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Exodus 14:30 - Divine salvation, Egypt's demise witnessed

Exodus 14:30 - שמות 14:30

Hebrew Text

וַיּוֹשַׁע יְהוָה בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִיַּד מִצְרָיִם וַיַּרְא יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־מִצְרַיִם מֵת עַל־שְׂפַת הַיָּם׃

English Translation

Thus the Lord saved Yisra᾽el that day out of the hand of Miżrayim; and Yisra᾽el saw Miżrayim dead upon the sea shore.

Transliteration

Vayosha Adonai bayom hahu et Yisrael miyad Mitzrayim vayar Yisrael et Mitzrayim met al sfat hayam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיּ֨וֹשַׁע יְהֹוָ֜ה בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֛וּא אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִיַּ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיַּ֤רְא יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־מִצְרַ֔יִם מֵ֖ת עַל־שְׂפַ֥ת הַיָּֽם׃
וַיּ֨וֹשַׁע יְהֹוָ֜ה בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֛וּא אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִיַּ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיַּ֤רְא יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־מִצְרַ֔יִם מֵ֖ת עַל־שְׂפַ֥ת הַיָּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Salvation of Israel at the Sea

The verse describes Hashem's miraculous salvation of Bnei Yisrael from the hands of Egypt, culminating in their witnessing the drowned Egyptians on the shore of the Yam Suf (Red Sea). This event represents the complete and final redemption from Egyptian bondage.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 14:30) notes that the phrase "וַיַּרְא יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־מִצְרַיִם מֵת" ("Israel saw Egypt dead") implies that the Egyptians were recognizable as they washed ashore. This served as proof to Bnei Yisrael that their oppressors had truly perished, removing any fear of future pursuit.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (Beshalach 6) teaches that the Egyptians were cast onto the shore so Bnei Yisrael wouldn't mistakenly think they had merely escaped rather than being actively saved by Hashem.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 10) states that the sea expelled the Egyptian corpses because it didn't want to be contaminated by their impurity, just as it later would refuse to absorb the body of Moshe Rabbeinu.

Philosophical Dimensions

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:15) explains that witnessing the destruction of their oppressors served an important psychological purpose - it removed any lingering doubts about Hashem's complete mastery over nature and history. This experience helped solidify their emunah (faith) as they began their journey toward receiving the Torah.

Halachic Perspective

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 16) connects this event to the mitzvah of remembering Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt), noting that seeing the dead Egyptians reinforced the miracle and became an essential part of the national memory that we recount annually at the Seder.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed for Israel and the downfall of Egypt, illustrating God's salvation and justice.
📖 Sotah 36b
Mentioned in the context of the splitting of the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of the Egyptians, emphasizing the divine intervention in saving Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 14:30 mean?
A: Exodus 14:30 describes the final moment of the Exodus when Hashem saved the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. It emphasizes that the Israelites saw the Egyptians dead on the shore, confirming their complete deliverance from slavery. Rashi explains that this was a miraculous event where the sea cast out the Egyptian bodies so the Israelites could see their enemies were truly defeated.
Q: Why is Exodus 14:30 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it marks the culmination of the Exodus, proving Hashem's power and faithfulness to the Jewish people. The Rambam teaches that remembering the Exodus is a fundamental principle of Judaism, and this verse reinforces the miracle that solidified our ancestors' freedom. The Talmud (Pesachim 118a) also discusses how this event demonstrated divine justice.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 14:30 today?
A: We learn that Hashem intervenes in history to protect His people. Just as the Israelites witnessed the Egyptians' defeat, we are reminded to recognize Hashem's hand in our lives. The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that this sight strengthened the Israelites' faith, teaching us to acknowledge and internalize the miracles we experience.
Q: How does Exodus 14:30 connect to Passover?
A: This verse is part of the Passover narrative read during the holiday. It highlights the final act of liberation from Egypt, which we commemorate at the Seder. The Hagaddah references this moment to illustrate the completeness of our redemption, showing that the threat of Egypt was permanently removed.
Q: Why did the Israelites need to see the dead Egyptians?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, seeing the dead Egyptians served two purposes: 1) It confirmed that the threat was truly over, preventing any fear of pursuit, and 2) It allowed the Israelites to recognize the full extent of Hashem's miracle. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this sight inspired them to sing the Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam) in gratitude.