after 430 years. However, there is a seeming contradiction with Bereishit 15:13, where Hashem tells Avraham that his descendants will be enslaved for 400 years. Rashi (on Shemot 12:40) resolves this by explaining that the 430 years began from the birth of Yitzchak, while the 400 years of servitude began from the birth of Yishmael (when Avraham's descendants became a recognizable nation). The actual harsh slavery in Egypt lasted only 210 years, as calculated by the Seder Olam and other Midrashic sources.

The Precision of the Exodus

The phrase "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("on that very day") emphasizes the exactness of the redemption. The Mechilta explains that the Egyptians sought to delay the Exodus, but Hashem ensured Bnei Yisrael left precisely at the appointed time. Ramban adds that this demonstrates Hashem's absolute control over history—the redemption occurred exactly as foretold to Avraham, not a moment earlier or later.

"All the Hosts of Hashem"

The term "צִבְאוֹת יְהוָה" ("hosts of Hashem") is interpreted in multiple ways:

  • Rashi: It refers to the multitude of Bnei Yisrael, who are called "hosts of Hashem" because they are dedicated to His service.
  • Ibn Ezra: It includes both the Israelites and the "erev rav" (mixed multitude) who joined them, showing that redemption was open to all who aligned with Hashem's will.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: It alludes to the celestial "hosts"—angels who accompanied Bnei Yisrael during the Exodus, as hinted in Shir HaShirim (8:2).

Significance of the Exodus Date

The Sforno notes that the Exodus occurred on the 15th of Nissan, the same date as the Covenant Between the Parts (Bereishit 15). This reinforces that the redemption was a fulfillment of Hashem's covenant with Avraham. The Vilna Gaon adds that the precision of the date teaches that geulah (redemption) follows a divine timetable, not human calculations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 10b
The verse is discussed in the context of determining the exact date of the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the precision of the timing as mentioned in the verse.
📖 Megillah 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the chronology of Jewish history and the fulfillment of divine promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the verse mention 430 years when earlier it says 400 years of slavery?
A: The Torah mentions both 400 years (Genesis 15:13) and 430 years (Exodus 12:41) because they count from different starting points. Rashi explains that the 400 years began from the birth of Isaac (when Abraham's descendants truly began), while the 430 years count from when Abraham first received God's promise (Genesis 12:2). The actual slavery in Egypt lasted about 210 years according to many Jewish sources.
Q: What is the significance of 'on that very day' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'on that very day' teaches us that the Exodus happened precisely when God had promised it would. The Midrash explains that the Egyptians tried to prevent Israel from leaving at the appointed time, but God made sure it happened exactly as foretold to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). This shows God's perfect timing and faithfulness to His promises.
Q: Why does the verse call the Israelites 'the hosts of the Lord'?
A: By calling them 'the hosts of the Lord,' the Torah emphasizes that the Israelites were now an organized nation under God's command, no longer slaves. Ramban explains this term shows they left Egypt with dignity and military formation, ready to receive the Torah at Sinai and become God's chosen people.
Q: How do we know the exact date of the Exodus from this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish chronology calculates the 430 years from when Abraham entered Canaan (Nisan 1, 1948 from Creation) until the Exodus (Nisan 15, 2448). The Seder Olam and Talmudic sources use this dating system. The 'very day' refers to the 15th of Nisan, which became Passover (Pesach) - the date is eternally significant in Jewish tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the Exodus happening exactly on time?
A: This teaches us about divine providence (hashgacha pratis) - that God controls history and fulfills His promises precisely. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97a) derives from this that all redemption comes at its appointed time. Just as God redeemed our ancestors exactly when He said He would, we trust in His perfect timing for all matters.