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Exodus 14:6 - Pharaoh's stubborn pursuit continues

Exodus 14:6 - שמות 14:6

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּאְסֹר אֶת־רִכְבּוֹ וְאֶת־עַמּוֹ לָקַח עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

Transliteration

Va'yesor et-richbo ve'et-amo lakach imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּאְסֹ֖ר אֶת־רִכְבּ֑וֹ וְאֶת־עַמּ֖וֹ לָקַ֥ח עִמּֽוֹ׃
וַיֶּאְסֹ֖ר אֶת־רִכְבּ֑וֹ וְאֶת־עַמּ֖וֹ לָקַ֥ח עִמּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot/Exodus 14:6) describes Pharaoh's preparations to pursue the Israelites after they left Egypt. The phrase "וַיֶּאְסֹר אֶת־רִכְבּוֹ" ("And he made ready his chariot") signifies Pharaoh's personal involvement in leading the chase, demonstrating his stubbornness and refusal to accept Hashem's supremacy even after the ten plagues.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Pharaoh himself harnessed his chariot, rather than delegating this task to his servants. This emphasizes his eagerness and determination to recapture the Israelites, as he personally took charge of the mission. Rashi also notes that Pharaoh took "his people" (עַמּוֹ), referring not only to his soldiers but also to the Egyptian populace, indicating a national mobilization against Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 2): The Midrash highlights Pharaoh's arrogance, comparing him to a foolish king who, despite being defeated multiple times, continues to wage war. His insistence on pursuing the Israelites—even after the devastation of the plagues—reveals his refusal to acknowledge divine intervention.
  • Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael: The phrase "וַיֶּאְסֹר אֶת־רִכְבּוֹ" is interpreted as Pharaoh harnessing his own chariot to inspire his people, showing that even the king was willing to lead the charge. This rallied the Egyptians to follow him into battle.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:36), Rambam discusses Pharaoh's hardened heart as an example of divine justice. By pursuing the Israelites despite clear signs of Hashem's power, Pharaoh demonstrated his free will in choosing evil, thereby justifying his eventual punishment at the Yam Suf (Red Sea).

Symbolism of the Chariot

The Malbim notes that Pharaoh's chariot represents his reliance on military might and human power, in contrast to Bnei Yisrael's dependence on divine salvation. This theme recurs throughout the Exodus narrative, emphasizing that true victory comes from Hashem, not human strength.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is 'he' in Exodus 14:6, and why did he prepare his chariot?
A: The verse refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt. According to Rashi, Pharaoh personally led his army in chariots to chase after the Israelites after they left Egypt, showing his stubbornness and refusal to accept G-d's will even after the Ten Plagues.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Pharaoh took his people with him?
A: The Midrash explains that Pharaoh didn't go alone but mobilized his entire nation to join the pursuit. This demonstrates how he influenced all of Egypt to share in his wickedness and opposition to the Israelites' freedom, as mentioned in Exodus Rabbah (21:5).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh preparing his chariot to chase the Israelites?
A: The Rambam teaches that Pharaoh's actions show the danger of stubbornness (עקשנות). Even after witnessing G-d's miracles, Pharaoh hardened his heart and pursued the Israelites, teaching us the importance of being open to truth and not persisting in wrong decisions.