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Exodus 3:21 - Divine favor precedes redemption.

Exodus 3:21 - שמות 3:21

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־חֵן הָעָם־הַזֶּה בְּעֵינֵי מִצְרָיִם וְהָיָה כִּי תֵלֵכוּן לֹא תֵלְכוּ רֵיקָם׃

English Translation

And I will give this people favour in the sight of Miżrayim: and it shall come to pass, that, when you go, you shall not go empty:

Transliteration

Venatati et-chen ha'am-haze be'eyney Mitzrayim vehaya ki telechu lo telechu reikam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתִּ֛י אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָֽעָם־הַזֶּ֖ה בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם וְהָיָה֙ כִּ֣י תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן לֹ֥א תֵלְכ֖וּ רֵיקָֽם׃
וְנָתַתִּ֛י אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָֽעָם־הַזֶּ֖ה בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם וְהָיָה֙ כִּ֣י תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן לֹ֥א תֵלְכ֖וּ רֵיקָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 3:21) appears in the context of Hashem's promise to Moshe at the burning bush, assuring the future redemption of Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. The phrase "וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־חֵן הָעָם־הַזֶּה בְּעֵינֵי מִצְרָיִם" ("I will give this people favor in the eyes of Egypt") indicates a divine intervention to soften the Egyptians' hearts toward the Israelites before their departure.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this favor would manifest when Bnei Yisrael would request silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians before leaving. The Egyptians would willingly give these items, fulfilling the promise made to Avraham at the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Bereishit 15:14) that his descendants would leave with great wealth. Rashi emphasizes that this was not theft but a rightful compensation for their unpaid labor.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah Va'Avedah 1:12) discusses the ethical dimension, clarifying that taking the Egyptians' possessions was permissible because Hashem commanded it. Since the Egyptians had enslaved Bnei Yisrael unjustly, this was a form of restitution.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 8): The favor in the eyes of the Egyptians was miraculous—despite the plagues, the Egyptians developed a sudden generosity toward Bnei Yisrael, demonstrating Hashem's complete control over human hearts.
  • Mechilta (Bo 12:36): The phrase "לֹא תֵלְכוּ רֵיקָם" ("you shall not go empty") alludes not only to material wealth but also to spiritual fulfillment—the Israelites left with the mitzvot they would later receive at Har Sinai.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure). Just as the Egyptians oppressed Bnei Yisrael by forcing them to work without pay, Hashem ensured they would be compensated generously. This reflects divine justice and the fulfillment of covenantal promises.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 9b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the favor they found in the eyes of the Egyptians, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in the context of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, highlighting the divine intervention that ensured they would not leave empty-handed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I will give this people favor in the sight of Egypt' mean?
A: This means that Hashem promised the Israelites that the Egyptians would look upon them favorably and willingly give them gifts when they left Egypt. Rashi explains that this favor was necessary so the Egyptians would not resent the Israelites taking their possessions, as the Israelites were entitled to compensation for their years of unpaid labor.
Q: Why did the Israelites receive gifts from the Egyptians when they left?
A: The gifts were a form of compensation for the many years of slavery the Israelites endured in Egypt. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:3) teaches that the Egyptians gave generously because Hashem made them favorably disposed toward the Israelites, fulfilling the promise made to Avraham that his descendants would leave their exile with great wealth (Bereishit 15:14).
Q: What is the significance of 'you shall not go empty'?
A: This phrase emphasizes that the Israelites would not leave Egypt as impoverished slaves but with dignity and material wealth. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this demonstrated Hashem's justice—the Israelites were compensated for their suffering, and Egypt was punished for their cruelty.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us about divine justice and Hashem's faithfulness to His promises. Just as He ensured the Israelites were treated fairly, we trust that Hashem oversees justice in our lives. Additionally, it reminds us that hardships can lead to eventual blessings when we remain faithful to Torah values.
Q: Did the Israelites take Egyptian possessions by force?
A: No, the Torah makes it clear that the Egyptians willingly gave gifts to the Israelites because Hashem made them favorably disposed (Exodus 12:36). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) states that the Israelites rightfully received payment for their labor, and the Egyptians gave voluntarily, fulfilling the divine promise.