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Exodus 3:10 - Divine mission: free Israel.

Exodus 3:10 - שמות 3:10

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה לְכָה וְאֶשְׁלָחֲךָ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְהוֹצֵא אֶת־עַמִּי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Come now therefore, and I will send thee to Par῾o, that thou mayst bring my people the children of Yisra᾽el out of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Ve'ata lecha ve'eshlachacha el-Paroh vehotze et-ami bnei-Yisrael mi-Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֣ה לְכָ֔ה וְאֶֽשְׁלָחֲךָ֖ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְהוֹצֵ֛א אֶת־עַמִּ֥י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 3:10) appears during Hashem's revelation to Moshe at the burning bush, marking the beginning of Moshe's mission to liberate Bnei Yisrael from Egyptian slavery. The call to action follows Moshe's initial hesitation and questioning of his suitability for this role.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "וְעַתָּה לְכָה" ("Come now therefore") as indicating that Hashem was responding to Moshe's previous objections. The word "וְעַתָּה" ("now") suggests that despite Moshe's reluctance, the time for action had arrived. Rashi emphasizes that Moshe's mission was not optional but a divine command to fulfill the covenant with the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:65), Rambam discusses prophecy and notes that Moshe's initial resistance was due to his humility (as stated in Bamidbar 12:3). However, once chosen as the emissary, his role became binding. The phrase "וְעַתָּה" underscores the urgency of the moment, as the suffering of Bnei Yisrael had reached its limit (see Shemot 2:23-25).

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (3:6): The Midrash interprets "וְעַתָּה" as a response to Moshe's earlier question ("Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?"). Hashem counters that the time for questions had passed—now was the time for action.
  • Tanchuma (Shemot 10): The phrase "וְהוֹצֵא אֶת־עַמִּי" ("bring My people out") emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael are Hashem's people, not Pharaoh's, reinforcing their divine right to freedom.

Language and Nuance

The term "אֶשְׁלָחֲךָ" ("I will send thee") implies a formal delegation of authority, as noted by the Malbim. Moshe was not acting on his own but as Hashem's representative, which would later be critical when confronting Pharaoh (e.g., the demand for signs in Shemot 4:1-9).

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (in his commentary on Shemot 3:10) connects this verse to the broader principle of shlichut (agency)—that a prophet must faithfully execute his divine mission without deviation (see Devarim 18:18-22). Moshe's role as the redeemer was thus binding once commanded.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 5a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the humility of Moses and his reluctance to take on the mission to Pharaoh.
📖 Berakhot 32a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about prayer and Moses' dialogue with God regarding the mission to free the Israelites from Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Exodus 3:10?
A: Exodus 3:10 is where Hashem commands Moshe (Moses) to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Jewish people from Egypt. According to Rashi, this marks the beginning of Moshe's mission as the leader who will take Bnei Yisrael out of slavery.
Q: Why did Hashem choose Moshe for this mission?
A: The Midrash explains that Moshe was chosen because of his humility and compassion, as seen earlier when he defended a Jewish slave (Exodus 2:11-12) and helped Yitro's daughters (Exodus 2:16-17). Rambam also teaches that a leader must have these qualities to guide the Jewish people properly.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is crucial because it marks the start of the Exodus, the foundational event in Jewish history. The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) teaches that remembering the Exodus is a daily obligation, as it demonstrates Hashem's faithfulness in redeeming His people.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sages teach that just as Hashem redeemed us from Egypt, He continues to help us overcome challenges. The verse reminds us that Hashem appoints leaders to guide the Jewish people, and we must trust in His plan, even when facing difficulties like Moshe did with Pharaoh.
Q: Why does Hashem say 'My people, the children of Israel' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'My people' shows Hashem's special relationship with the Jewish people. Even in exile, they remain His chosen nation. The term 'children of Israel' emphasizes their identity as descendants of Yaakov (Jacob), connecting them to the covenant made with the Avot (Patriarchs).

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