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Exodus 8:22 - Avoiding Egyptian idolatry's offense

Exodus 8:22 - שמות 8:22

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה לֹא נָכוֹן לַעֲשׂוֹת כֵּן כִּי תּוֹעֲבַת מִצְרַיִם נִזְבַּח לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ הֵן נִזְבַּח אֶת־תּוֹעֲבַת מִצְרַיִם לְעֵינֵיהֶם וְלֹא יִסְקְלֻנוּ׃

English Translation

And Moshe said, It is not proper so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of Miżrayim to the Lord our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of Miżrayim before their eyes, and will they not stone us?

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe lo nachon la'asot ken ki to'evat Mitzrayim nizbach la'Adonai Eloheinu hen nizbach et-to'evat Mitzrayim le'eineihem ve'lo yisqelunu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה לֹ֤א נָכוֹן֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן כִּ֚י תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם נִזְבַּ֖ח לַיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ הֵ֣ן נִזְבַּ֞ח אֶת־תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְלֹ֥א יִסְקְלֻֽנוּ׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה לֹ֤א נָכוֹן֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן כִּ֚י תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם נִזְבַּ֖ח לַיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ הֵ֣ן נִזְבַּ֞ח אֶת־תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְלֹ֥א יִסְקְלֻֽנוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 8:22) appears during the negotiations between Moshe and Pharaoh regarding the Israelites' request to leave Egypt to serve Hashem. Moshe explains that they cannot sacrifice within Egypt because the animals they would offer are considered sacred or abominable to the Egyptians, and doing so would provoke violent retaliation.

Explanation of "תּוֹעֲבַת מִצְרַיִם" (Abomination of Egypt)

Rashi explains that the "abomination of Egypt" refers to sheep, which the Egyptians worshipped as deities (citing Shemot Rabbah 11:2). Ramban adds that the Egyptians held certain animals sacred, particularly the ram, associated with their god Khnum. Sacrificing these animals would be an affront to Egyptian religious sensibilities.

Moshe's Concern About Stoning

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 26a) discusses the severity of stoning as a punishment in Egyptian society for religious offenses. Moshe anticipated that sacrificing their sacred animals would lead the Egyptians to stone the Israelites, as it would be seen as blasphemy against their gods.

Halachic and Strategic Considerations

  • Respect for Local Customs: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:5) derives from this verse that one should avoid provoking idolaters in their own land, even when performing mitzvot.
  • Divine Service Without Provocation: The Midrash (Mechilta Bo) highlights that Moshe sought to serve Hashem without unnecessary conflict, emphasizing wisdom in religious practice.

Spiritual Message

The Seforno notes that this verse teaches the importance of avoiding chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name). Even though the Israelites were justified in serving Hashem, doing so in a way that would incite violence would undermine their mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper way to approach sacrifices and the sensitivities involved in religious practices that might offend others.
📖 Sanhedrin 60b
Cited in the context of discussing the laws of idolatry and the prohibition against causing offense to others through religious practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the abomination of Egypt' refer to in Exodus 8:22?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, 'the abomination of Egypt' refers to sheep or cattle, which the Egyptians worshipped as gods. The Torah calls them an 'abomination' because idol worship is forbidden. Moshe was concerned that sacrificing these animals—which the Egyptians held sacred—would provoke them to violence.
Q: Why didn't Moshe want to sacrifice animals in front of the Egyptians?
A: Moshe knew that the Egyptians worshipped certain animals, such as sheep (as Rashi explains). Sacrificing these animals to Hashem would have been deeply offensive to the Egyptians, possibly leading them to stone the Israelites out of anger. This teaches the importance of wisdom and caution in dealing with others, even when fulfilling mitzvos.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's words in Exodus 8:22?
A: This verse teaches the principle of 'darchei shalom' (ways of peace)—acting wisely to avoid unnecessary conflict. Even though the Israelites had the right to serve Hashem, Moshe recognized that provoking the Egyptians could lead to danger. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 32b) emphasizes the importance of avoiding situations that may cause hostility.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish values today?
A: This verse highlights the balance between religious devotion and practical wisdom. While we must serve Hashem, we must also consider how our actions affect others, especially in ways that could lead to conflict. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:7) teaches that we should strive for peaceful relations with all people, even while upholding Torah values.