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Exodus 3:12 - Divine promise: Presence and redemption.

Exodus 3:12 - שמות 3:12

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר כִּי־אֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ וְזֶה־לְּךָ הָאוֹת כִּי אָנֹכִי שְׁלַחְתִּיךָ בְּהוֹצִיאֲךָ אֶת־הָעָם מִמִּצְרַיִם תַּעַבְדוּן אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים עַל הָהָר הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token to thee, that I have sent thee. When thou hast brought the people out of Miżrayim, you shall serve God upon this mountain.

Transliteration

Va'yomer ki-eh'yeh imach ve'zeh lecha ha'ot ki anochi sh'lachticha behotzi'acha et-ha'am mi'Mitzrayim ta'avdun et-ha'Elohim al ha'har hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ כִּֽי־אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִמָּ֔ךְ וְזֶה־לְּךָ֣ הָא֔וֹת כִּ֥י אָנֹכִ֖י שְׁלַחְתִּ֑יךָ בְּהוֹצִֽיאֲךָ֤ אֶת־הָעָם֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם תַּֽעַבְדוּן֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים עַ֖ל הָהָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה׃
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ כִּֽי־אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִמָּ֔ךְ וְזֶה־לְּךָ֣ הָא֔וֹת כִּ֥י אָנֹכִ֖י שְׁלַחְתִּ֑יךָ בְּהוֹצִֽיאֲךָ֤ אֶת־הָעָם֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם תַּֽעַבְדוּן֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים עַ֖ל הָהָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 3:12) is part of Hashem's revelation to Moshe at the burning bush, where He appoints Moshe to lead Bnei Yisrael out of Mitzrayim. The promise "כִּי־אֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ" ("Certainly I will be with thee") is both a reassurance and a sign of divine support for Moshe's mission.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְזֶה־לְּךָ הָאוֹת" ("this shall be a token to thee") refers to the future event of serving Hashem at Har Sinai. The sign is not an immediate miracle but a promise that the Exodus will culminate in receiving the Torah. Rashi emphasizes that this demonstrates the authenticity of Moshe's mission—since it would only be fulfilled later, it required faith in Hashem's word.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) discusses how signs in prophecy often serve to strengthen the prophet's resolve rather than prove his legitimacy to others. Here, the "sign" is for Moshe himself—assuring him that his mission will succeed and culminate in the divine service at Har Sinai.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:12) connects this verse to the idea that Har Sinai was predestined as the place of Matan Torah, as it was the same mountain where Moshe first encountered Hashem.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Shemot 14) notes that the phrase "תַּעַבְדוּן אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים" ("you shall serve God") hints at both Korbanot (sacrifices) and Torah study, the dual aspects of divine service.

Theological Significance

The promise "אֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ" reflects the principle of hashgacha pratit (divine providence), assuring Moshe that Hashem would guide him at every step. The emphasis on serving Hashem "עַל הָהָר הַזֶּה" ("upon this mountain") underscores that physical liberation from Mitzrayim was only the beginning—the ultimate purpose was spiritual elevation through Torah.

Practical Lessons

  • Emunah in Divine Promises: The "sign" was deferred, teaching that true faith relies on Hashem's word even without immediate proof.
  • Purpose of Redemption: The Exodus was not merely freedom from slavery but a means to serve Hashem, highlighting that spiritual goals take precedence over physical liberation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 87a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the revelation at Mount Sinai and the significance of serving God there.
📖 Megillah 29a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the future redemption and the return to serving God, drawing a parallel to the Exodus from Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the phrase 'I will be with thee' mean in Exodus 3:12?
A: When Hashem tells Moshe 'I will be with thee,' it is a promise of divine assistance and protection. Rashi explains that this means Hashem will support Moshe in his mission to lead Bnei Yisrael out of Mitzrayim (Egypt), ensuring he succeeds despite the challenges.
Q: What is the 'sign' mentioned in Exodus 3:12?
A: The 'sign' (אוֹת) in this verse refers to the future event where Bnei Yisrael will serve Hashem at Har Sinai (this mountain). Ramban explains that this was a reassurance to Moshe that his mission would succeed, as the ultimate proof would be their worship at Sinai after the Exodus.
Q: Why is serving Hashem 'on this mountain' significant in Exodus 3:12?
A: Har Sinai is where Bnei Yisrael would later receive the Torah. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:6) teaches that this mountain was chosen because it was a humble, modest place, symbolizing that Torah is acquired through humility. Serving Hashem there represents the covenant and the giving of the commandments.
Q: How does Exodus 3:12 apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us that Hashem is always with us when we fulfill His will, just as He was with Moshe. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that divine assistance comes to those who undertake sacred missions with sincerity, reinforcing our trust in Hashem's guidance in our lives.
Q: Why did Hashem mention the future service at Har Sinai when speaking to Moshe?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 4a) teaches that Hashem often connects present missions with future events to strengthen faith. By mentioning Har Sinai, Hashem was assuring Moshe that the Exodus was not just about physical freedom but about spiritual purpose—receiving the Torah and serving Hashem.