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Exodus 3:4 - Divine call demands response.

Exodus 3:4 - שמות 3:4

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא יְהוָה כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת וַיִּקְרָא אֵלָיו אֱלֹהִים מִתּוֹךְ הַסְּנֶה וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּנִי׃

English Translation

And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moshe, Moshe. And he said, Here I am.

Transliteration

Va'yar Adonai ki sar lir'ot vayikra eilav Elohim mitoch hasneh vayomer Moshe Moshe vayomer hineni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥רְא יְהֹוָ֖ה כִּ֣י סָ֣ר לִרְא֑וֹת וַיִּקְרָא֩ אֵלָ֨יו אֱלֹהִ֜ים מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַסְּנֶ֗ה וַיֹּ֛אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֥ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הִנֵּֽנִי׃
וַיַּ֥רְא יְהֹוָ֖ה כִּ֣י סָ֣ר לִרְא֑וֹת וַיִּקְרָא֩ אֵלָ֨יו אֱלֹהִ֜ים מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַסְּנֶ֗ה וַיֹּ֛אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֥ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הִנֵּֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Shemot 3:4) describes Hashem calling to Moshe from the burning bush after noticing that Moshe turned aside to investigate the miraculous sight. This moment marks the beginning of Moshe's prophetic mission to lead Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt.

Why the Burning Bush?

Rashi explains that the sneh (thornbush) was chosen as a symbol to show that Hashem shares in the suffering of Bnei Yisrael, just as the lowly thornbush represents humility and hardship (Shemot Rabbah 2:5). The fire that did not consume the bush symbolizes that although Bnei Yisrael were oppressed in Egypt, they would not be destroyed.

The Double Call: "Moshe, Moshe"

The repetition of Moshe's name ("Moshe, Moshe") carries deep significance:

  • Rashi explains that this is an expression of affection, as seen elsewhere in Tanach when Hashem calls to Avraham ("Avraham, Avraham") during the Akeidah (Bereishit 22:11).
  • The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:6) teaches that the double call indicates urgency and importance, signaling that Moshe was being summoned for a critical mission.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:65) notes that this repetition is characteristic of prophetic revelation, emphasizing the divine nature of the communication.

Moshe's Response: "Hineni"

Moshe's immediate reply, "Hineni" ("Here I am"), demonstrates his readiness to serve Hashem. This mirrors the responses of other righteous figures like Avraham (Bereishit 22:1) and Shmuel (Shmuel I 3:4). The Sforno highlights that this response shows Moshe's complete attentiveness and willingness to fulfill Hashem's will without hesitation.

The Significance of Turning Aside

The verse emphasizes that Hashem called Moshe after seeing that he "turned aside to see." This teaches:

  • Chizkuni explains that Moshe's curiosity and concern for the unusual sight demonstrated his suitability for leadership—a true leader investigates matters thoroughly.
  • The Kli Yakar adds that Moshe's willingness to divert from his path for something spiritually significant showed his readiness for prophecy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's call to Moses and the significance of the repetition of Moses' name.
📖 Sotah 5a
The verse is cited in a discussion about humility and how Moses responded to God's call.
📖 Megillah 21b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the ways in which God communicates with prophets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the verse say 'Moshe, Moshe' twice?
A: Rashi explains that the repetition of Moshe's name is an expression of affection and urgency. It shows that Hashem was calling Moshe with love and importance for the mission ahead. The double calling is a common biblical way to show a significant moment of divine communication.
Q: Why did Hashem appear to Moshe in a burning bush?
A: The Midrash teaches that the burning bush symbolizes the Jewish people—just as the bush was burning but not consumed, the Jewish people endure suffering but are never destroyed. Rambam adds that this miracle was meant to capture Moshe's attention and demonstrate Hashem's presence in humble places.
Q: What does Moshe's response 'Hineni' (Here I am) teach us?
A: Moshe's immediate response 'Hineni' shows his readiness and humility to serve Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) praises this as the proper attitude when called to a divine mission—answering with complete willingness and presence of mind.
Q: Why did Moshe turn aside to look at the bush?
A: Rashi comments that Moshe's curiosity and willingness to investigate the unusual sight demonstrated his attentive nature. The Sforno adds that this trait made him worthy of prophecy—because he paid attention to signs of Hashem's presence in the world.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of being attentive to signs of holiness in everyday life (like Moshe noticing the bush). The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that just as Hashem spoke from a simple bush, we must seek divine messages in all aspects of life and respond with 'Hineni'—readiness to fulfill our purpose.