share torah logo

Exodus 3:19 - Pharaoh's stubbornness requires miracles

Exodus 3:19 - שמות 3:19

Hebrew Text

וַאֲנִי יָדַעְתִּי כִּי לֹא־יִתֵּן אֶתְכֶם מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם לַהֲלֹךְ וְלֹא בְּיָד חֲזָקָה׃

English Translation

And I know that the king of Miżrayim will not let you go, if not by a mighty hand.

Transliteration

Va'ani yadati ki lo-yiten etkhem melech Mitzrayim lalechet velo b'yad chazaka.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲנִ֣י יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֠י לֹֽא־יִתֵּ֥ן אֶתְכֶ֛ם מֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרַ֖יִם לַהֲלֹ֑ךְ וְלֹ֖א בְּיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה׃
וַאֲנִ֣י יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֠י לֹֽא־יִתֵּ֥ן אֶתְכֶ֛ם מֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרַ֖יִם לַהֲלֹ֑ךְ וְלֹ֖א בְּיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Exodus

The verse (Exodus 3:19) appears during Hashem's revelation to Moshe at the burning bush, where He instructs Moshe to demand Pharaoh release Bnei Yisrael from slavery. This statement foreshadows the coming plagues and Pharaoh's stubbornness.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that Hashem is informing Moshe that Pharaoh will not release the Israelites willingly. The phrase "לא ביד חזקה" ("if not by a mighty hand") refers to the ten plagues, which will compel Pharaoh through divine intervention. Rashi emphasizes that this demonstrates Hashem's omniscience—He knows Pharaoh's heart will harden.

Rambam on Divine Foreknowledge

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:5) discusses how Hashem's knowledge of future events does not negate human free will. Here, Hashem knows Pharaoh will refuse, yet Pharaoh still makes that choice independently. The "mighty hand" represents the necessary divine response to human obstinacy.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • Shemot Rabbah (3:4): The Midrash states that Pharaoh's refusal serves a greater purpose—to publicly demonstrate Hashem's power through miraculous signs, thereby sanctifying His name in the world.
  • Mechilta (Bo 13): The "mighty hand" alludes specifically to the final plague (death of the firstborn), which ultimately breaks Pharaoh's resistance.

Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Insight

Ibn Ezra notes the phrasing "לא ביד חזקה" implies that only overwhelming force will succeed. The term "יד חזקה" (mighty hand) becomes a recurring motif in the Exodus narrative (e.g., Exodus 6:1, 13:9), symbolizing Hashem's direct intervention.

Halachic Implications

The Chatam Sofer (Torat Moshe) derives from this verse that when facing oppression, passive hope is insufficient—redemption requires active divine "might." This principle informs Jewish understanding of geulah (redemption) throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 3:19 mean when it says 'the king of Egypt will not let you go, if not by a mighty hand'?
A: This verse means that Pharaoh would stubbornly refuse to free the Israelites from slavery unless forced by Hashem's 'mighty hand'—referring to the Ten Plagues and other miracles. Rashi explains that this shows Pharaoh's hardened heart would require extraordinary divine intervention to change.
Q: Why is Exodus 3:19 important in the story of the Exodus?
A: This verse is important because it foreshadows the coming plagues and miracles that would eventually compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates Hashem's plan to reveal His power not just to Egypt, but to all nations.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 3:19 about overcoming obstacles?
A: We learn that some obstacles (like Pharaoh's stubbornness) require divine-level strength to overcome. The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us to recognize when challenges are beyond human capability and to rely on Hashem's intervention.
Q: How does Exodus 3:19 apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites needed Hashem's 'mighty hand' for liberation, we today sometimes face situations requiring supernatural help. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) derives from this that we should pray for divine assistance when facing impossible-seeming challenges.
Q: Why does the verse say 'I know' that Pharaoh won't let them go?
A: When Hashem says 'I know,' it emphasizes His perfect understanding of human nature. The Sforno explains this shows Pharaoh's refusal was predictable due to his arrogance, and only divine power could change the outcome—teaching us about human stubbornness versus divine will.