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Exodus 17:5 - Divine staff splits sea?

Exodus 17:5 - שמות 17:5

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה עֲבֹר לִפְנֵי הָעָם וְקַח אִתְּךָ מִזִּקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וּמַטְּךָ אֲשֶׁר הִכִּיתָ בּוֹ אֶת־הַיְאֹר קַח בְּיָדְךָ וְהָלָכְתָּ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Pass before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Yisra᾽el; and thy rod, with which thou smotest the river, take in thy hand, and go.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe avor lifnei ha'am v'kach itcha miziknei Yisra'el u'matecha asher hikita bo et-ha'ye'or kach b'yadecha v'halachta.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה עֲבֹר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָעָ֔ם וְקַ֥ח אִתְּךָ֖ מִזִּקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וּמַטְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכִּ֤יתָ בּוֹ֙ אֶת־הַיְאֹ֔ר קַ֥ח בְּיָדְךָ֖ וְהָלָֽכְתָּ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה עֲבֹר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָעָ֔ם וְקַ֥ח אִתְּךָ֖ מִזִּקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וּמַטְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכִּ֤יתָ בּוֹ֙ אֶת־הַיְאֹ֔ר קַ֥ח בְּיָדְךָ֖ וְהָלָֽכְתָּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 17:5) appears in the context of the Israelites' complaint about lack of water in the wilderness. After leaving Egypt, the people quarrel with Moshe, demanding water, and Hashem instructs Moshe to take specific actions to provide for them.

Key Elements of the Command

  • "Pass before the people" - Rashi explains that Moshe was to lead the people with confidence, demonstrating that he was not afraid of their complaints. This teaches the importance of leadership standing firm in times of crisis.
  • "Take with thee of the elders of Yisra᾽el" - The Ramban notes that involving the elders was both to witness the miracle and to share responsibility, reinforcing the principle of communal leadership (based on Sanhedrin 8a).
  • "Thy rod, with which thou smotest the river" - The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 26:2) explains that this was the same staff used for the plagues in Egypt, symbolizing that Hashem's power over nature is consistent—just as He brought judgment on Egypt, He could now bring sustenance to Israel.

Symbolism of the Staff

The staff represents divine authority and miracles. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Moshe was instructed to take it "in thy hand"—not merely to carry it but to actively wield it with intention, showing that human effort (hishtadlut) is required even when miracles occur.

Lessons in Leadership and Faith

According to the Sforno, this episode teaches that leaders must address crises publicly ("pass before the people") while maintaining trust in Hashem. The inclusion of the elders also highlights that Torah leadership is not solitary but involves shared wisdom and accountability.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to take the elders of Israel with him?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem instructed Moshe to take the elders as witnesses to the miracle of drawing water from the rock (Exodus 17:6). This would strengthen the people's faith and show that Moshe acted with divine authority.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe taking his rod?
A: The Ramban teaches that Moshe's rod was a symbol of divine power, having been used previously to perform miracles like striking the Nile (Exodus 7:20). Taking it demonstrated that the coming miracle would be performed through Hashem's might, not human ability.
Q: Why does the verse mention that this was the rod used to strike the Nile?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 26:2) explains this emphasizes the rod's connection to judgment (as the Nile turning to blood was a judgment on Egypt), showing that Hashem could bring both judgment and mercy - here He would bring life-giving water to His people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem telling Moshe to 'pass before the people'?
A: The Sforno teaches that Moshe was to demonstrate leadership by going ahead of the people, showing them the way both physically and spiritually. This teaches us that true leaders must set an example by going first in difficult situations.
Q: How does this verse connect to trusting in Hashem during difficult times?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) derives from this incident that we must trust in Hashem even when natural solutions seem impossible. Just as water came from a rock, Hashem can provide in unexpected ways when we follow His commands with faith.