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Exodus 6:28 - Divine command in Egyptian exile?

Exodus 6:28 - שמות 6:28

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass on the day when the Lord spoke to Moshe in the land of Miżrayim,

Transliteration

Vayehi beyom diber Adonai el-Moshe be'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י בְּי֨וֹם דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיְהִ֗י בְּי֨וֹם דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 6:28, marking the transition where Hashem instructs Moshe to speak to Pharaoh and demand the liberation of Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. Rashi notes that this verse reiterates the earlier command (6:10-11) to emphasize that Moshe was reluctant due to his speech impediment, yet Hashem insisted he fulfill his role.

Significance of "בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר" (On the Day He Spoke)

The phrase "בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר" suggests immediacy and urgency. The Ibn Ezra explains that this was not a prolonged conversation but a decisive moment when Hashem’s directive was given. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this "day" symbolizes a turning point in divine revelation, as Moshe was now fully empowered to act as Hashem’s emissary.

The Location: "בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם" (In the Land of Egypt)

The Ramban highlights that this prophecy occurred within Egypt, underscoring that Hashem’s presence is not limited to Eretz Yisrael or sacred spaces. The Sforno further explains that this demonstrated Hashem’s omnipotence even in a land of idolatry, reinforcing the message that redemption would originate from the depths of impurity.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta teaches that Moshe’s hesitation (due to his stammer) was overridden by Hashem’s assurance: "Who gave man a mouth? Is it not I?" (Shemot 4:11), emphasizing divine support for his mission.
  • The Zohar connects this verse to the broader theme of Yetziat Mitzrayim, noting that Moshe’s dialogue with Pharaoh began the process of revealing Hashem’s sovereignty to the world.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) derives from this verse that prophecy can occur outside Eretz Yisrael, countering the misconception that divine communication is geographically restricted. This principle is foundational in understanding the universality of Hashem’s interaction with humanity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 6:28 mean when it says 'the Lord spoke to Moshe in the land of Egypt'?
A: This verse emphasizes that Hashem communicated directly with Moshe in Egypt, showing that prophecy is not limited to the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this counters the claim that Moshe only received prophecy outside Egypt (in Midian) - proving his mission was Divine from the start.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat that Hashem spoke to Moshe in Egypt?
A: The repetition (after earlier verses) serves to reinforce Moshe's prophetic legitimacy. Rambam teaches in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah that true prophets must be tested, and this repetition confirms Moshe's consistent connection with Hashem even in the impurity of Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem speaking to Moshe in Egypt?
A: The Midrash teaches that this shows Hashem's presence is everywhere - even in spiritually low places like Egypt. Just as Hashem was with Moshe in exile, He is with us in our challenges today. The Seforno adds that this demonstrates no place is beyond spiritual growth and connection to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people's redemption from Egypt?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 9a) links this to the sequence of redemption - Hashem first established Moshe as His messenger in Egypt, setting the stage for the plagues and Exodus. The Ohr HaChaim explains this verse introduces the coming redemption narrative.
Q: Why does the verse begin with 'And it came to pass' (Vayehi)?
A: Rashi notes that 'Vayehi' often introduces distressing events. Here it hints at the difficulty of Moshe's mission - confronting Pharaoh would bring suffering before redemption. The Baal HaTurim adds that numerically, 'Vayehi' equals 31, corresponding to the 31 times Moshe is mentioned before the Exodus begins.