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Exodus 18:4 - Divine rescue from Pharaoh's sword

Exodus 18:4 - שמות 18:4

Hebrew Text

וְשֵׁם הָאֶחָד אֱלִיעֶזֶר כִּי־אֱלֹהֵי אָבִי בְּעֶזְרִי וַיַּצִּלֵנִי מֵחֶרֶב פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

and the name of the other was Eli῾ezer (for the God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Par῾o:)

Transliteration

Veshem ha'echad Eli'ezer ki-Elokei avi be'ezri vayatzileni mecherev Par'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשֵׁ֥ם הָאֶחָ֖ד אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר כִּֽי־אֱלֹהֵ֤י אָבִי֙ בְּעֶזְרִ֔י וַיַּצִּלֵ֖נִי מֵחֶ֥רֶב פַּרְעֹֽה׃
וְשֵׁ֥ם הָאֶחָ֖ד אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר כִּֽי־אֱלֹהֵ֤י אָבִי֙ בְּעֶזְרִ֔י וַיַּצִּלֵ֖נִי מֵחֶ֥רֶב פַּרְעֹֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states: "וְשֵׁם הָאֶחָד אֱלִיעֶזֶר כִּי־אֱלֹהֵי אָבִי בְּעֶזְרִי וַיַּצִּלֵנִי מֵחֶרֶב פַּרְעֹה" ("and the name of the other was Eliezer, for the God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh"). This is Moshe Rabbeinu's explanation for naming his son Eliezer, expressing gratitude to Hashem for saving him from Pharaoh's sword.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Shemot 18:4) explains that Moshe named his son Eliezer as a testimony to the miracle Hashem performed for him when he fled from Pharaoh after killing the Egyptian taskmaster. Pharaoh sought to execute Moshe with the sword, but Hashem saved him. The name Eliezer (אֱלִיעֶזֶר) literally means "My God is my help," reflecting Moshe's recognition of divine intervention.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 4:2) elaborates that Moshe was sentenced to death by Pharaoh's sword, but the sword had no effect on him—either it miraculously broke, or his neck became as hard as ivory. This miracle demonstrated Hashem's protection over Moshe, even before his official role as the redeemer of Israel.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 9:1) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging miracles, as Moshe did by naming his son Eliezer. This act serves as a perpetual reminder of Hashem's salvation and reinforces the principle of hakaras hatov (recognizing kindness).

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection: The verse highlights Hashem's direct intervention in saving Moshe, foreshadowing His role in the future redemption from Egypt.
  • Gratitude: Naming a child after a miracle is a profound expression of thanks, a concept rooted in Jewish tradition (e.g., Yehudah named for Leah's gratitude—Bereishis 29:35).
  • Testimony: The name Eliezer serves as an eternal testimony to Hashem's power and kindness, teaching future generations to recognize divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Eliezer' mean in Exodus 18:4?
A: The name 'Eliezer' (אֱלִיעֶזֶר) means 'My God is my help.' Moshe named his son this to express gratitude to Hashem for saving him from Pharaoh's sword (Rashi on Exodus 18:4).
Q: Why did Moshe mention being saved from Pharaoh's sword in Exodus 18:4?
A: Moshe was recalling how Hashem protected him when Pharaoh sought to kill him after he defended a Jewish slave (Midrash Shemot Rabbah 1:31). This shows gratitude for divine salvation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe naming his son Eliezer?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and acknowledging Hashem's help in our lives. Naming a child after a miracle is a way to eternally remember divine kindness (Rambam, Hilchot Berachot 10:2).
Q: How does Exodus 18:4 connect to gratitude in Judaism?
A: The verse teaches that we must actively remember and give thanks for Hashem's salvation. This is why Moshe named his son Eliezer—to create a lasting reminder of gratitude (Talmud, Berachot 54b).
Q: Who was Eliezer in the Torah?
A: Eliezer was Moshe's second son, born to Tzipporah. His name reflects Moshe's gratitude for being saved from Pharaoh. Later, Eliezer served as a priest (Midrash Tanchuma, Shemot 27).