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Exodus 7:10 - Divine staff becomes serpent.

Exodus 7:10 - שמות 7:10

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וַיַּעַשׂוּ כֵן כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ אַהֲרֹן אֶת־מַטֵּהוּ לִפְנֵי פַרְעֹה וְלִפְנֵי עֲבָדָיו וַיְהִי לְתַנִּין׃

English Translation

And Moshe and Aharon went in to Par῾o, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aharon threw down his rod before Par῾o, and before his servants, and it turned into a snake.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Moshe ve'Aharon el-Par'o va'ya'asu ken ka'asher tziva Adonai va'yashlech Aharon et-matehu lifnei Far'o ve'lifnei avadav va'yehi le'tanin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה וַיַּ֣עֲשׂוּ כֵ֔ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֑ה וַיַּשְׁלֵ֨ךְ אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־מַטֵּ֗הוּ לִפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֛ה וְלִפְנֵ֥י עֲבָדָ֖יו וַיְהִ֥י לְתַנִּֽין׃
וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה וַיַּ֣עֲשׂוּ כֵ֔ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֑ה וַיַּשְׁלֵ֨ךְ אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־מַטֵּ֗הוּ לִפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֛ה וְלִפְנֵ֥י עֲבָדָ֖יו וַיְהִ֥י לְתַנִּֽין׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Staff Turning into a Snake

Rashi (Shemot 7:10) explains that the transformation of Aharon's staff into a snake (tannin) was a symbolic act demonstrating Hashem's supremacy over Pharaoh. The snake was a representation of the Egyptian deity associated with the Nile, and this miracle served to challenge Pharaoh's belief in his own gods. The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eira 9) further elaborates that the snake was chosen specifically because Pharaoh wore a crown adorned with a serpent, symbolizing his perceived divine authority.

Aharon's Role in Performing the Miracle

The verse emphasizes that Aharon, not Moshe, cast down the staff. Ramban (Shemot 7:9) notes that this was because Moshe owed gratitude to the Nile, which had saved him as an infant (when he was placed in a basket). Therefore, to avoid striking the Nile himself, Aharon performed the act. This teaches the principle of hakarat hatov (recognizing and showing gratitude for kindness), even to inanimate objects.

The Deeper Meaning of the Miracle

  • Divine Authority: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) discusses how Pharaoh's magicians replicated this miracle, but Aharon's staff consumed theirs, proving the superiority of Hashem's power.
  • Symbol of Judgment: The snake, a creature associated with cunning and danger (Bereishit 3:1), symbolized the impending judgment on Egypt for their oppression of Bnei Yisrael.
  • Test of Pharaoh's Heart: The Kli Yakar (Shemot 7:10) explains that this miracle was the first in a series meant to harden Pharaoh's heart, demonstrating that his stubbornness would lead to greater displays of Divine power.

The Phrase "As Hashem Commanded"

Ibn Ezra (Shemot 7:10) highlights the precision with which Moshe and Aharon followed Hashem's instructions. The phrase "ka'asher tzivah Hashem" underscores their complete obedience, a model for how mitzvot should be performed—without deviation or personal interpretation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 67b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of miracles performed by Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh, particularly focusing on the transformation of Aaron's rod into a serpent.
📖 Exodus Rabbah 9:5
The midrash elaborates on the incident where Aaron's rod turns into a serpent, discussing its significance and the reaction of Pharaoh and his magicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Aaron's rod turn into a snake in front of Pharaoh?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 7:10), Aaron's rod turning into a snake was the first sign (אות) to demonstrate Hashem's power to Pharaoh. The snake (תנין) was specifically chosen because Pharaoh wore a crown with a snake image, symbolizing his false sense of divinity. This miracle showed that Hashem's power is greater.
Q: Why did Aaron throw the rod instead of Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 9:3) explains that since the Nile River protected Moshe when he was a baby (Exodus 2:3), it wouldn't be proper for him to strike or perform signs against it or Pharaoh. Therefore, Aaron performed this miracle instead as a matter of hakaras hatov (recognizing kindness).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This teaches us the importance of following Hashem's commands exactly as instructed (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה), even when facing powerful opposition. Just as Moshe and Aaron faithfully performed this sign despite Pharaoh's arrogance, we must trust in Hashem's guidance in all situations.
Q: Why does the Torah call it a 'tannin' (תנין) instead of a snake (נחש)?
A: Ramban (Exodus 7:10) explains that 'tannin' refers to a large, fearsome serpent (like a dragon or crocodile), making the miracle more impressive. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a) also notes this term emphasizes it was a supernatural creation, not an ordinary snake.
Q: How did Pharaoh's magicians also turn rods into snakes?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) explains they used dark magic (כישוף), but Aaron's snake swallowed theirs, proving its superiority. Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 11:16) teaches this showed that even when evil seems powerful, Hashem's truth ultimately prevails.