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Exodus 4:31 - Faith rewarded with divine compassion

Exodus 4:31 - שמות 4:31

Hebrew Text

וַיַּאֲמֵן הָעָם וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ כִּי־פָקַד יְהוָה אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְכִי רָאָה אֶת־עָנְיָם וַיִּקְּדוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ׃

English Translation

And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Yisra᾽el, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Transliteration

Va-ya-amen ha-am va-yish-me-u ki-fakad Adonai et-bnei Yisrael ve-ki ra-a et-onyam va-yikdu va-yishtachavu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּאֲמֵ֖ן הָעָ֑ם וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֡וּ כִּֽי־פָקַ֨ד יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְכִ֤י רָאָה֙ אֶת־עׇנְיָ֔ם וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ׃
וַֽיַּאֲמֵ֖ן הָעָ֑ם וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֡וּ כִּֽי־פָקַ֨ד יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְכִ֤י רָאָה֙ אֶת־עׇנְיָ֔ם וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Belief and Recognition of Divine Providence

The verse (Shemot 4:31) describes the moment when Bnei Yisrael believed in Moshe and Aharon's message that Hashem had taken note of their suffering and would redeem them. Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיַּאֲמֵן הָעָם" ("the people believed") refers to their acceptance of the promise of redemption, demonstrating their emunah (faith) in Hashem's providence. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 4:4) emphasizes that this belief was meritorious, as it laid the foundation for their eventual geulah (redemption).

Bowing in Gratitude and Submission

The act of bowing ("וַיִּקְּדוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ") signifies both gratitude and submission to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:7) teaches that prostration is an expression of complete humility before the Divine. The Kli Yakar adds that their bowing was not merely a physical gesture but reflected an internal recognition of Hashem's sovereignty and compassion in seeing their affliction ("רָאָה אֶת־עָנְיָם").

Key Themes from Traditional Sources

  • Emunah as a Prerequisite for Redemption: The Sforno notes that their belief was essential for the fulfillment of Hashem's promise, as redemption requires trust in Divine timing.
  • Divine Attention to Suffering: The phrase "פָקַד יְהוָה" ("Hashem visited") is interpreted by the Malbim as an expression of Hashem's intimate involvement in their plight, echoing His covenant with the Avot (forefathers).
  • Prostration as a Form of Prayer: The Talmud (Berachot 34b) associates bowing with heartfelt prayer, suggesting their response included tefillah (prayer) for the redemption to unfold.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 4:31 mean?
A: Exodus 4:31 describes the moment when the Israelites believed in Hashem's promise to redeem them from slavery in Egypt after hearing the signs Moshe and Aharon performed. They bowed in gratitude and worship, recognizing that Hashem saw their suffering and would intervene (Rashi on Shemot 4:31).
Q: Why is Exodus 4:31 important?
A: This verse marks a key moment of faith (emunah) for Bnei Yisrael—their first collective acceptance of Hashem's redemption after generations of oppression. The Talmud (Sotah 5a) teaches that bowing demonstrates humility before Hashem, setting a model for how we respond to divine kindness.
Q: What can we learn from the people bowing in Exodus 4:31?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 4:8) explains that their bowing showed complete trust in Hashem's promise. Today, we emulate this by expressing gratitude through prayer and humility when we recognize Hashem's providence in our lives (Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 5:1).
Q: How does Exodus 4:31 apply to trusting Hashem today?
A: Just as Bnei Yisrael believed despite their suffering, we learn from the Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart 4:5) to maintain emunah during challenges, trusting that Hashem sees our struggles and responds in the right time.