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Exodus 14:25 - Divine intervention halts pursuers.

Exodus 14:25 - שמות 14:25

Hebrew Text

וַיָּסַר אֵת אֹפַן מַרְכְּבֹתָיו וַיְנַהֲגֵהוּ בִּכְבֵדֻת וַיֹּאמֶר מִצְרַיִם אָנוּסָה מִפְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי יְהוָה נִלְחָם לָהֶם בְּמִצְרָיִם

English Translation

And he took off their chariot wheels, that they drove heavily: so that Miżrayim said, Let us flee from the face of Yisra᾽el; for the Lord fights for them against Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Va'yasar et ofan mark'votav va'yanhagehu bichvedut va'yomer Mitzrayim anusa mipnei Yisrael ki Adonai nilcham lahem be'Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֗סַר אֵ֚ת אֹפַ֣ן מַרְכְּבֹתָ֔יו וַֽיְנַהֲגֵ֖הוּ בִּכְבֵדֻ֑ת וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מִצְרַ֗יִם אָנ֙וּסָה֙ מִפְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה נִלְחָ֥ם לָהֶ֖ם בְּמִצְרָֽיִם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּ֗סַר אֵ֚ת אֹפַ֣ן מַרְכְּבֹתָ֔יו וַֽיְנַהֲגֵ֖הוּ בִּכְבֵדֻ֑ת וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מִצְרַ֗יִם אָנ֙וּסָה֙ מִפְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה נִלְחָ֥ם לָהֶ֖ם בְּמִצְרָֽיִם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus) 14:25

This verse describes the climax of Kriyat Yam Suf (the Splitting of the Red Sea), where Hashem intervenes to save Bnei Yisrael from the pursuing Egyptian army. The removal of the chariot wheels and the subsequent declaration by the Egyptians highlight Divine intervention and the recognition of Hashem's power.

Rashi's Explanation of "וַיָּסַר אֵת אֹפַן מַרְכְּבֹתָיו"

Rashi (Shemot 14:25) explains that Hashem caused the wheels of the Egyptian chariots to become detached ("ויסר"—"He removed"), making them immobile. This was a miraculous act, as the wheels were not merely stuck but actively removed from their axles. Rashi further notes that the Egyptians themselves acknowledged this as supernatural, leading to their realization that "Hashem fights for Israel."

Meaning of "וַיְנַהֲגֵהוּ בִּכְבֵדֻת"

The phrase "וינהגהו בכבדת" ("that they drove heavily") is interpreted by the Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) to mean that the chariots became burdensome and difficult to maneuver. The Ibn Ezra adds that this was a direct result of the wheels being removed, causing the chariots to sink into the muddy seabed, further demonstrating Hashem's control over nature.

Egypt's Declaration: "אָנוּסָה מִפְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל"

The Egyptians' cry, "Let us flee from before Israel", reflects their sudden recognition of Divine justice. The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 10) explains that at this moment, Pharaoh’s army understood that they were not merely fighting Israel but opposing Hashem Himself. This aligns with the principle of "המקום נלחם להם" ("The Omnipresent fights for them"), emphasizing that their defeat was inevitable.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Intervention

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) discusses miracles as temporary suspensions of natural law to affirm Hashem’s sovereignty. Here, the removal of the chariot wheels served as an unmistakable sign that Egypt’s military might was powerless against Divine will, reinforcing the lesson that "כי ה' נלחם להם" ("for Hashem fights for them").

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Justice: The Egyptians, who had oppressed Bnei Yisrael, faced retribution in a manner that mirrored their cruelty—just as they had enslaved Israel with harsh labor ("בפרך"), their chariots became a burden ("בכבדת").
  • Recognition of Hashem: Even the enemies of Israel were forced to acknowledge Hashem’s power, fulfilling the prophecy that "וידעו מצרים כי אני ה'" (Shemot 7:5).
  • Trust in Hashem: The miracle reinforced Bnei Yisrael’s faith, as they witnessed firsthand that Hashem defends His people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 14:25 mean when it says 'He took off their chariot wheels'?
A: According to Rashi, this means that Hashem miraculously caused the wheels of the Egyptian chariots to become detached or stuck in the mud, making them unable to chase after the Israelites. The Midrash explains that the wheels were lifted off entirely to show that nature itself was being overturned for the sake of Israel's salvation.
Q: Why did the Egyptians say 'Let us flee from Israel' in Exodus 14:25?
A: The Egyptians realized that they were facing divine intervention, as stated in the verse 'for Hashem fights for them against Egypt.' Ramban explains that they recognized the supernatural nature of their difficulties (like the chariot wheels coming off) and understood they couldn't win against G-d's protection of Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 14:25 about divine protection?
A: This verse teaches that when Hashem decides to protect His people, even the mightiest armies (like Egypt's chariots, which were the most advanced military technology of that time) become powerless. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) derives from here that no one can harm those whom G-d protects, emphasizing our reliance on divine providence.
Q: How does Exodus 14:25 show the difference between Egyptian and Israelite perspectives?
A: While the Egyptians saw only natural obstacles (like chariot wheels coming off), the Israelites were witnessing open miracles (like the splitting of the sea). The Kli Yakar explains that this verse shows how the same events can appear differently - to the Egyptians as natural disasters, but to Israel as clear divine salvation.
Q: Why is the phrase 'Hashem fights for them' in Exodus 14:25 significant?
A: This declaration by the Egyptians confirms that even Israel's enemies recognized G-d's hand in their salvation. The Sforno notes that this public recognition fulfilled the purpose of the plagues - to demonstrate Hashem's power and His special relationship with Israel. This theme continues throughout Jewish history, where our survival against odds testifies to divine protection.