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Exodus 9:5 - Divine judgment's precise timing.

Exodus 9:5 - שמות 9:5

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם יְהוָה מוֹעֵד לֵאמֹר מָחָר יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה בָּאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, Tomorrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land.

Transliteration

Vayasem Adonai moed lemor machar ya'aseh Adonai hadavar hazeh ba'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥שֶׂם יְהֹוָ֖ה מוֹעֵ֣ד לֵאמֹ֑ר מָחָ֗ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה הַדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּ֖ה בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם יְהֹוָ֖ה מוֹעֵ֣ד לֵאמֹ֑ר מָחָ֗ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה הַדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּ֖ה בָּאָֽרֶץ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 9:5, during the narrative of the fifth plague, Dever (Pestilence), which struck the livestock of Egypt. Hashem informs Pharaoh through Moshe that the plague will occur at a precise time—"tomorrow"—demonstrating divine control over nature and history.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 9:5) emphasizes the significance of the phrase "וַיָּשֶׂם יְהוָה מוֹעֵד" ("And the Lord appointed a set time"). He explains that Hashem set a specific time for the plague to demonstrate that the event was not random but a deliberate act of divine justice. This precision also served to validate Moshe's prophecy, proving that his words were truly from Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eira 14) elaborates that Hashem gave Pharaoh advance warning to allow him the opportunity to repent. The phrase "מָחָר" ("tomorrow") signifies divine mercy, as Hashem delays punishment to encourage teshuvah (repentance). This aligns with the principle that "Hashem does not desire the death of the wicked, but that they turn from their ways and live" (Yechezkel 33:11).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Teshuvah (6:5), discusses how divine warnings before punishment reflect the fairness of divine justice. By announcing the plague in advance, Hashem ensured that the Egyptians could not claim ignorance or unfairness, reinforcing the idea that their suffering resulted from their own stubbornness.

Theological Implications

  • Divine Precision: The exact timing ("tomorrow") underscores that Hashem governs history with meticulous planning, not chance.
  • Prophecy's Authenticity: Fulfillment of the prophecy at the stated time validated Moshe as a true navi (prophet).
  • Opportunity for Repentance: The delay between warning and execution reflects the middah (attribute) of divine patience.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushat Levi (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) teaches that the phrase "יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה" ("the Lord shall do this thing") highlights that even destructive events are acts of divine will, ultimately serving a higher purpose—in this case, the liberation of Bnei Yisrael and the sanctification of Hashem's name.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:5 mean when it says 'the Lord appointed a set time'?
A: This verse refers to Hashem setting a specific time for the plague of pestilence (דֶּבֶר) to strike the livestock of Egypt. According to Rashi, this was to show Pharaoh that the plague was not a natural occurrence but a deliberate act of divine judgment with precise timing.
Q: Why did Hashem announce the plague in advance in Exodus 9:5?
A: Hashem gave Pharaoh advance warning to demonstrate His absolute control over nature and to provide Pharaoh another opportunity to repent. The Rambam explains that divine punishments are often preceded by warnings to emphasize free will and the possibility of avoiding consequences through repentance (תשובה).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 9:5 about divine justice?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem's judgments are precise and purposeful. The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates the principle of 'measure for measure' (מידה כנגד מידה) - just as Pharaoh hardened his heart, Hashem showed him the exact timing of the plague to prove His sovereignty.
Q: How does the phrase 'tomorrow the Lord shall do this thing' show Hashem's power?
A: By specifying 'tomorrow,' Hashem demonstrated His ability to control events with exact timing, unlike natural phenomena which cannot be predicted so precisely. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) notes that this precision in divine intervention is a hallmark of Hashem's unique relationship with the Jewish people.
Q: Why is this verse important in understanding the Exodus story?
A: This verse is crucial because it shows the progression of the plagues from natural-seeming events to clearly supernatural ones. As the Ibn Ezra explains, the specific timing proved these were not coincidences but divine acts, moving Pharaoh closer to recognizing Hashem's ultimate authority.