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Exodus 12:42 - Divine redemption night vigil

Exodus 12:42 - שמות 12:42

Hebrew Text

לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים הוּא לַיהוָה לְהוֹצִיאָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם הוּא־הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה לַיהוָה שִׁמֻּרִים לְכָל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְדֹרֹתָם׃

English Translation

It is a night of watchfulness to the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Miżrayim: this is the Lord’s watchnight, for all the children of Yisra᾽el in their generations.

Transliteration

Layl shimurim hu la'Adonai l'hotzi'am me'eretz Mitzrayim, hu-halayla hazeh la'Adonai shimurim l'khol-b'nei Yisra'el l'dorotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֵ֣יל שִׁמֻּרִ֥ים הוּא֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה לְהוֹצִיאָ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם הֽוּא־הַלַּ֤יְלָה הַזֶּה֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים לְכׇל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
לֵ֣יל שִׁמֻּרִ֥ים הוּא֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה לְהוֹצִיאָ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם הֽוּא־הַלַּ֤יְלָה הַזֶּה֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים לְכׇל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "Leil Shimurim"

The phrase "לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים" ("a night of watchfulness") is interpreted in multiple ways by our Sages. Rashi (Exodus 12:42) explains that this was a night guarded by Hashem from before, designated for the redemption of Bnei Yisrael from Mitzrayim. The term "shimurim" implies divine protection, as Hashem watched over His people to fulfill His promise to Avraham at the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts).

Two Aspects of Divine Watchfulness

  • Protection for Bnei Yisrael: The Mechilta (Bo 14) teaches that this night was guarded from harmful forces, ensuring no destructive angels could harm them during Makkat Bechorot (the Plague of the Firstborn).
  • Fulfillment of the Geulah (Redemption): The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 7:1) emphasizes that this night was preordained for redemption, demonstrating Hashem’s precise timing in history.

An Eternal Observance

The verse concludes that this night is "שִׁמֻּרִים לְכָל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְדֹרֹתָם" ("a watch-night for all Bnei Yisrael for their generations"). The Sifrei (Devarim 129) explains that this establishes the mitzvah of recounting the Exodus on Pesach night, as stated in the Haggadah: "In every generation, one must see themselves as if they left Mitzrayim."

The Dual Nature of the Night

The Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 18:12) notes that the double phrasing ("לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים... שִׁמֻּרִים") hints at two dimensions:

  • Past: The historical night of Yetziat Mitzrayim.
  • Future: A night guarded for the final redemption, as alluded to in the Zohar (Shemot 38a), which connects this night to the future geulah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the Passover night and its significance as a night of divine protection and redemption.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Bo, Parsha 7
The verse is cited in the Mekhilta, a tannaitic midrash, to elaborate on the nature of the night of the Exodus and its observance for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a night of watchfulness' mean in Exodus 12:42?
A: The phrase 'a night of watchfulness' (לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים) refers to the night of the Exodus from Egypt, when Hashem vigilantly watched over Bnei Yisrael to protect and redeem them. Rashi explains that this was a night designated for future redemption as well, showing Hashem's eternal care for His people.
Q: Why is this night called 'the Lord’s watchnight'?
A: It is called 'the Lord’s watchnight' because Hashem was actively involved in guarding and redeeming Bnei Yisrael on this night. The Midrash teaches that this night was set aside for miracles and divine intervention, not just in Egypt but for future generations as well.
Q: How do we observe this 'night of watchfulness' today?
A: Today, we observe this night during the Seder on Pesach (Passover), when we retell the story of the Exodus. The Haggadah emphasizes that in every generation, one must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt, keeping the memory of Hashem's watchfulness alive.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 12:42?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem's constant protection and faithfulness. Just as He watched over Bnei Yisrael in Egypt, He continues to guard and redeem His people throughout history. The Rambam highlights this as a foundation of emunah (faith) in divine providence.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is central to the Pesach narrative, reinforcing the belief in Hashem's redemption. The Talmud (Berachot 9a) connects it to the idea that future salvations will also occur at this appointed time, making it a cornerstone of Jewish hope and trust in divine deliverance.