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Exodus 6:11 - Challenge Pharaoh, free Israel

Exodus 6:11 - שמות 6:11

Hebrew Text

בֹּא דַבֵּר אֶל־פַּרְעֹה מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם וִישַׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

Go in, speak to Par῾o, king of Miżrayim, that he let the children of Yisra᾽el go out of his land.

Transliteration

Bo daber el-Par'o melech Mitzrayim vishalach et-bnei-Yisrael me'artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

בֹּ֣א דַבֵּ֔ר אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם וִֽישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאַרְצֽוֹ׃
בֹּ֣א דַבֵּ֔ר אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם וִֽישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאַרְצֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Exodus Narrative

The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 6:11, where Hashem commands Moshe to approach Pharaoh and demand the release of Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. This directive follows the initial encounter where Pharaoh hardened his heart and increased the oppression of the Israelites (Shemot 5:1-23). Rashi notes that this repetition emphasizes Moshe's reluctance due to Pharaoh's previous refusal and the worsening conditions for the Jewish people.

Linguistic Nuances

The phrase "בֹּא דַבֵּר" ("Go in, speak") is unusual, as the more common phrasing would be simply "דַבֵּר" ("speak"). The Kli Yakar explains that the word "בֹּא" ("go in") suggests Moshe must enter Pharaoh's inner chambers or approach him with confidence, despite Pharaoh's royal stature. The Sforno adds that this wording implies Moshe must persist in his mission, regardless of initial setbacks.

Theological Implications

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses the nature of prophecy in this context, noting that Moshe's mission was not merely political but a divine imperative to fulfill the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. The demand to free Bnei Yisrael was not negotiable, as it was tied to Hashem's ultimate plan for redemption.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta teaches that Moshe's hesitation stemmed from humility, but Hashem insisted that leadership requires boldness when advocating for the Jewish people.
  • The Midrash Rabbah highlights that Pharaoh's resistance was part of a larger divine strategy to demonstrate Hashem's power through the Ten Plagues, ultimately leading to the sanctification of His name.

Halachic Perspective

The Ramban (Nachmanides) connects this verse to the broader principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem). Even when facing a seemingly insurmountable ruler like Pharaoh, Moshe was required to act on divine instruction, reinforcing that true leadership involves unwavering faith in Hashem's promises.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to speak to Pharaoh again after Pharaoh refused the first time?
A: Hashem commanded Moshe to keep speaking to Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and to give Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent (Rashi on Shemot 6:11). Each refusal hardened Pharaoh's heart further, ultimately leading to the Ten Plagues which revealed Hashem's supremacy.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'let the children of Yisrael go out of his land'?
A: This phrase emphasizes that the Jewish people's slavery in Egypt was temporary and that their ultimate destiny was freedom to serve Hashem. The Exodus was necessary for them to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai (Rambam, Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3).
Q: Why does the verse say 'Go in' instead of 'Go to' when speaking to Pharaoh?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe was hesitant to confront Pharaoh directly, so Hashem told him to 'go in' - meaning to approach Pharaoh in his palace boldly, despite any fear (Rashi on Shemot 6:11). This teaches us about the importance of courage when fulfilling Hashem's commandments.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus)?
A: This verse marks a critical point in the Exodus narrative where Hashem begins the process of redeeming Bnei Yisrael through open miracles. The Talmud teaches that this demonstrates how Hashem keeps His promises to our ancestors (Pesachim 116b).
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Hashem commanding Moshe to speak to Pharaoh?
A: We learn that even when facing powerful opposition, we must faithfully deliver Hashem's message. The Midrash teaches that Moshe's obedience in this difficult mission made him worthy to lead Bnei Yisrael (Shemot Rabbah 7:3). This applies to standing up for truth in all generations.