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Exodus 9:15 - Divine restraint before final plague

Exodus 9:15 - שמות 9:15

Hebrew Text

כִּי עַתָּה שָׁלַחְתִּי אֶת־יָדִי וָאַךְ אוֹתְךָ וְאֶת־עַמְּךָ בַּדָּבֶר וַתִּכָּחֵד מִן־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

For now if I would stretch out my hand, I might smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shouldst be cut off from the earth.

Transliteration

Ki atah shalachti et-yadi va'akh otcha ve'et-amecha badavar vatikached min-ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י עַתָּה֙ שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔י וָאַ֥ךְ אוֹתְךָ֛ וְאֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֖ בַּדָּ֑בֶר וַתִּכָּחֵ֖ד מִן־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
כִּ֤י עַתָּה֙ שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔י וָאַ֥ךְ אוֹתְךָ֛ וְאֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֖ בַּדָּ֑בֶר וַתִּכָּחֵ֖ד מִן־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus 9:15)

This verse appears during the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, specifically before the plague of hail (ברד). Hashem warns Pharaoh through Moshe that He could have already destroyed Egypt with a devastating pestilence (דבר), but He has restrained His full power to demonstrate His sovereignty and allow for Pharaoh's repentance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "כי עתה שלחתי את ידי" ("For now if I would stretch out my hand") that Hashem is emphasizing His deliberate restraint. The term "עתה" ("now") suggests that the punishment could have been immediate and total, but Hashem chose a measured approach to give Pharaoh opportunities to repent. Rashi further explains that "ותכחד מן הארץ" ("and thou shouldst be cut off from the earth") implies complete annihilation, underscoring the severity of Pharaoh's defiance.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Justice

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuvah discusses how Hashem grants sinners time to repent before exacting full punishment. This aligns with the verse’s implication that Pharaoh was granted multiple warnings (through earlier plagues) rather than immediate destruction. The mention of pestilence (דבר) as a potential punishment reflects a common divine retribution for moral corruption, as seen in other Tanach narratives (e.g., the plague in David’s time, II Samuel 24).

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (12:1) interprets this verse as part of Hashem’s broader strategy to reveal His power incrementally—both to the Egyptians and to future generations. The gradual escalation of plagues served as a lesson in divine judgment and mercy.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Va’era 14) highlights that the term "ואך אותך" ("I might smite thee") uses the verb אך, which can imply "diminishment" or "weakening," suggesting Pharaoh’s power was being systematically eroded.

Ibn Ezra on the Linguistic Nuance

Ibn Ezra notes that the phrasing "כי עתה" ("for now") conveys a conditional threat—Had Hashem willed it, the punishment could have been swift and total. The use of "דבר" (pestilence) specifically denotes a sudden, divinely ordained catastrophe, contrasting with natural disasters, to emphasize that this would be an unmistakable act of divine intervention.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 90a) derives from this verse that denial of divine providence (כפירה) warrants severe punishment, as Pharaoh’s stubbornness led to escalating consequences. The structure of the plagues also mirrors the principle of "מדה כנגד מדה" (measure for measure), as Pharaoh’s decree to drown Hebrew boys (Shemot 1:22) was met with water-related plagues (e.g., blood, frogs) and eventual destruction.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:15 mean when it says 'cut off from the earth'?
A: The phrase 'cut off from the earth' refers to complete destruction or annihilation. Rashi explains that this means Pharaoh and his people would perish entirely if Hashem unleashed a full plague upon them at that moment. The verse shows that Hashem was giving Pharaoh another chance to repent before bringing the full consequences.
Q: Why did Hashem warn Pharaoh before bringing plagues?
A: The Rambam teaches that Hashem always gives warnings before punishment to allow for repentance (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:3). Here, Hashem was showing Pharaoh that the plagues were deliberate divine acts, not random events, giving him opportunities to recognize Hashem's power and free the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 9:15 today?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem's patience and the importance of heeding warnings. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 12:1) notes that Hashem could have destroyed Egypt immediately, but gave Pharaoh many chances to change. Similarly, we should view challenges as opportunities to reflect and improve our ways.