Exodus 4:4 - Faith transforms fear to power

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה שְׁלַח יָדְךָ וֶאֱחֹז בִּזְנָבוֹ וַיִּשְׁלַח יָדוֹ וַיַּחֲזֶק בּוֹ וַיְהִי לְמַטֶּה בְּכַפּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Put out thy hand, and take it by its tail. And he put out his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe sh'lach yad'cha ve'echoz biz'no va'yishlach yado va'yachazek bo va'yehi le'mate be'chapo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְךָ֔ וֶאֱחֹ֖ז בִּזְנָב֑וֹ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ וַיַּ֣חֲזֶק בּ֔וֹ וַיְהִ֥י לְמַטֶּ֖ה בְּכַפּֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Transformation of the Snake into a Staff

The verse describes Hashem instructing Moshe to grab the snake by its tail, which then transforms back into a staff. This miraculous sign was meant to demonstrate Moshe's divine mission to Pharaoh and Bnei Yisrael (Shemot 4:1-5).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 4:4) notes that Hashem specifically told Moshe to grab the snake by its tail - the most dangerous way to handle it - to show that Moshe was acting with complete faith in Hashem's command. By overcoming his natural fear, Moshe demonstrated his trust in Hashem's protection.

Symbolic Meaning

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:12) explains that the snake represents Pharaoh and Egypt (who are compared to snakes and crocodiles in Yechezkel 29:3), while the staff represents Moshe's leadership. The transformation teaches that:

Just as the snake was under Moshe's control, so too would Pharaoh be subject to Hashem's will through Moshe
The same staff that could bring destruction (as a snake) could also bring salvation (as Moshe's rod of leadership)

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:66), Rambam explains that these signs served two purposes:

To validate Moshe's prophecy to Bnei Yisrael
To demonstrate that the physical world is completely under Hashem's control and can be altered miraculously when necessary

Practical Lesson

The Sforno notes that this episode teaches that when fulfilling Hashem's will, one must act with complete confidence despite apparent dangers. Moshe's willingness to grab the snake by its tail - the most vulnerable position - models the ideal level of bitachon (trust in Hashem) required of Jewish leaders.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 97a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed by Moses, specifically the transformation of his staff into a serpent and back, as a sign of divine authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Moshe grabbing the snake by its tail in Exodus 4:4?
A: According to Rashi, grabbing the snake by its tail—instead of the head—demonstrates Moshe's trust in Hashem's command, even when it seems counterintuitive. The snake turning back into a staff symbolizes that when we follow Hashem's will, even seemingly dangerous situations can become tools for holiness.

Q: Why did Hashem turn Moshe's staff into a snake and then back again?
A: The Midrash explains that this miracle served two purposes: (1) To give Moshe a sign proving his divine mission to Pharaoh and Bnei Yisrael, and (2) To teach that just as the staff transforms, so too can reality change instantly through Hashem's will. The Rambam adds that it prepared Moshe for the miracles he'd perform in Mitzrayim.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 4:4 today?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 7b) derives from this verse that we must follow mitzvot even when they seem illogical ('לא עליך המלאכה לגמור'). Just as Moshe obeyed despite fear of the snake, we trust in Hashem's wisdom. The 'staff' also represents that our actions—when guided by Torah—can bring sanctity into the world.

Q: Why does the verse specify that the snake became a staff 'in his hand'?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that 'in his hand' teaches that the transformation depended on Moshe's action of grabbing it. This shows that divine miracles often require human initiative (hishtadlut). The staff also remained in his hand to be used later for the makkot (plagues), symbolizing continuous divine partnership.