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Exodus 5:2 - Who defies Hashem's authority?

Exodus 5:2 - שמות 5:2

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה מִי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר אֶשְׁמַע בְּקֹלוֹ לְשַׁלַּח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא יָדַעְתִּי אֶת־יְהוָה וְגַם אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא אֲשַׁלֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Yisra᾽el go? I know not the Lord, nor will I let Yisra᾽el go.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Par'o mi Adonai asher eshma b'kolo l'shalach et Yisrael lo yadati et Adonai v'gam et Yisrael lo ashalach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה מִ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹל֔וֹ לְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לֹ֤א יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֔ה וְגַ֥ם אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹ֥א אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַ׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה מִ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹל֔וֹ לְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לֹ֤א יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֔ה וְגַ֥ם אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹ֥א אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Denial of Hashem

The verse (Shemot 5:2) records Pharaoh's defiant response to Moshe and Aharon's demand to release Bnei Yisrael. His statement, "מִי ה' אֲשֶׁר אֶשְׁמַע בְּקֹלוֹ" ("Who is Hashem that I should obey His voice?"), reflects a fundamental rejection of Divine authority. Rashi explains that Pharaoh was not merely claiming ignorance of Hashem, but rather was denying His very existence and power. This aligns with the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:14), which states that Pharaoh viewed himself as a deity and refused to acknowledge any higher authority.

Pharaoh's Claim of Ignorance

When Pharaoh says, "לֹא יָדַעְתִּי אֶת־ה'" ("I do not know Hashem"), the Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this was not an innocent admission of unfamiliarity. Rather, it was a willful rejection of the G-d of Israel, despite Egypt's historical encounters with Hashem through Yosef and the earlier recognition of His hand in events (see Bereishit 41:38-39). The Sforno adds that Pharaoh's arrogance led him to dismiss the concept of a supreme Deity who could command him.

Refusal to Release Israel

Pharaoh's concluding statement, "וְגַם אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא אֲשַׁלֵּחַ" ("nor will I let Israel go"), demonstrates his obstinacy. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) teaches that this refusal was the beginning of Pharaoh's hardening of heart, which ultimately led to the Ten Plagues. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Pharaoh's denial of Hashem and his refusal to free Bnei Yisrael were interconnected—by rejecting Divine authority, he also rejected the moral imperative to end their enslavement.

Historical and Theological Implications

  • Egyptian Polytheism: Pharaoh's statement reflects the polytheistic worldview of ancient Egypt, where multiple gods were worshipped but none were seen as absolute (based on Rambam's explanation in Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:1).
  • Free Will vs. Divine Plan: The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eira 5) notes that Pharaoh's defiance set the stage for Hashem to demonstrate His power through the Exodus, fulfilling the covenant with Avraham (Bereishit 15:13-14).
  • Symbol of Resistance: Pharaoh becomes a paradigm of resistance to Divine will, as discussed in the Mechilta (Bo 13), illustrating the consequences of arrogance and oppression.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'Who is the Lord?' in Exodus 5:2?
A: Pharaoh's statement 'Who is the Lord?' reflects his arrogance and denial of Hashem's authority. According to Rashi, Pharaoh was not merely asking a question but defiantly rejecting the idea that any power could command him. This highlights the struggle between human arrogance and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative.
Q: Why did Pharaoh say he didn't know Hashem in Exodus 5:2?
A: Pharaoh claimed ignorance of Hashem to justify his refusal to free the Israelites. The Midrash explains that Pharaoh was aware of Hashem but chose to deny Him, representing the hardening of his heart—a key element leading to the Ten Plagues. This teaches how willful ignorance and pride can prevent a person from recognizing truth.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's refusal to let Israel go in Exodus 5:2?
A: Pharaoh's stubbornness teaches the dangers of pride and resisting divine will. The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses how free will allows people to choose between good and evil, and Pharaoh's refusal serves as a warning against hardening one's heart to righteousness. This applies today as a reminder to remain humble and open to truth.
Q: How does Exodus 5:2 relate to Jewish faith today?
A: This verse reminds Jews of the importance of recognizing Hashem's authority, unlike Pharaoh. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) discusses how acknowledging Hashem is foundational to Jewish belief. Pharaoh’s defiance contrasts with the Jewish mission to sanctify Hashem’s name, reinforcing our commitment to faith even when facing opposition.
Q: Was Pharaoh's statement in Exodus 5:2 the beginning of his downfall?
A: Yes, Pharaoh's defiance marked the start of his downfall. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:6) explains that his refusal to acknowledge Hashem led to the Ten Plagues, demonstrating that resisting divine will brings consequences. This teaches that humility and obedience to Hashem are essential for avoiding self-destruction.