share torah logo

Exodus 3:17 - Divine promise: redemption and bounty.

Exodus 3:17 - שמות 3:17

Hebrew Text

וָאֹמַר אַעֲלֶה אֶתְכֶם מֵעֳנִי מִצְרַיִם אֶל־אֶרֶץ הַכְּנַעֲנִי וְהַחִתִּי וְהָאֱמֹרִי וְהַפְּרִזִּי וְהַחִוִּי וְהַיְבוּסִי אֶל־אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ׃

English Translation

and I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Miżrayim to the land of the Kena῾ani, and the Ḥitti, and the Emori, and the Perizzi, and the Ḥivvi, and the Yevusi, to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Transliteration

Va'omar a'aleh etchem me'oni Mitzrayim el-eretz hakna'ani vehachiti veha'emori vehaprizi vehachivi vehayevusi el-eretz zavat chalav udvash.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֹמַ֗ר אַעֲלֶ֣ה אֶתְכֶם֮ מֵעֳנִ֣י מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְהַ֣חִתִּ֔י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י וְהַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃
וָאֹמַ֗ר אַעֲלֶ֣ה אֶתְכֶם֮ מֵעֳנִ֣י מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְהַ֣חִתִּ֔י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י וְהַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 3:17) appears in the context of Hashem's revelation to Moshe at the burning bush, where He instructs Moshe to inform Bnei Yisrael of their imminent redemption from Egyptian bondage. The verse emphasizes Hashem's promise to bring them to Eretz Yisrael, a land inhabited by seven nations and described as "flowing with milk and honey."

Explanation of "Affliction of Mitzrayim"

Rashi explains that the term "עֳנִי מִצְרַיִם" (affliction of Egypt) refers not only to physical suffering but also to the spiritual oppression of being in a land of idolatry. The Sforno adds that this affliction included the psychological torment of being strangers in a foreign land, reinforcing the need for redemption.

The Seven Nations and Their Significance

The verse lists six of the seven Canaanite nations (the Girgashi is omitted here). The Ramban notes that these nations are enumerated to highlight the challenges Bnei Yisrael would face in conquering the land, demonstrating that its acquisition would be a divine miracle, not merely a natural process.

  • Kena'ani (Canaanite): Represented the merchant class, symbolizing materialism (Rashi).
  • Chitti (Hittite): Known for their fearlessness in battle (Ibn Ezra).
  • Emori (Amorite): Associated with arrogance and rebellion (Midrash Tanchuma).
  • Perizzi (Perizzite): Dwelled in unwalled villages, representing vulnerability (Malbim).
  • Chivvi (Hivite): Known for deceitfulness (Ramban).
  • Yevusi (Jebusite): Later associated with Yerushalayim, symbolizing spiritual obstacles (Targum Yonatan).

"A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"

The phrase "אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ" is interpreted by Chazal in multiple ways:

  • Literal Meaning: The land was naturally abundant, with milk from goats and honey from dates (Rashi).
  • Allegorical Meaning: The "milk" represents the nourishment of Torah (as milk sustains infants), and "honey" symbolizes the sweetness of mitzvot (Midrash Rabbah).
  • Mishnah (Ketubot 112a): Describes the miraculous fertility of Eretz Yisrael, where fruits were exceptionally sweet and plentiful.

Hashem's Promise and Its Fulfillment

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:2) teaches that this promise underscores the principle of divine providence—Hashem's direct involvement in Jewish history. The Netziv adds that the mention of the nations' presence was a test of faith, as Bnei Yisrael would need to trust in Hashem's ability to overcome these formidable enemies.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the hardships the Israelites endured in Egypt and God's promise to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the merits of the Israelites and the fulfillment of God's promises to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a land flowing with milk and honey' mean in Exodus 3:17?
A: The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' (אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ) is a metaphor describing the fertility and abundance of the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that 'milk' refers to the abundance of livestock and dairy, while 'honey' refers to the sweetness of fruits like dates and figs. This description highlights the goodness of the land Hashem promised to the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the verse list all the nations (Canaanite, Hittite, etc.) living in the land?
A: The Torah lists the seven nations (כְּנַעֲנִי, חִתִּי, אֱמֹרִי, etc.) to emphasize that the land was inhabited by powerful peoples, yet Hashem would help Bnei Yisrael conquer it. The Ramban explains that this was to strengthen the Israelites' faith—despite the challenges, Hashem would fulfill His promise to bring them to Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem saying 'I will bring you up' from Egypt?
A: The phrase 'I will bring you up' (אַעֲלֶה אֶתְכֶם) signifies both physical and spiritual elevation. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah) teaches that leaving Egypt was not just about geographic relocation but also about rising from the lowly state of slavery to the holiness of being Hashem's chosen nation. This reflects the transformative power of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus).
Q: How does the promise of a 'land flowing with milk and honey' apply to Jews today?
A: The promise reminds us of Hashem's eternal covenant with the Jewish people and the special sanctity of Eretz Yisrael. The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) teaches that living in Israel is a mitzvah, and its produce has unique spiritual qualities. Even today, many see the land's agricultural abundance as a fulfillment of this biblical promise.
Q: Why is Egypt referred to as 'the affliction of Egypt' in this verse?
A: The term 'affliction of Egypt' (עֳנִי מִצְרַיִם) refers to the harsh slavery and suffering endured by Bnei Yisrael. Rashi notes that 'affliction' (עֳנִי) implies the crushing burden of labor. This contrast—between the misery of Egypt and the blessing of Eretz Yisrael—highlights Hashem's kindness in redeeming His people.