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Exodus 14:31 - Faith after mighty miracles

Exodus 14:31 - שמות 14:31

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַיָּד הַגְּדֹלָה אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יְהוָה בְּמִצְרַיִם וַיִּירְאוּ הָעָם אֶת־יְהוָה וַיַּאֲמִינוּ בַּיהוָה וּבְמֹשֶׁה עַבְדּוֹ׃

English Translation

And Yisra᾽el saw that great work which the Lord did upon Miżrayim: and the people feared the Lord, and believed in the Lord, and in his servant Moshe.

Transliteration

Va'yar Yisra'et et-hayad hagdola asher asah Adonai beMitzrayim va'yir'u ha'am et-Adonai va'ya'aminu ba'Adonai uvMoshe avdo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨רְא יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־הַיָּ֣ד הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ הָעָ֖ם אֶת־יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּאֲמִ֙ינוּ֙ בַּֽיהֹוָ֔ה וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖ה עַבְדּֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיַּ֨רְא יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־הַיָּ֣ד הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ הָעָ֖ם אֶת־יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּאֲמִ֙ינוּ֙ בַּֽיהֹוָ֔ה וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖ה עַבְדּֽוֹ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Great Hand of Hashem

The verse states, "And Yisrael saw that great work which the Lord did upon Mitzrayim". Rashi explains that the "great hand" refers to the mighty and supernatural miracles performed by Hashem during the Exodus, particularly the splitting of the Red Sea (Yam Suf). The term "הַיָּד הַגְּדֹלָה" (the great hand) emphasizes that these were not natural events but direct divine interventions, demonstrating Hashem's absolute power over creation.

Fear and Belief in Hashem

The verse continues, "and the people feared the Lord, and believed in the Lord". The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:1-2) teaches that witnessing such miracles instills yiras Hashem (fear/awe of G-d) and strengthens emunah (faith). The Talmud (Makkos 23b) notes that this belief was not merely intellectual but experiential—they saw and internalized Hashem's presence.

Belief in Moshe as Hashem's Servant

The verse concludes, "and in Moshe His servant". The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 23:5) explains that recognizing Moshe's role as עַבְדּוֹ (His servant) was essential because a true prophet must be validated through undeniable signs. The people now fully accepted Moshe's leadership and his divine mission, as his prophecies had been confirmed through the plagues and the Exodus.

  • Rashi: The "great hand" refers to the open miracles at the Red Sea.
  • Rambam: Miracles inspire fear and belief in Hashem.
  • Midrash: Belief in Moshe was a consequence of his validated prophecy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 31a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of faith and fear of God, illustrating how the Israelites' belief in God and Moses was strengthened by witnessing the miracles in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 14:31 mean when it says Israel 'saw the great work' of Hashem?
A: The verse refers to the miracles of the splitting of the Red Sea and the drowning of the Egyptian army, which were clear demonstrations of Hashem's power. Rashi explains that the Israelites actually 'saw' these events with their own eyes, leading to a deep recognition of Hashem's greatness.
Q: Why did the people fear Hashem after seeing the miracles in Egypt?
A: The Midrash teaches that true fear of Heaven comes from witnessing Hashem's greatness firsthand. When the Israelites saw the precise judgment against Egypt and the salvation for themselves, they developed a profound awe of Hashem's justice and power.
Q: What does it mean that the Israelites 'believed in Hashem and in Moshe His servant'?
A: The Rambam explains that this verse establishes the principle of trusting in both Hashem and His true prophets. After witnessing Moshe's prophecies come true with the Exodus and splitting of the sea, the people reached a complete faith in Moshe's divine mission.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Exodus 14:31 today?
A: The Sages teach that we should learn from the Israelites' reaction - when we recognize Hashem's hand in our lives (through both miracles and daily blessings), it should strengthen our faith and commitment to Torah. The Chofetz Chaim notes that remembering past miracles helps build trust during difficult times.
Q: Why does the verse mention belief in Moshe separately from belief in Hashem?
A: The Talmud (Makkot 24a) explains that accepting Moshe's prophecy is fundamental to Judaism, as he was the greatest prophet who brought us the Torah. This verse shows that proper faith requires belief in both Hashem and the authenticity of His Torah as transmitted through Moshe.