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Exodus 4:28 - Brothers unite for redemption.

Exodus 4:28 - שמות 4:28

Hebrew Text

וַיַּגֵּד מֹשֶׁה לְאַהֲרֹן אֵת כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר שְׁלָחוֹ וְאֵת כָּל־הָאֹתֹת אֲשֶׁר צִוָּהוּ׃

English Translation

And Moshe told Aharon all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.

Transliteration

Vayaged Moshe le'Aharon et kol-divrei Adonai asher shelacho ve'et kol-ha'otot asher tzivahu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּגֵּ֤ד מֹשֶׁה֙ לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֛ת כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שְׁלָח֑וֹ וְאֵ֥ת כׇּל־הָאֹתֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּֽהוּ׃
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד מֹשֶׁה֙ לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֛ת כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שְׁלָח֑וֹ וְאֵ֥ת כׇּל־הָאֹתֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּֽהוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Moses Communicating with Aaron

The verse (Shemot 4:28) states: "And Moshe told Aharon all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him." This marks a pivotal moment where Moshe shares his divine mission with his brother Aharon before confronting Pharaoh.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe relayed "all the words of the Lord"—meaning the entire prophecy he received at the burning bush (Shemot 3-4). Additionally, "all the signs" refers to the three miraculous signs Moshe was given to validate his mission:

  • The staff turning into a serpent (Shemot 4:3)
  • The hand becoming leprous (Shemot 4:6)
  • The water turning to blood (Shemot 4:9)

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) emphasizes that these signs were necessary to establish Moshe's credibility as a true prophet before Aharon and later before Pharaoh. The Torah requires verification of prophecy to prevent false claims.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 3:17) highlights the brotherly harmony in this exchange—Moshe, though chosen as leader, humbly shares everything with Aharon. This sets the foundation for their future cooperation in leading Bnei Yisrael.

Significance of the Communication

Malbim notes that Moshe's detailed transmission to Aharon demonstrates two key principles:

  • The importance of clear communication between leaders
  • The need for complete transparency when executing divine commandments

This moment establishes Aharon as Moshe's partner in redemption, foreshadowing their roles as bearers of Torah to the nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Moshe telling Aharon all of Hashem's words and signs?
A: According to Rashi, this verse highlights the importance of clear communication and unity between Moshe and Aharon before they approached Pharaoh. Moshe relayed everything exactly as Hashem commanded, ensuring Aharon was fully prepared to assist in their mission to free the Jewish people.
Q: Why did Moshe need to share the signs with Aharon?
A: The Ramban explains that the signs (like the staff turning into a snake) were meant to validate Moshe and Aharon's divine mission. By sharing them, Aharon could perform these miracles alongside Moshe, demonstrating their joint authority from Hashem when speaking to Pharaoh and Bnei Yisrael.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Moshe communicated with Aharon?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe's complete transparency with Aharon sets an example for leadership and teamwork. Leaders must share all necessary information with their partners to ensure unity of purpose, just as Moshe did before confronting Pharaoh.
Q: How does this verse relate to the importance of trusting in Hashem's plan?
A: The Sforno notes that Moshe's detailed transmission of Hashem's instructions shows his complete faith in the divine plan. This teaches us that when carrying out a mission for a higher purpose, we must fully internalize and accurately convey the guidance we receive.
Q: Why is this moment between Moshe and Aharon important in the Exodus story?
A: As the Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) emphasizes, this marked the beginning of their prophetic partnership. Their unified presentation of Hashem's message was crucial for establishing credibility with both the Jewish people and Pharaoh, setting the stage for the miracles and redemption to come.