share torah logo

Exodus 6:7 - Divine covenant through liberation

Exodus 6:7 - שמות 6:7

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתִּי אֶתְכֶם לִי לְעָם וְהָיִיתִי לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם הַמּוֹצִיא אֶתְכֶם מִתַּחַת סִבְלוֹת מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Velakachti etchem li le'am vehayiti lachem lelohim viyedatem ki ani Adonai Eloheichem hamotzi etchem mitachat sivlot Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַחְתִּ֨י אֶתְכֶ֥ם לִי֙ לְעָ֔ם וְהָיִ֥יתִי לָכֶ֖ם לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם כִּ֣י אֲנִ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם הַמּוֹצִ֣יא אֶתְכֶ֔ם מִתַּ֖חַת סִבְל֥וֹת מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וְלָקַחְתִּ֨י אֶתְכֶ֥ם לִי֙ לְעָ֔ם וְהָיִ֥יתִי לָכֶ֖ם לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם כִּ֣י אֲנִ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם הַמּוֹצִ֣יא אֶתְכֶ֔ם מִתַּ֖חַת סִבְל֥וֹת מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Covenant Between Hashem and Israel

The verse (Shemot 6:7) establishes the foundational relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, framing it as a mutual bond: "I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God." Rashi explains that this declaration signifies a unique, eternal covenant—distinct from Hashem’s relationship with other nations—where Klal Yisrael becomes His treasured nation (Am Segulah), and He assumes the role of their protector and guide. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) emphasizes that this relationship is rooted in the recognition of Hashem as the sole Creator and active force in history.

Knowledge Through Redemption

The phrase "and you shall know that I am Hashem your God" underscores experiential knowledge (da'at) rather than abstract belief. The Sforno teaches that the Exodus from Egypt (Yetziyat Mitzrayim) served as incontrovertible proof of Hashem’s providence, compelling Bnei Yisrael to internalize His sovereignty. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 6:4) elaborates that this knowledge would deepen through the miracles of the Exodus, culminating at Har Sinai.

Liberation from "Sivlot Mitzrayim"

The term "sivlot Mitzrayim" (burdens of Egypt) is interpreted by the Malbim as both physical oppression and spiritual degradation. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that the Exodus was not merely freedom from labor but a transformative process to elevate Bnei Yisrael into a holy nation capable of receiving the Torah. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) links this to the concept of yissurim (suffering) refining a person’s connection to Hashem.

  • Rashi: The covenant establishes Israel as Hashem’s exclusive nation.
  • Rambam: Knowledge of Hashem arises from witnessing His intervention in history.
  • Sforno: The Exodus was a divine revelation meant to instill eternal faith.
  • Malbim & Netziv: Physical and spiritual liberation were prerequisites for Matan Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 28b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the relationship between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing the covenantal bond established through the Exodus from Egypt.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and God's promise to redeem them, highlighting the divine assurance of liberation and recognition of God's sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 6:7 mean in simple terms?
A: In Exodus 6:7, Hashem promises the Jewish people that He will take them as His chosen nation, He will be their God, and they will recognize Him as the One who redeemed them from slavery in Egypt. This verse emphasizes the special relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.
Q: Why is Exodus 6:7 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is fundamental because it establishes the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam explains that recognizing Hashem as our Redeemer is a core principle of Jewish faith. It reminds us of our unique relationship with Hashem that began with the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 6:7 today?
A: We learn that just as Hashem redeemed our ancestors from Egypt, He continues to guide and protect the Jewish people today. The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us to always recognize Hashem's hand in our lives, both in historical miracles and in our daily existence.
Q: How does 'knowing that I am Hashem' apply to our lives?
A: The phrase 'you shall know that I am Hashem' teaches that we must develop a personal recognition of Hashem's presence in the world. As the Talmud (Berachot 33b) explains, true knowledge of Hashem comes through studying Torah and observing His commandments in our daily lives.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem will 'take us as His people'?
A: This means that the Jewish people were chosen for a special mission to serve Hashem and uphold the Torah. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah) explains that this selection comes with both privileges and responsibilities - to be a light unto the nations through living according to Torah values.