Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to turn the staff into a snake in front of Pharaoh?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 7:9), this miracle was meant to demonstrate Hashem's power to Pharaoh. The snake was specifically chosen because in Egyptian culture, snakes were symbols of divine power and royalty. By transforming Aharon's staff into a snake, Hashem showed that His power was greater than anything Pharaoh worshipped.
Q: Why did Aharon perform this miracle instead of Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 9:7) explains that since Moshe's staff had previously turned into a snake at the burning bush (Exodus 4:3), it wouldn't have been impressive to Pharaoh. Using Aharon's staff made it clear this was a new miracle from Hashem. Additionally, since Moshe was saved by the Nile as a baby, it wouldn't be proper for him to strike it or perform miracles against Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the staff turning into a snake?
A: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:66) teaches that this miracle demonstrated how Hashem can completely transform nature. Just as a dry wooden staff became a living creature, Hashem can change any situation according to His will. This reminds us that nothing is beyond Hashem's control, even when things seem impossible.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'show a miracle for yourselves' when Pharaoh asked for proof?
A: Ibn Ezra (Exodus 7:9) explains that Pharaoh was challenging Moshe and Aharon to prove their own divine connection, not just Hashem's existence. The term 'for yourselves' implies Pharaoh wanted evidence that they specifically were sent by G-d, not just that G-d exists. The miracle thus validated Moshe and Aharon as true prophets.
Q: How is this miracle relevant to us today?
A: The Sforno (Exodus 7:9) explains that just as Hashem gave clear signs to validate Moshe's mission, we must look for the clear signs of Hashem's presence in our lives. The miracle teaches us that when representing Torah truth, we must be ready to demonstrate its authenticity through both words and actions that reflect divine wisdom.
Context and Background
The verse (Shemot 7:9) describes Hashem's instruction to Moshe regarding how to respond when Pharaoh demands a miraculous sign to validate Moshe and Aharon's divine mission. This occurs during the initial confrontation between Moshe and Pharaoh before the onset of the Ten Plagues.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Pharaoh, steeped in Egyptian sorcery, would challenge Moshe and Aharon to prove their legitimacy through a miracle. The term "מוֹפֵת" (mo'fet) refers to a supernatural sign. Rashi notes that Hashem commanded the use of Aharon's staff rather than Moshe's to avoid giving Pharaoh any pretext to claim that Moshe's staff was inherently magical (since Moshe had previously performed miracles with it).
Symbolism of the Snake
The transformation of the staff into a "תַנִּין" (tannin)—a serpent or crocodile—carries deep symbolism:
Aharon's Role
Hashem instructed Moshe to have Aharon perform the miracle rather than doing it himself. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97a) suggests this was an act of humility, as Moshe had previously fled from the serpent in Midian (Shemot 4:3), and Aharon's involvement emphasized unity in their mission.
Pharaoh's Demand for Proof
Pharaoh's request for a miracle reflects his arrogance and skepticism. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 9:3) teaches that true believers do not require constant signs, but Pharaoh, representing doubt, insisted on visible proof—a theme recurring in Jewish tradition regarding faith and divine revelation.