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Exodus 12:51 - Divine liberation from Egypt's bondage

Exodus 12:51 - שמות 12:51

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה הוֹצִיא יְהוָה אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם עַל־צִבְאֹתָם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass on that selfsame day, that the Lord did bring the children of Yisra᾽el out of the land of Miżrayim by their hosts.

Transliteration

Vayehi be'etzem hayom haze hotzi Adonai et-bnei Yisrael me'eretz Mitzrayim al-tziv'otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֕י בְּעֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה הוֹצִ֨יא יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיְהִ֕י בְּעֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה הוֹצִ֨יא יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (On That Selfsame Day)

Rashi (Shemot 12:41) explains that the phrase "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" emphasizes that the Exodus occurred precisely at midday, when the sun was at its zenith. This demonstrates Hashem's complete mastery over nature, as He performed miracles in broad daylight, defying Pharaoh's authority when his power was perceived to be strongest. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 18:11) adds that this timing fulfilled the promise made to Avraham at the Covenant Between the Parts (Bereishit 15:13-14), showing Hashem's exact precision in fulfilling His word.

The Departure "עַל־צִבְאֹתָם" (By Their Hosts)

The term "צִבְאֹתָם" is interpreted by Ramban (Shemot 12:41) as referring to the organized manner in which Bnei Yisrael left Egypt—arranged by tribes and families, not as a disorderly mob. The Mechilta (Bo 12:51) notes that this military-like formation foreshadowed their future role as Hashem's army, ready to receive the Torah and enter Eretz Yisrael. Ibn Ezra adds that this structure also reflected their dignity and Divine protection, as they departed with great wealth and confidence.

Historical and Theological Implications

  • Divine Precision: The Sforno highlights that the Exodus occurred exactly 430 years to the day from the Covenant Between the Parts, proving Hashem's meticulous fulfillment of His promises.
  • Public Miracle: The Kli Yakar (Shemot 12:41) stresses that the midday departure made the miracle undeniable, as even Egypt's astrologers could not attribute it to natural forces.
  • National Identity: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that leaving "by their hosts" established Bnei Yisrael as a unified nation under Hashem's leadership, not merely as freed slaves.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 11a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the timing of the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing that it occurred on the same day as the original promise.
📖 Megillah 31a
Referenced in the context of the Passover Haggadah and the recounting of the Exodus story during the seder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'on that selfsame day' mean in Exodus 12:51?
A: Rashi explains that 'on that selfsame day' refers to the 15th of Nissan, the exact day Hashem had promised to take Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt. This shows that Hashem keeps His promises precisely as stated.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'by their hosts' when describing the Exodus?
A: The phrase 'by their hosts' (al tzivotam) teaches us that Bnei Yisrael left Egypt in an organized manner, grouped by tribes and families. The Midrash notes this demonstrates their dignity and readiness to receive the Torah at Har Sinai.
Q: Why is it important that the Exodus happened in broad daylight?
A: The verse emphasizes it happened 'on that selfsame day' (b'etzem hayom hazeh), meaning in full daylight. Ramban explains this shows Hashem's power - He took them out openly, without fear of Pharaoh's army, proving it was a miraculous redemption.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Passover Seder?
A: This verse is the biblical source for mentioning the Exodus during the Seder. The Mishnah in Pesachim teaches we must discuss the Exodus 'on that day' - just as the Torah emphasizes the precise timing of our redemption.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 12:51 today?
A: The Seforno teaches that just as Hashem redeemed us from Egypt with precision and care, we must trust that He continues to guide Jewish history. This verse reminds us to recognize Hashem's hand in both national and personal redemptions.