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Exodus 14:10 - Fear before salvation arrives?

Exodus 14:10 - שמות 14:10

Hebrew Text

וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב וַיִּשְׂאוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־עֵינֵיהֶם וְהִנֵּה מִצְרַיִם נֹסֵעַ אַחֲרֵיהֶם וַיִּירְאוּ מְאֹד וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And when Par῾o drew near, the children of Yisra᾽el lifted up their eyes, and, behold, Miżrayim marched after them; and they were very much afraid: and the children of Yisra᾽el cried out to the Lord.

Transliteration

U-Far-o hik-riv va-yi-s'u v'nei Yis-ra-eil et-ei-nei-hem ve-hi-nei Mitz-ra-yim no-sei-a a-cha-rei-hem va-yir-u me-od va-yitz-a-ku v'nei Yis-ra-eil el-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּפַרְעֹ֖ה הִקְרִ֑יב וַיִּשְׂאוּ֩ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל אֶת־עֵינֵיהֶ֜ם וְהִנֵּ֥ה מִצְרַ֣יִם&thinsp
וּפַרְעֹ֖ה הִקְרִ֑יב וַיִּשְׂאוּ֩ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל אֶת־עֵינֵיהֶ֜ם וְהִנֵּ֥ה מִצְרַ֣יִם&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Exodus Narrative

This verse (Shemot 14:10) describes the pivotal moment when Pharaoh and the Egyptian army approach the Israelites after their departure from Egypt. The Israelites, trapped between the sea and the advancing army, experience terror and cry out to Hashem. This moment sets the stage for the miraculous splitting of the Yam Suf (Red Sea).

Rashi's Commentary on the Verse

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהִנֵּה מִצְרַיִם נֹסֵעַ אַחֲרֵיהֶם" ("behold, Egypt was marching after them") implies that the Egyptians appeared as if they were traveling with the Israelites, suggesting they had peaceful intentions at first. However, their true malicious intent was soon revealed. Rashi also notes that the Israelites' fear stemmed from seeing the Egyptian forces in full military array, including chariots and horsemen.

The Nature of the Israelites' Fear

The Midrash (Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael) elaborates on the phrase "וַיִּירְאוּ מְאֹד" ("and they were very much afraid"):

  • The Israelites were divided into four groups—some wanted to return to Egypt, others considered suicide, some planned to fight, and the righteous cried out to Hashem in prayer.
  • This reflects the different spiritual levels among Bnei Yisrael during moments of crisis.

The Significance of Crying Out to Hashem

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1) teaches that sincere prayer in times of distress is a fundamental expression of emunah (faith). The Israelites' cry ("וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־יְהוָה") demonstrates their recognition that salvation comes only from Hashem, even when natural circumstances seem hopeless.

Chassidic Perspective on the Crisis

The Sfat Emet (R' Yehudah Aryeh Leib of Gur) explains that this moment was a test of faith. The Israelites had just witnessed the Ten Plagues and the Exodus, yet they still succumbed to fear when facing a new challenge. This teaches that emunah requires constant renewal, especially when confronted with new obstacles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the Israelites afraid when they saw the Egyptians chasing them?
A: The Israelites were afraid because they saw Pharaoh and the Egyptian army approaching them at the Red Sea, and they felt trapped with no escape. According to Rashi, their fear was natural since they were unarmed and surrounded by a powerful enemy. This moment tested their faith in Hashem's promise to save them.
Q: What does it mean that the Israelites 'cried out to the Lord'?
A: When the Israelites cried out to Hashem, they turned to Him in sincere prayer for salvation. The Midrash teaches that this was a moment of spiritual awakening—they recognized that only divine intervention could save them. This teaches us the importance of turning to Hashem in times of distress.
Q: Why did Pharaoh change his mind and chase the Israelites after letting them go?
A: According to the Talmud (Sotah 36b), Pharaoh regretted freeing the Israelites because he thought they were lost in the wilderness. Rashi explains that Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart to demonstrate His full power over Egypt, ensuring that Pharaoh would pursue them and that the miracle of the Red Sea would be witnessed by all.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' reaction in this verse?
A: This verse teaches us about human nature—even after witnessing the miracles of the Ten Plagues, the Israelites still feared when facing danger. However, their immediate response—turning to Hashem in prayer—shows the proper way to handle fear. The Rambam teaches that true faith means trusting in Hashem even in difficult moments.
Q: How does this verse connect to the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea?
A: This moment of crisis led directly to the miracle of the Red Sea. The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that Hashem waited until the Israelites cried out to Him before performing the miracle, showing that divine help often comes after we demonstrate our faith through prayer and effort. The splitting of the sea was the ultimate demonstration of Hashem’s protection.