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Exodus 19:5 - Chosen through covenant obedience?

Exodus 19:5 - שמות 19:5

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה אִם־שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ בְּקֹלִי וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־בְּרִיתִי וִהְיִיתֶם לִי סְגֻלָּה מִכָּל־הָעַמִּים כִּי־לִי כָּל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own treasure from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:

Transliteration

Ve'ata im-shamo'a tishme'u bekoli ushmartem et-briti vihyitem li segulah mikol-ha'amim ki-li kol-ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ בְּקֹלִ֔י וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֑י וִהְיִ֨יתֶם לִ֤י סְגֻלָּה֙ מִכׇּל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים כִּי־לִ֖י כׇּל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וְעַתָּ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ בְּקֹלִ֔י וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֑י וִהְיִ֨יתֶם לִ֤י סְגֻלָּה֙ מִכׇּל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים כִּי־לִ֖י כׇּל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Shemot 19:5) appears in the narrative leading up to Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah) at Har Sinai. Hashem is preparing Bnei Yisrael to enter into a unique covenant with Him, establishing them as His chosen people.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • "שמוע תשמעו" (obey my voice indeed) - Rashi explains the double language of "shamoa tishme'u" implies accepting the Torah both in this world and the World to Come. The Sifrei adds that it teaches the importance of diligent Torah study.
  • "סגולה" (treasure) - Ramban explains this refers to a precious, cherished possession, like the royal treasury of a king. Malbim notes this indicates a special closeness beyond other nations.
  • "כי לי כל הארץ" (for all the earth is mine) - Ibn Ezra explains this emphasizes that Hashem's selection of Israel isn't due to any lack in other nations, but purely from Divine will.

The Nature of the Covenant

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that this verse establishes a conditional covenant - Israel's special status depends on their fulfillment of Torah. The Kli Yakar notes the verse's structure shows obedience ("shamoa") must precede careful observance ("shamartem").

Israel's Unique Role

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) derives from "ki li kol haaretz" that while Hashem rules all nations, Israel has a unique mission to sanctify His Name. The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 1) compares Israel to a cherished vineyard among many fields.

Practical Implications

  • The Sforno teaches that being "segulah" obligates Jews in higher standards of conduct than other nations.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya notes this verse establishes Torah observance as the mechanism for maintaining our special relationship with Hashem.
  • The Meshech Chochmah emphasizes that our election comes with responsibility to be a "light unto nations."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 2b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing their chosen status among all nations.
📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the acceptance of the Torah by the Israelites, highlighting their willingness to obey God's voice and keep His covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be a 'treasure' (segulah) in Exodus 19:5?
A: In Exodus 19:5, Hashem calls the Jewish people His 'segulah' (treasure) if they keep His covenant. Rashi explains that this means a cherished and valuable possession, like a king's precious jewels. The Midrash (Mechilta) compares it to a person who selects the finest produce from their field—similarly, Hashem chose the Jewish people to be His special nation when they accept the Torah and mitzvot.
Q: Why does the verse say 'for all the earth is mine' in Exodus 19:5?
A: The phrase 'for all the earth is mine' emphasizes that Hashem is the Creator and Owner of the entire world. Ramban explains that even though Hashem could have chosen any nation, He selected the Jewish people specifically to serve Him through Torah and mitzvot. This teaches that our special relationship with Hashem comes with responsibility—to live as a model nation dedicated to His will.
Q: What is the 'covenant' mentioned in Exodus 19:5?
A: The 'covenant' (brit) refers to the mutual agreement between Hashem and the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, where we committed to follow the Torah and its commandments. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) describes how the Jewish people enthusiastically accepted the Torah by declaring 'Naaseh v'Nishma' ('We will do and we will hear'). This covenant forms the foundation of our relationship with Hashem and our mission in the world.
Q: How can we apply Exodus 19:5 to our lives today?
A: Exodus 19:5 reminds us that our purpose as Jews is to uphold the Torah and mitzvot, thereby fulfilling our role as Hashem's treasured nation. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah) teaches that every mitzvah we perform strengthens this bond. Practically, this means studying Torah, keeping halacha (Jewish law), and striving to sanctify Hashem's name in our daily actions—just as our ancestors did at Sinai.
Q: What does 'obey My voice' mean in Exodus 19:5?
A: 'Obey My voice' refers to faithfully following Hashem's commandments as revealed in the Torah. Rashi explains that this includes both written laws (like the Ten Commandments) and oral traditions (explained in the Talmud). The Sforno adds that it also means internalizing Torah values—not just performing mitzvot mechanically, but with sincerity and love for Hashem.