Exodus 5:5 - Pharaoh fears rebellion?

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה הֵן־רַבִּים עַתָּה עַם הָאָרֶץ וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּם אֹתָם מִסִּבְלֹתָם׃

English Translation

And Par῾o, said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and you make them rest from their burdens.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Par'o hen-rabim ata am ha'aretz ve'hisbatem otam misivlotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה הֵן־רַבִּ֥ים עַתָּ֖ה עַ֣ם הָאָ֑רֶץ וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖ם מִסִּבְלֹתָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Concern and the Jewish People's Growth

The verse (Shemot 5:5) records Pharaoh's statement: "Behold, the people of the land now are many, and you make them rest from their burdens." Rashi explains that Pharaoh was alarmed by the rapid growth of Bnei Yisrael, fearing they would rebel if given respite from their labor. His words reflect a shift from earlier policies, as he now views their rest as a threat to his kingdom.

Pharaoh's Misinterpretation of "Am Ha'aretz"

The term "Am Ha'aretz" (people of the land) is significant. Ramban notes that Pharaoh deliberately avoided calling them "Bnei Yisrael" or "Ivrim," instead using a term that implied they were merely a local population, not a distinct nation. This linguistic choice reveals his attempt to deny their unique identity and divine destiny.

The Sin of Forced Labor

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:18) highlights Pharaoh's hypocrisy—he claimed concern for the people's rest while intensifying their oppression. The Sforno adds that Pharaoh's true fear was that allowing rest would enable Bnei Yisrael to reflect on their spiritual purpose and seek freedom.

Key Lessons from the Verse

Divine Providence: Despite Pharaoh's schemes, Hashem ensured Bnei Yisrael multiplied (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 6:5).
Oppressor's Logic: Tyrants often justify cruelty by framing kindness as dangerous (Malbim).
Identity Denial: Pharaoh's language mirrors later attempts to erase Jewish distinctiveness (Chatam Sofer).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'the people of the land now are many' in Exodus 5:5?
A: Pharaoh is expressing concern that the Israelites have grown too numerous, which he sees as a potential threat to Egypt. Rashi explains that Pharaoh was worried the Israelites might join Egypt's enemies in war or revolt against him. This reflects the Torah's theme of how the Jewish people multiplied despite oppression, fulfilling G-d's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:5).

Q: Why did Pharaoh accuse Moshe and Aharon of making the Israelites 'rest from their burdens'?
A: Pharaoh viewed Moshe and Aharon's request for a festival as an excuse for the Israelites to avoid work. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:18) explains that Pharaoh was a cruel ruler who couldn't comprehend the concept of spiritual needs or rest. He saw any break from labor as laziness and a threat to his kingdom's productivity.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's response in Exodus 5:5?
A: This verse teaches how oppression often increases when people begin asserting their spiritual identity. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 1:3) derives from such passages that tyrants fear moral awakening more than physical rebellion. For us, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining Jewish practice even under pressure.

Q: How does Exodus 5:5 show Pharaoh's misunderstanding of the Jewish people?
A: Pharaoh mistakenly believed the Israelites were just physical laborers ('am ha'aretz'). The Ohr HaChaim explains that he failed to recognize their spiritual potential and destiny. This mirrors how throughout history, nations have misunderstood the Jewish people's true purpose as a nation dedicated to Torah and mitzvos.

Q: Why is this verse important in the Exodus story?
A: This verse marks the beginning of increased oppression, setting the stage for the plagues and redemption. As the Sforno notes, Pharaoh's refusal here demonstrates his hardened heart, which ultimately led to Egypt's downfall. It shows how resistance to moral progress brings divine judgment.