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Exodus 15:13 - Divine mercy guides redemption's path.

Exodus 15:13 - שמות 15:13

Hebrew Text

נָחִיתָ בְחַסְדְּךָ עַם־זוּ גָּאָלְתָּ נֵהַלְתָּ בְעָזְּךָ אֶל־נְוֵה קָדְשֶׁךָ׃

English Translation

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people whom thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength to thy holy habitation.

Transliteration

Nachita vechasdekha am-zu ga'alta nehalta ve'ozekha el-neve kodshekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

נָחִ֥יתָ בְחַסְדְּךָ֖ עַם־ז֣וּ גָּאָ֑לְתָּ&nbsp
נָחִ֥יתָ בְחַסְדְּךָ֖ עַם־ז֣וּ גָּאָ֑לְתָּ&nbsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis (Exodus 15:13)

The verse "נָחִיתָ בְחַסְדְּךָ עַם־זוּ גָּאָלְתָּ נֵהַלְתָּ בְעָזְּךָ אֶל־נְוֵה קָדְשֶׁךָ" appears in Shirat HaYam (the Song of the Sea), sung by Bnei Yisrael after the splitting of the Red Sea. It reflects gratitude for Hashem's guidance during the Exodus and toward the future Beit HaMikdash.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Divine Mercy (בְחַסְדְּךָ): Rashi explains that the redemption from Egypt was an act of chessed (lovingkindness), as Bnei Yisrael were unworthy of such miracles based on their merits alone. This aligns with the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 23:1), which emphasizes Hashem's boundless compassion.
  • Redemption (גָּאָלְתָּ): The Ramban notes that the term ga’alta implies not just physical salvation but a spiritual elevation, marking the beginning of Bnei Yisrael’s covenantal relationship with Hashem.
  • Guidance (נֵהַלְתָּ): The Talmud (Berachot 4a) connects this to the pillar of cloud and fire, symbolizing Hashem’s constant protection and direction in the wilderness.
  • Holy Habitation (נְוֵה קָדְשֶׁךָ): Ibn Ezra interprets this as referring to Har Sinai and ultimately the Beit HaMikdash, the eternal dwelling place of the Shechinah.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (Beshalach 3) teaches that this verse hints at the future redemption, paralleling the Exodus with the ultimate Geulah. The Sforno adds that the "strength" (עָזְּךָ) refers to the miracles that sustained Bnei Yisrael until they reached their spiritual destination.

Practical Lessons

  • Recognizing Hashem’s chessed in both past and present deliverance.
  • Trusting in divine guidance, even when the path is unclear.
  • Aspiration toward holiness, as symbolized by the "נְוֵה קָדְשֶׁךָ."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 15:13 mean in simple terms?
A: Exodus 15:13 describes how Hashem (G-d) guided the Jewish people with kindness after redeeming them from Egypt, leading them with His strength toward the Holy Land. Rashi explains that this verse is part of the 'Song of the Sea,' sung after the splitting of the Red Sea, expressing gratitude for G-d's ongoing protection and guidance.
Q: Why is Exodus 15:13 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it highlights two key aspects of the Jewish relationship with G-d: His חסד (kindness) in redeeming us and His עוז (strength) in guiding us. The Talmud (Berachot 4b) connects this to daily prayer, reminding us to acknowledge G-d's constant care, just as He did during the Exodus.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 15:13 today?
A: We learn that just as G-d guided the Jewish people through the wilderness with mercy and strength, He continues to guide us in our lives. The Midrash (Mechilta) teaches that this verse reminds us to trust in G-d's plan, even when the path forward isn't clear, as He ultimately leads us toward holiness.
Q: What does 'holy habitation' refer to in this verse?
A: According to traditional Jewish commentators like Ramban, 'holy habitation' refers to the Land of Israel and ultimately the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The verse shows that the Exodus wasn't just about leaving Egypt—it was about being brought to a place where we could serve G-d fully, as explained in the Sifrei on Deuteronomy.
Q: How does this verse connect to Shabbat or Jewish holidays?
A: This verse is part of the 'Az Yashir' song recited daily in Jewish prayers and prominently on Shabbat. The Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 31a) connect it to the future redemption, showing that just as G-d redeemed us from Egypt, He will redeem us again—a theme emphasized during Passover and other holidays.