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Exodus 2:21 - Moshe finds refuge, marriage

Exodus 2:21 - שמות 2:21

Hebrew Text

וַיּוֹאֶל מֹשֶׁה לָשֶׁבֶת אֶת־הָאִישׁ וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־צִפֹּרָה בִתּוֹ לְמֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And Moshe was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moshe Żippora his daughter.

Transliteration

Vayoel Moshe lashevet et-ha'ish vayiten et-Tziporah bito le-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיּ֥וֹאֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לָשֶׁ֣בֶת אֶת־הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיִּתֵּ֛ן אֶת־צִפֹּרָ֥ה בִתּ֖וֹ לְמֹשֶֽׁה׃
וַיּ֥וֹאֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לָשֶׁ֣בֶת אֶת־הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיִּתֵּ֛ן אֶת־צִפֹּרָ֥ה בִתּ֖וֹ לְמֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 2:21) describes Moshe's acceptance of Yitro's hospitality and his marriage to Tzipporah, Yitro's daughter. This occurs after Moshe flees Egypt and arrives in Midian, where he rescues Yitro's daughters from shepherds who were harassing them.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיּוֹאֶל מֹשֶׁה" ("And Moshe was content") implies that Moshe initially hesitated to stay with Yitro but ultimately agreed. Rashi cites the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32) that Moshe made an oath ("אָלָה") to Yitro that he would not leave without permission, demonstrating his integrity and commitment.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 13:16) discusses how Moshe's marriage to Tzipporah was conducted with proper Jewish law in mind, even though the formal giving of the Torah had not yet occurred. This highlights that the Avot and Moshe observed mitzvot even before Matan Torah.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32) states that Yitro tested Moshe by asking him to draw water for his flocks, recalling how Rivka was tested for kindness before marrying Yitzchak.
  • Some Midrashim suggest that Tzipporah was destined for Moshe due to her righteousness, as she later demonstrated during the incident of the "bridegroom of blood" (Shemot 4:24-26).

Yitro's Recognition of Moshe's Greatness

Ibn Ezra notes that Yitro gave his daughter to Moshe because he recognized Moshe's exceptional character after witnessing his bravery and justice in defending his daughters. This reflects the principle that a righteous person is recognized by their actions (Mishlei 20:11).

Halachic Implications

The Ramban discusses how Moshe's dwelling with Yitro and marriage to Tzipporah set a precedent for proper conduct in marriage and interpersonal relationships, even in extraordinary circumstances. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on derech eretz preceding Torah (Vayikra Rabbah 9:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe was 'content to dwell with the man' in Exodus 2:21?
A: The verse means that Moshe agreed to stay with Yitro (Jethro), the priest of Midian, after fleeing Egypt. Rashi explains that Moshe initially hesitated but ultimately consented to stay, showing his humility and willingness to accept Yitro's hospitality.
Q: Why did Yitro give his daughter Tzipporah to Moshe in this verse?
A: Yitro recognized Moshe's righteousness and saw that he was a fitting match for his daughter. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32) explains that Yitro tested Moshe's character before agreeing to the marriage, ensuring he was a worthy husband for Tzipporah.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's acceptance to stay with Yitro?
A: We learn the importance of humility and gratitude. Despite being a former prince of Egypt, Moshe humbly accepted Yitro's hospitality. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:13) teaches that accepting kindness with gratitude is a key trait of a righteous person.
Q: How does this verse connect to Moshe's later role as leader of the Jewish people?
A: This episode shows Moshe's development as a leader. The Talmud (Nedarim 65a) notes that a true leader must first demonstrate personal integrity in private life before leading others. Moshe's marriage and time in Midian prepared him for his future mission.
Q: Why is Tzipporah's name mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes Tzipporah's importance as Moshe's wife and future mother of his children. Rashi notes that mentioning her by name highlights her righteousness, as she later saved Moshe's life (Exodus 4:24-26) through her quick thinking and devotion to Torah values.