Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 5:21 mean?
A: In Exodus 5:21, the Jewish foremen complain to Moshe and Aharon after Pharaoh increases their workload. They say, 'May Hashem look upon you and judge,' meaning they blame Moshe and Aharon for making Pharaoh and his servants angry, which led to harsher treatment. Rashi explains that they felt Moshe and Aharon's intervention made things worse instead of better.
Q: Why did the Jewish foremen blame Moshe and Aharon in this verse?
A: The foremen blamed Moshe and Aharon because after they demanded Pharaoh free the Jews (Exodus 5:1), Pharaoh responded by making the slavery even harsher (Exodus 5:6-9). The foremen felt that Moshe and Aharon's actions had backfired, putting them in greater danger ('to put a sword in their hand to slay us'). The Midrash teaches that this reflects human nature—people often resist change, even when it’s for their ultimate good.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 5:21?
A: This verse teaches that redemption is not always immediate or easy. Even when Hashem sends leaders to help, the process may involve hardship before liberation. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva) discusses how suffering can sometimes be part of a greater plan for growth. The foremen didn’t yet see the bigger picture—Hashem was setting the stage for the Exodus through these events.
Q: How does this verse relate to challenges in life today?
A: Like the foremen, we sometimes face difficulties after taking steps toward improvement (e.g., standing up for what’s right). The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that hardships can be tests or opportunities for growth. This verse reminds us to trust in Hashem’s plan even when things seem to get worse before they get better.
Q: Why does the verse say 'May Hashem look upon you and judge'?
A: The foremen were expressing frustration, asking Hashem to hold Moshe and Aharon accountable for the increased suffering. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) discusses that judging others requires care—here, the foremen spoke hastily. Rashi notes that later, they recognized Moshe and Aharon were right (Exodus 12:28), showing how initial reactions aren’t always correct.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Shemot/Exodus 5:21) is spoken by the Israelite foremen to Moshe and Aharon after Pharaoh increases the burden of labor upon Bnei Yisrael in response to Moshe's initial demand to let the people go. The foremen blame Moshe and Aharon for worsening their situation, as Pharaoh now perceives them as a threat and may seek to kill them.
Literal Interpretation (Peshat)
Rashi explains that the foremen were distressed because Moshe and Aharon's intervention led Pharaoh to view the Israelites as rebellious, thereby endangering their lives. The phrase "הִבְאַשְׁתֶּם אֶת־רֵיחֵנוּ" ("you have made us abhorrent") suggests that the Egyptians now detest the Israelites, seeing them as a nuisance or threat. The "sword in their hand" implies that Pharaoh and his servants now have justification to kill them.
Midrashic Insights (Derash)
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:21) elaborates that the foremen's complaint reflects their lack of faith in Hashem's ultimate plan. They accuse Moshe and Aharon of acting prematurely, not realizing that the suffering was part of the process leading to redemption. The phrase "יֵרֶא יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם וְיִשְׁפֹּט" ("The Lord look upon you and judge") is interpreted as a plea for divine justice—either a rebuke for worsening their plight or a request for Hashem to judge whether Moshe and Aharon acted correctly.
Philosophical Perspective (Rambam)
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim) might view this episode as a lesson in divine providence. The foremen's shortsightedness contrasts with Moshe's broader vision of redemption. Their fear of Pharaoh's sword reflects a lack of trust in Hashem's protection, a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative.
Halachic Implications
Chassidic Interpretation
Chassidic thought (e.g., the Sefat Emet) might see this as a metaphor for spiritual struggles: the "sword" represents external forces of negativity, and the foremen's complaint symbolizes resistance to growth. True redemption requires enduring hardship with faith.