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Exodus 32:12 - Divine mercy over judgment?

Exodus 32:12 - שמות 32:12

Hebrew Text

לָמָּה יֹאמְרוּ מִצְרַיִם לֵאמֹר בְּרָעָה הוֹצִיאָם לַהֲרֹג אֹתָם בֶּהָרִים וּלְכַלֹּתָם מֵעַל פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה שׁוּב מֵחֲרוֹן אַפֶּךָ וְהִנָּחֵם עַל־הָרָעָה לְעַמֶּךָ׃

English Translation

Wherefore should Miżrayim speak, and say, In an evil hour did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce anger, and relent of this evil against thy people.

Transliteration

Lama yomru Mitzrayim lemor bera hotzi'am laharog otam beharim ulchalotam me'al pnei ha'adama shuv mecharon apecha vehinachem al-hara'a le'amecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

לָ֩מָּה֩ יֹאמְר֨וּ מִצְרַ֜יִם לֵאמֹ֗ר בְּרָעָ֤ה הֽוֹצִיאָם֙ לַהֲרֹ֤ג אֹתָם֙ בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה שׁ֚וּב מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפֶּ֔ךָ וְהִנָּחֵ֥ם עַל־הָרָעָ֖ה לְעַמֶּֽךָ׃
לָ֩מָּה֩ יֹאמְר֨וּ מִצְרַ֜יִם לֵאמֹ֗ר בְּרָעָ֤ה הֽוֹצִיאָם֙ לַהֲרֹ֤ג אֹתָם֙ בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה שׁ֚וּב מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפֶּ֔ךָ וְהִנָּחֵ֥ם עַל־הָרָעָ֖ה לְעַמֶּֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 32:12) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, when Moshe Rabbeinu pleads with Hashem to spare Bnei Yisrael from destruction. The verse reflects Moshe's argument that the Egyptians would misinterpret Hashem's actions if He were to destroy the Jewish people after redeeming them from Mitzrayim.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe's plea emphasizes the Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name) that would result if Bnei Yisrael were destroyed. The Egyptians would claim that Hashem took them out of Egypt with malicious intent—to kill them in the wilderness rather than liberate them. This argument is rooted in the principle that Hashem's reputation among the nations is of utmost importance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses how Moshe's appeal highlights Divine mercy. By invoking the potential reaction of the Egyptians, Moshe demonstrates that Hashem's justice must be balanced with His compassion to avoid misinterpretations of His actions by other nations.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 20): Expands on Moshe's argument, noting that the Egyptians would mock Hashem, saying He lacked the power to bring Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael. This would undermine the entire purpose of Yetziat Mitzrayim.
  • Shemot Rabbah (43:1): Teaches that Moshe's words exemplify the proper way to pray for mercy—by appealing to Hashem's honor and the sanctification of His name.

Theological Implications

This verse underscores the idea that Hashem's relationship with Bnei Yisrael is not only about justice but also about how His actions are perceived in the world. The potential for Chillul Hashem is a powerful consideration in Divine judgment, demonstrating that Hashem's mercy can override strict justice for the sake of His greater plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Exodus 32:12?
A: Exodus 32:12 is part of Moshe's plea to Hashem after the sin of the Golden Calf. The Jewish people had worshipped the idol, and Hashem threatened to destroy them. Moshe argues that if Hashem wipes out the Jewish people, the Egyptians will say that He took them out of Egypt only to kill them in the wilderness, which would desecrate Hashem's Name.
Q: Why does Moshe mention what the Egyptians would say?
A: Moshe appeals to the concept of 'Chillul Hashem' (desecration of G-d's Name). Rashi explains that Moshe was concerned about how the nations, particularly Egypt, would perceive Hashem's actions. If the Jews were destroyed after being redeemed, it would make it appear as if Hashem lacked the power to complete their redemption, which would damage His honor in the eyes of the world.
Q: What does 'Turn from Your fierce anger' teach us about prayer?
A: This verse teaches the power of sincere prayer and advocacy. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) derives from here that even when a decree has been issued, it can be overturned through heartfelt prayer. Moshe serves as an example of how to plead for mercy by appealing to Hashem's reputation and His love for His people.
Q: How does this verse show Moshe's leadership?
A: This demonstrates Moshe's selfless leadership. Despite the people's grave sin, Moshe defends them without hesitation. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 43:1) highlights how Moshe put himself at risk by arguing with Hashem to spare the Jewish people, showing his deep love and responsibility as their leader.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's argument about the Egyptians?
A: We learn the importance of 'Kiddush Hashem' (sanctifying G-d's Name). Our actions affect how the world perceives Hashem and Judaism. Moshe reminds us that Jews must live in a way that brings honor to Hashem, as the nations watch our relationship with G-d. This principle remains central to Jewish life today.