Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Let my people go' mean in Exodus 5:1?
A: In Exodus 5:1, Moshe and Aharon deliver Hashem's command to Pharaoh to release the Jewish people from slavery so they can serve Him in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this was the first of many demands Pharaoh would hear, ultimately leading to the Exodus. The phrase emphasizes that the Jews are Hashem's people, not Pharaoh's slaves.
Q: Why did Hashem want the Jews to celebrate in the wilderness?
A: The Midrash teaches that serving Hashem in the wilderness demonstrated complete devotion, free from Egyptian influence. Rambam notes that this was the beginning of the Jewish people forming their unique relationship with Hashem, which would later include receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. The wilderness symbolizes purity and separation from foreign ideologies.
Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon say 'Thus says the Lord God of Israel'?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe and Aharon emphasized 'the Lord God of Israel' to remind Pharaoh that Hashem is the true ruler over all nations, including Egypt. By identifying Hashem as the God of Israel, they reinforced that the Jewish people are under His divine protection, not Pharaoh's control.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe and Aharon's approach to Pharaoh?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 111a) teaches that Moshe and Aharon approached Pharaoh with respect, despite his wickedness, showing the importance of derech eretz (proper conduct) even when making demands. This teaches us to stand firm in our principles while maintaining basic human decency.
Q: How does Exodus 5:1 relate to Jewish worship today?
A: The verse establishes the principle that Jewish worship requires freedom from external oppression. The Sforno explains that true service of Hashem can only happen when we're free to connect with Him without coercion. Today, this reminds us to value our religious freedom and create space in our lives for genuine spiritual growth.
The Command to Pharaoh
The verse states, "And afterwards Moshe and Aharon went in, and told Par῾o, Thus says the Lord God of Yisra᾽el, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness." (Shemot 5:1). Rashi explains that the phrase "And afterwards" refers to the sequence of events following the elders' initial reluctance to accompany Moshe and Aharon (as seen in Shemot 4:29-31). Once the elders withdrew, Moshe and Aharon proceeded alone to deliver Hashem's message to Pharaoh.
The Divine Title: "Hashem, God of Israel"
Moshe and Aharon emphasize "Thus says the Lord God of Yisra᾽el" to establish the authority behind their demand. The Ramban notes that this title underscores Hashem's special relationship with the Jewish people—He is not merely a universal Creator but the God who has chosen Israel as His nation. By invoking this name, Moshe reinforces that Pharaoh’s defiance is not just against a human request but against the will of the Almighty.
The Request: "Let My People Go"
The demand "Let my people go" is not framed as a plea but as a divine decree. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:6) explains that Pharaoh had no legitimate claim over Bnei Yisrael, as they were Hashem's people, bound to serve Him alone. The term "My people" (עַמִּי) emphasizes their covenantal relationship with Hashem, contrasting with Pharaoh's enslavement of them.
The Purpose: "That They May Hold a Feast to Me in the Wilderness"
The stated reason for their release—"that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness"—appears initially as a temporary request for a religious gathering. However, the Ibn Ezra suggests this was a strategic first step, easing Pharaoh into the idea of their eventual full liberation. The Sforno adds that the "feast" (חָג) refers to korbanot (sacrifices), which could only be offered outside Egypt due to its idolatrous environment. This demand tested Pharaoh’s willingness to acknowledge Hashem’s authority.
Pharaoh’s Expected Resistance
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 111a) teaches that Pharaoh’s hardened heart was a consequence of his own prior choices to oppress Bnei Yisrael. By demanding a feast in the wilderness, Hashem provided Pharaoh an opportunity to repent—yet his refusal set the stage for the ensuing plagues, demonstrating divine justice.