share torah logo

Exodus 7:5 - Divine power revealed through plagues

Exodus 7:5 - שמות 7:5

Hebrew Text

וְיָדְעוּ מִצְרַיִם כִּי־אֲנִי יְהוָה בִּנְטֹתִי אֶת־יָדִי עַל־מִצְרָיִם וְהוֹצֵאתִי אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִתּוֹכָם׃

English Translation

And Miżrayim shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand upon Miżrayim, and bring out the children of Yisra᾽el from among them.

Transliteration

V'yadu Mitzrayim ki-ani Adonai b'noti et-yadi al-Mitzrayim v'hotzeiti et-b'nei-Yisrael mitocham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָדְע֤וּ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה בִּנְטֹתִ֥י אֶת־יָדִ֖י עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם וְהוֹצֵאתִ֥י אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִתּוֹכָֽם׃
וְיָדְע֤וּ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה בִּנְטֹתִ֥י אֶת־יָדִ֖י עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם וְהוֹצֵאתִ֥י אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִתּוֹכָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 7:5) appears in the context of Hashem's instructions to Moshe before the onset of the Ten Plagues. It emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of the plagues is not merely punishment, but to demonstrate Hashem's sovereignty to Egypt and to bring about the redemption of Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "וְיָדְעוּ מִצְרַיִם כִּי־אֲנִי יְהוָה" ("And Egypt shall know that I am the Lord") by noting that the plagues will serve as undeniable proof of Hashem's existence and power. He explains that the Egyptians, who initially denied Hashem's authority, will come to recognize Him through the miraculous events that unfold.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) discusses how miracles serve to validate the truth of prophecy and divine intervention. In this case, the plagues are not arbitrary punishments but are designed to dismantle Egypt's false beliefs—particularly their reliance on natural forces and idolatry—and to affirm Hashem's absolute control over creation.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (Bo 12:12) elaborates that each plague targeted a specific aspect of Egyptian idolatry, systematically dismantling their false deities. For example, the Nile, worshipped as a god, was turned to blood, demonstrating its subservience to Hashem.
  • The Shemot Rabbah (5:14) teaches that the phrase "בִּנְטֹתִי אֶת־יָדִי" ("when I stretch out My hand") symbolizes Hashem's direct intervention, as opposed to natural disasters, which might be attributed to chance.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores a foundational principle in Jewish thought: Hashem's actions in history are purposeful and aimed at kiddush Hashem (sanctification of His name). The Exodus was not only for the sake of Bnei Yisrael but also to make His presence known to the nations, as stated in Yechezkel 36:23: "I will sanctify My great name... and the nations shall know that I am the Lord."

Practical Lessons

  • Emunah (Faith): The verse reinforces the idea that even in times of oppression, Hashem's plan is unfolding, and His justice will prevail.
  • Divine Justice: The plagues illustrate that no power—whether human or natural—can oppose Hashem's will when He acts to redeem His people.
  • Universal Recognition of Hashem: The eventual acknowledgment by Egypt serves as a model for how all nations will ultimately recognize Hashem's sovereignty, as prophesied in Zechariah 14:9.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the plagues in Egypt and God's power demonstrated through them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 7:5 mean when it says 'Miżrayim shall know that I am the Lord'?
A: This verse means that through the miracles and plagues that Hashem would bring upon Egypt (Miżrayim), the Egyptians would come to recognize His supreme power and authority. Rashi explains that this recognition was a key purpose of the plagues—to demonstrate Hashem's dominion over nature and false Egyptian deities.
Q: Why is it important that Hashem brought the children of Yisra᾽el out of Egypt?
A: The Exodus from Egypt is foundational in Jewish belief because it demonstrated Hashem's covenant with the Jewish people and His commitment to freeing them from slavery. The Rambam teaches that remembering the Exodus is a mitzvah (commandment) because it reinforces our faith in Hashem's intervention in history and His role as our redeemer.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 7:5?
A: This verse teaches us that Hashem's power is absolute and that He acts in history to fulfill His promises. The Midrash emphasizes that just as He redeemed our ancestors from Egypt, He continues to guide and protect the Jewish people. It reminds us to trust in Hashem's deliverance, especially in difficult times.
Q: How does the phrase 'when I stretch out my hand upon Miżrayim' connect to the plagues?
A: The 'stretching out of the hand' refers to the series of ten plagues that Hashem brought upon Egypt. According to the Talmud (Pesachim 118a), each plague was a deliberate act of divine judgment to break Pharaoh's resistance and prove Hashem's supremacy. The plagues were structured to escalate in severity, ultimately leading to the liberation of Bnei Yisrael.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that the Egyptians would recognize Hashem?
A: The recognition by Egypt serves as a testimony to all nations of Hashem's existence and power. The Sforno explains that this was not just about punishment but about universal revelation—so that the world would acknowledge Hashem as the true God. This idea is echoed in later prophecies about the nations recognizing Hashem's sovereignty.