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Exodus 18:8 - Sharing miracles with family

Exodus 18:8 - שמות 18:8

Hebrew Text

וַיְסַפֵּר מֹשֶׁה לְחֹתְנוֹ אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יְהוָה לְפַרְעֹה וּלְמִצְרַיִם עַל אוֹדֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל אֵת כָּל־הַתְּלָאָה אֲשֶׁר מְצָאָתַם בַּדֶּרֶךְ וַיַּצִּלֵם יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe told his father in law all that the Lord had done to Par῾o and to Miżrayim for the sake of Yisra᾽el, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the Lord delivered them.

Transliteration

Vay'saper Moshe l'khotno et kol-asher asah Adonai l'Faroh ul'Mitzrayim al odot Yisrael et kol-hatla'ah asher m'tza'atam baderekh vayatzilem Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְסַפֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ לְחֹ֣תְנ֔וֹ אֵת֩ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לְפַרְעֹ֣ה וּלְמִצְרַ֔יִם עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֵ֤ת כׇּל־הַתְּלָאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מְצָאָ֣תַם בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וַיַּצִּלֵ֖ם יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיְסַפֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ לְחֹ֣תְנ֔וֹ אֵת֩ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לְפַרְעֹ֣ה וּלְמִצְרַ֔יִם עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֵ֤ת כׇּל־הַתְּלָאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מְצָאָ֣תַם בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וַיַּצִּלֵ֖ם יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 18:8) describes Moshe recounting to his father-in-law, Yitro, the miracles Hashem performed for Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim and during their journey in the wilderness. This occurs after Yitro brings Moshe’s wife and children to him in the desert.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 18:8) explains that Moshe detailed two key aspects:

  • The Plagues and Exodus: "All that Hashem had done to Pharaoh and Egypt"—referring to the Ten Plagues and the splitting of the Yam Suf.
  • The Trials in the Wilderness: "All the travail that had come upon them by the way"—including the lack of water (at Marah), the battle with Amalek, and other challenges.

Rashi emphasizes that Moshe’s purpose was to inspire Yitro to recognize Hashem’s greatness and draw closer to Him.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam discusses how recounting miracles serves to strengthen emunah (faith). Moshe’s retelling to Yitro was not merely a historical account but a means to demonstrate Divine Providence (Hashgachah Pratit) over Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (Yitro 1) elaborates that Moshe described:

  • The severity of the enslavement ("the travail") to highlight the contrast with their redemption.
  • Hashem’s intervention ("delivered them") to show that their salvation was not natural but miraculous.

This aligns with the theme of Hakarat HaTov (recognizing kindness), as Yitro later blesses Hashem (Shemot 18:10).

Ibn Ezra’s Commentary

Ibn Ezra notes that Moshe’s account was comprehensive ("all that Hashem had done") to ensure Yitro understood the full scope of Hashem’s power and mercy. This thoroughness was crucial for Yitro’s decision to join Bnei Yisrael.

Halachic Implication

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 21) derives from this verse the importance of recounting Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) to others, as Moshe did for Yitro. This reinforces the mitzvah of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim, especially during the Seder on Pesach.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Moshe telling his father-in-law about the Exodus?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe shared these events with Yitro (his father-in-law) to inspire him to recognize Hashem's greatness and draw closer to the Jewish people. This eventually led to Yitro's conversion, showing the power of sharing miracles to bring others closer to Torah.
Q: Why does the verse mention both the suffering and the salvation of Israel?
A: The Talmud teaches that remembering both the hardships and the redemption helps us appreciate Hashem's kindness. The 'travail on the way' refers to challenges like the pursuit by Pharaoh and the lack of water, making the eventual miracles more meaningful.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Moshe spoke to Yitro?
A: The Midrash highlights that Moshe didn't just mention the miracles but explained them in detail ('all that the Lord had done'). This teaches us the importance of patiently sharing our spiritual experiences to inspire others, especially those exploring Judaism.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that this was 'for the sake of Israel'?
A: Rambam explains that every detail of the Exodus—including the plagues—was orchestrated to fulfill Hashem's promise to the Avot (Patriarchs) and establish Israel as His nation. This shows Divine providence operates specifically for Jewish destiny.
Q: How does this verse connect to gratitude in Judaism?
A: The Sages derive from here that recounting miracles (like we do in the Haggadah) is a form of hakarat hatov (recognizing goodness). Just as Moshe expressed gratitude by retelling the events, we too should regularly acknowledge Hashem's kindness in our lives.