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Exodus 6:1 - Divine power over Pharaoh's will

Exodus 6:1 - שמות 6:1

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה עַתָּה תִרְאֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶעֱשֶׂה לְפַרְעֹה כִּי בְיָד חֲזָקָה יְשַׁלְּחֵם וּבְיָד חֲזָקָה יְגָרְשֵׁם מֵאַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

Then the Lord said to Moshe, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Par῾o: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe atah tir'eh asher e'eseh le-Faroh ki v'yad chazakah y'shalcheim uv'yad chazakah y'garesheim me'artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה עַתָּ֣ה תִרְאֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה כִּ֣י בְיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם וּבְיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖ם מֵאַרְצֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה עַתָּ֣ה תִרְאֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה כִּ֣י בְיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם וּבְיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖ם מֵאַרְצֽוֹ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 6:1) appears after Moshe expresses doubt to Hashem about Pharaoh's willingness to release Bnei Yisrael. It follows the initial failed negotiations where Pharaoh increased the workload of the Israelites after Moshe and Aharon's first request. Hashem reassures Moshe that He will now demonstrate His full power over Pharaoh.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains the phrase "עתה תראה" (Now you shall see) as contrasting with the earlier phrase in Shemot 5:23 ("From the time I came to Pharaoh... he has done evil"). Rashi notes that Moshe had questioned why Hashem allowed Pharaoh to worsen Israel's condition, and now Hashem responds that Moshe will witness the true divine plan unfold.

  • "ביד חזקה ישלחם" (with a strong hand shall he let them go): Rashi explains this refers to Pharaoh being compelled by the plagues to release them.
  • "וביד חזקה יגרשם" (and with a strong hand shall he drive them out): Rashi adds this refers to Pharaoh's urgent command after the death of the firstborn (Shemot 12:33), when he actively drove them out.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes the double language of "strong hand" emphasizes that Pharaoh's submission will be complete - first reluctantly allowing them to leave, then actively expelling them from Egypt. This shows the complete overturning of Pharaoh's earlier stubbornness.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam explains this verse demonstrates divine providence - that Hashem intervenes in history to fulfill His promises to the righteous. The "strong hand" represents the undeniable divine intervention that will break Pharaoh's resistance.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 6:1) connects this to the concept of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure):

  • Just as Pharaoh hardened his heart (Shemot 8:11), Hashem would now demonstrate His "strong hand"
  • The same "strong hand" that enslaved Israel (Shemot 3:19) would now liberate them

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet explains that "Now you shall see" refers to perceiving divine providence in what previously seemed like setbacks. The apparent failures were actually preparations for greater revelations of Hashem's power.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'with a strong hand' mean in Exodus 6:1?
A: The phrase 'with a strong hand' refers to Hashem's mighty intervention in forcing Pharaoh to release the Jewish people from Egypt. Rashi explains that Pharaoh would ultimately let them go not by his own will, but through divine coercion—through the Ten Plagues and other miracles that demonstrated Hashem's absolute power.
Q: Why does Hashem say 'Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh'?
A: Hashem is reassuring Moshe that despite Pharaoh's stubbornness, He will now intensify His actions to bring about the Exodus. The Ramban teaches that this was a turning point where Hashem would no longer merely request freedom for the Jews but would forcefully demonstrate His supremacy over Pharaoh and Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 6:1 about trusting Hashem?
A: This verse teaches that even when situations seem hopeless (like Pharaoh repeatedly refusing to free the Jews), Hashem has a plan and the power to bring deliverance. The Midrash emphasizes that Hashem's promises are certain—He will act in His perfect time with undeniable strength.
Q: Why does the verse mention Pharaoh being 'driven out' of his land?
A: The Sforno explains that Pharaoh wouldn't merely permit the Jews to leave—he would actively expel them in haste (as seen later during the actual Exodus). This highlights how Hashem can reverse the roles: the oppressor becomes the one desperate to remove his former slaves.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader theme of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus)?
A: This verse sets the stage for the final stages of redemption, showing that Hashem's intervention would be undeniable. The Talmud (Berachot 9a) links this to the concept of geulah (redemption)—that true freedom comes through Hashem's direct involvement, not human diplomacy alone.