Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 18:11 mean when it says 'Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods'?
A: This verse is spoken by Yitro (Jethro), Moshe's father-in-law, after hearing about the miracles Hashem performed for the Jewish people in Egypt and at the Red Sea. According to Rashi, Yitro had previously worshipped every idol in the world, but now recognized that Hashem is the one true G-d who is above all false deities. The 'gods' refer to the Egyptian deities and other nations' idols that were powerless against Hashem's might.
Q: Why is Yitro's declaration in Exodus 18:11 important?
A: Yitro's statement is significant because it represents a gentile's sincere recognition of Hashem's supremacy after witnessing His miracles. The Rambam explains that this teaches us the importance of acknowledging truth when we see it, regardless of our background. Yitro, who was originally a pagan priest, became a righteous convert (ger tzedek), showing that anyone can come to recognize and serve Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 18:11 today?
A: We learn that Hashem's greatness is evident through His actions in the world. Just as Yitro recognized Hashem's power through the Exodus miracles, we too should recognize Hashem's hand in our lives and in history. The Midrash teaches that this verse reminds us to publicly acknowledge Hashem's wonders and share our recognition of His greatness with others, as Yitro did.
Q: What does 'for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them' mean in Exodus 18:11?
A: This refers to how Hashem punished the Egyptians measure-for-measure (middah k'neged middah) for their arrogance. Rashi explains that when the Egyptians acted proudly (like enslaving the Jews or chasing them to the Red Sea), Hashem demonstrated His superiority by defeating them in those very same areas - drowning the Egyptian army in the sea they proudly chased the Jews into, and freeing the slaves they proudly oppressed.
Q: How does Exodus 18:11 relate to the concept of idol worship?
A: The verse clearly rejects idol worship by stating Hashem's supremacy over all false gods. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 55a) explains that idols have no real power, and this verse demonstrates how Hashem humiliated the Egyptian deities through the Ten Plagues, each targeting a different false god (like the Nile god Hapi during the plague of blood). Yitro's declaration shows that recognizing Hashem's uniqueness requires rejecting all other supposed deities.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Exodus 18:11) is spoken by Yitro (Jethro), Moshe's father-in-law, after witnessing the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). Yitro acknowledges the supremacy of Hashem over all other deities, recognizing His power through the downfall of Egypt, who had arrogantly oppressed Bnei Yisrael.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Yitro had previously worshipped every idol in the world, yet only now—after seeing the divine justice exacted upon Egypt—did he fully recognize Hashem's greatness. The phrase "כִּי בַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר זָדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם" ("for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly") refers to Egypt's arrogance in drowning Jewish infants (as mentioned in Shemot 1:22), for which they were punished measure for measure at the Yam Suf (Red Sea).
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:63), Rambam discusses how Yitro's declaration reflects a philosophical truth: Hashem's supremacy is demonstrated through His control over nature and history. Unlike pagan gods, who were believed to be limited or regional, Hashem's dominion is absolute, as proven by His intervention in Egypt.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implication
The Gemara (Sanhedrin 94a) derives from this verse that one who hears about the downfall of the wicked must recite a blessing acknowledging Hashem's justice, as Yitro did. This reinforces the principle of "צַדִּיק ה' בְּכָל־דְּרָכָיו" ("Hashem is righteous in all His ways").