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Exodus 9:33 - Prayer ends nature's fury

Exodus 9:33 - שמות 9:33

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּצֵא מֹשֶׁה מֵעִם פַּרְעֹה אֶת־הָעִיר וַיִּפְרֹשׂ כַּפָּיו אֶל־יְהוָה וַיַּחְדְּלוּ הַקֹּלוֹת וְהַבָּרָד וּמָטָר לֹא־נִתַּךְ אָרְצָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe went out of the city from Par῾o, and spread out his hands to the Lord: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was no longer poured upon the earth.

Transliteration

Va'yeitze Moshe me'im Par'o et-ha'ir va'yifros kapav el-Adonai va'yachdelu ha'kolot ve'ha'barad u'matar lo-nitach artzah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה מֵעִ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־הָעִ֔יר וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּפָּ֖יו אֶל־יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחְדְּל֤וּ הַקֹּלוֹת֙ וְהַבָּרָ֔ד וּמָטָ֖ר לֹא־נִתַּ֥ךְ אָֽרְצָה׃
וַיֵּצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה מֵעִ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־הָעִ֔יר וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּפָּ֖יו אֶל־יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחְדְּל֤וּ הַקֹּלוֹת֙ וְהַבָּרָ֔ד וּמָטָ֖ר לֹא־נִתַּ֥ךְ אָֽרְצָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Moshe's Prayer and the Cessation of the Plague

The verse describes Moshe leaving Pharaoh's presence, exiting the city, and spreading his hands in prayer to Hashem, resulting in the cessation of the hail and thunder. Rashi (Shemot 9:29) explains that Moshe left the city to pray because it was filled with idolatry, and he did not wish to pray in an impure place. This teaches the importance of separating oneself from negative influences when engaging in divine service.

The Significance of Spreading Hands in Prayer

The phrase "וַיִּפְרֹשׂ כַּפָּיו" (spread out his hands) indicates a posture of supplication. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 5:4) notes that spreading one's hands upward is a traditional gesture of earnest prayer, symbolizing dependence on Hashem. The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eira 22) adds that Moshe's outstretched hands demonstrated his complete trust in Hashem's mercy to stop the plague.

The Immediate Response to Prayer

The cessation of the hail and thunder immediately after Moshe's prayer highlights the power of a tzaddik's tefillah. The Talmud (Berachot 34b) teaches that the prayers of the righteous can bring about swift divine intervention. Additionally, the Malbim (Shemot 9:33) observes that the phrase "וַיַּחְדְּלוּ הַקֹּלוֹת" (the thunders ceased) implies a sudden, complete halt—emphasizing that nature obeys Hashem's will without delay when He responds to sincere prayer.

Lessons in Divine Justice and Mercy

  • Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: Despite witnessing Moshe's effective prayer, Pharaoh again hardened his heart (as seen in the next verse). The Sforno (Shemot 9:34) explains that this demonstrated Pharaoh's willful rejection of divine signs, underscoring the principle of bechira chofshit (free will).
  • Rain as Judgment and Kindness: The hail was both destructive and a display of Hashem's precision—it spared those who feared His word (Shemot 9:20). The Abarbanel notes that the cessation of rain ("וּמָטָר לֹא־נִתַּךְ אָרְצָה") also signaled a return to potential fertility, showing that divine punishment is measured and temporary.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe spread out his hands to Hashem in Exodus 9:33?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe spread out his hands in prayer to Hashem to stop the plague of hail. This teaches us the power of sincere prayer and turning to Hashem in times of need.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe leaving the city before praying in Exodus 9:33?
A: The Midrash explains that Moshe left Pharaoh's city to show that one should distance themselves from impurity when praying to Hashem. Additionally, Moshe demonstrated that Pharaoh's city was filled with idolatry, and it was inappropriate to pray there.
Q: Why did the hail stop when Moshe prayed in Exodus 9:33?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that Moshe's prayer was effective because he prayed with complete sincerity and humility. This shows that Hashem listens to the prayers of the righteous and responds when they call out to Him with a pure heart.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's actions in Exodus 9:33?
A: From Moshe's example, we learn the importance of turning to Hashem in prayer during difficult times. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:1) emphasizes that prayer is a fundamental mitzvah and a way to connect with Hashem, just as Moshe did during the plague of hail.
Q: How does Exodus 9:33 show Hashem's mercy?
A: Even though Pharaoh and Egypt deserved punishment, Hashem stopped the hail when Moshe prayed. This demonstrates Hashem's compassion and willingness to relent from punishment when people sincerely repent, as explained in the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 12:1).