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Exodus 7:4 - Divine justice through Pharaoh's defiance

Exodus 7:4 - שמות 7:4

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־יִשְׁמַע אֲלֵכֶם פַּרְעֹה וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־יָדִי בְּמִצְרָיִם וְהוֹצֵאתִי אֶת־צִבְאֹתַי אֶת־עַמִּי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בִּשְׁפָטִים גְּדֹלִים׃

English Translation

But Par῾o shall not hearken to you, that I may lay my hand upon Miżrayim, and bring out my armies, my people the children of Yisra᾽el, out of the land of Miżrayim by great judgments.

Transliteration

Velo-yishma alekhem Par'o venatati et-yadi be-Mitzrayim vehotzeiti et-tziv'otai et-ami bnei-Yisrael me'eretz Mitzrayim bishfatim gedolim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־יִשְׁמַ֤ע אֲלֵכֶם֙ פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְנָתַתִּ֥י אֶת־יָדִ֖י בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וְהוֹצֵאתִ֨י אֶת־צִבְאֹתַ֜י אֶת־עַמִּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בִּשְׁפָטִ֖ים גְּדֹלִֽים׃
וְלֹֽא־יִשְׁמַ֤ע אֲלֵכֶם֙ פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְנָתַתִּ֥י אֶת־יָדִ֖י בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וְהוֹצֵאתִ֨י אֶת־צִבְאֹתַ֜י אֶת־עַמִּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בִּשְׁפָטִ֖ים גְּדֹלִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 7:4) explains that the phrase "וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־יָדִי בְּמִצְרָיִם" ("I will lay My hand upon Egypt") refers to Hashem's direct intervention through the Ten Plagues. He emphasizes that this demonstrates divine retribution measure for measure (middah k'neged middah) for Egypt's oppression of Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam discusses how the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the subsequent plagues served as a global demonstration of Hashem's sovereignty. The "great judgments" (בִּשְׁפָטִים גְּדֹלִים) were not merely punitive but educational—revealing divine justice to both Egypt and future generations.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (5:6): The term "צִבְאֹתַי" ("My armies") refers to Bnei Yisrael being organized like an army, hinting at their future role at Har Sinai—receiving the Torah in military formation (based on Shemot 19:2).
  • Mechilta (Bo 12:41): The plagues are called "שְׁפָטִים גְּדֹלִים" because they systematically dismantled Egypt's false deities (e.g., the Nile, frogs, sun), proving Hashem's absolute dominion.

Chassidic Interpretation (Sefat Emet)

The Sefat Emet (Shemot 5637) teaches that Pharaoh's refusal to listen ("וְלֹא־יִשְׁמַע") was a necessary condition for the full revelation of Hashem's power. Only through resistance could the depth of the Exodus—both physical and spiritual—be achieved, preparing Bnei Yisrael for their ultimate mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Pharaoh will not listen in Exodus 7:4?
A: According to Rashi, this verse means that Hashem would harden Pharaoh's heart so that he would refuse to let the Israelites go. This was part of the divine plan to demonstrate Hashem's power through the Ten Plagues and ultimately bring about the Exodus.
Q: Why does the verse say 'my armies, my people' referring to the Israelites?
A: The Midrash explains that the term 'my armies' (צִבְאֹתַי) emphasizes that the Jewish people are like a dedicated army serving Hashem. Ramban adds that this language shows their elevated status as a nation chosen for a divine purpose.
Q: What are the 'great judgments' mentioned in Exodus 7:4?
A: The 'great judgments' (בִּשְׁפָטִים גְּדֹלִים) refer to the Ten Plagues that Hashem brought upon Egypt. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11a) teaches that each plague was a precise act of divine justice, punishing the Egyptians measure for measure for their oppression of the Israelites.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the Exodus?
A: This verse sets the stage for the entire Exodus narrative. As explained by Sforno, it shows that the coming plagues weren't just about freeing the Israelites, but also about demonstrating Hashem's sovereignty to both Egypt and Israel through miraculous signs and wonders.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 7:4?
A: The verse teaches about divine providence - that even when leaders seem stubborn (like Pharaoh), everything follows Hashem's plan. The Malbim explains that this reminds us to trust in Hashem's ultimate justice, especially during difficult times when redemption seems delayed.