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Exodus 19:4 - Divine rescue on eagles' wings

Exodus 19:4 - שמות 19:4

Hebrew Text

אַתֶּם רְאִיתֶם אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתִי לְמִצְרָיִם וָאֶשָּׂא אֶתְכֶם עַל־כַּנְפֵי נְשָׁרִים וָאָבִא אֶתְכֶם אֵלָי׃

English Translation

You have seen what I did to Miżrayim, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.

Transliteration

Atem re'item asher asiti lemitzrayim va'esa etchem al-kanfei nesharim va'avi etchem elai.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתִי לְמִצְרָ֑יִם וָאֶשָּׂ֤א אֶתְכֶם֙ עַל־כַּנְפֵ֣י נְשָׁרִ֔ים וָאָבִ֥א אֶתְכֶ֖ם אֵלָֽי׃
אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתִי לְמִצְרָ֑יִם וָאֶשָּׂ֤א אֶתְכֶם֙ עַל־כַּנְפֵ֣י נְשָׁרִ֔ים וָאָבִ֥א אֶתְכֶ֖ם אֵלָֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 19:4) is part of Hashem's message to Bnei Yisrael at Har Sinai, reminding them of His miraculous redemption from Mitzrayim and His ongoing protection. The imagery of "eagles' wings" is rich with meaning in Jewish tradition.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the metaphor of an eagle carrying its young on its wings teaches about Hashem's protective care during Yetziat Mitzrayim:

  • The eagle, unlike other birds, carries its young on its back to protect them from arrows - similarly, Hashem placed the Clouds of Glory between Bnei Yisrael and the pursuing Egyptians (Shemot 14:19-20).
  • "I bore you" refers to the swiftness of the Exodus, as eagles fly faster than other birds.

Mechilta and Midrashic Interpretations

The Mechilta and Midrash Tanchuma expand on this imagery:

  • The eagle's wings represent both protection and elevation - just as an eagle lifts its young high, Hashem elevated Bnei Yisrael spiritually at Har Sinai.
  • "Brought you to Myself" refers to the ultimate purpose of Yetziat Mitzrayim - to receive the Torah and enter into a covenant with Hashem.

Rambam's Philosophical Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam explains that the eagle metaphor teaches about Divine Providence:

  • Just as an eagle carefully carries its young without dropping them, Hashem's providence guided Israel through the wilderness.
  • The "wings" represent the means through which Divine protection operates in the physical world.

Kli Yakar's Insight

The Kli Yakar notes the contrast between:

  • What I did to Mitzrayim (judgment)
  • What I did for you (mercy and elevation)

This shows the dual nature of the Exodus - both punitive for Egypt and redemptive for Israel.

Contemporary Application

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this verse establishes the foundation for Kabbalat HaTorah:

  • The Exodus wasn't merely physical freedom but preparation for spiritual service.
  • "Brought you to Myself" implies that true freedom is found in connection to the Divine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 29a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing God's protection and guidance of the Israelites, similar to how an eagle carries its young.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the Exodus from Egypt and God's miraculous deliverance of the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I bore you on eagles' wings' mean in Exodus 19:4?
A: Rashi explains that this metaphor means Hashem carried the Jewish people gently and protectively, like an eagle carries its young on its wings. The eagle is careful not to let its young fly too high (where the sun could harm them) or drop them suddenly. Similarly, Hashem protected Israel during the Exodus.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'what I did to Egypt' before talking about the eagles' wings?
A: The Ramban teaches that this order shows two aspects of Hashem's relationship with Israel: First, He demonstrated His power by punishing Egypt (justice), and then He showed His loving care by carrying Israel safely (mercy). Both are foundations of our faith.
Q: What is the significance of 'I brought you to Myself' in this verse?
A: The Sforno explains that this refers to bringing Israel to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah. 'To Myself' means to enter into a special covenant relationship with Hashem through accepting His commandments.
Q: How does this verse relate to the giving of the Torah?
A: The Mechilta (a halachic midrash) states that this verse introduces the events at Sinai. Just as an eagle brings its young to safety, Hashem brought Israel to Sinai to give them the Torah - their spiritual protection and purpose.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from 'carried on eagles' wings'?
A: The Baal Shem Tov taught that just as the eagle carries its young above earthly dangers, Hashem elevates us above physical worries when we devote ourselves to Torah. This reminds us of divine protection throughout Jewish history.