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Numbers 15:41 - Divine redemption defines identity.

Numbers 15:41 - במדבר 15:41

Hebrew Text

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם לִהְיוֹת לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Miżrayim, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Ani Adonai Eloheichem asher hotzeiti etchem me'eretz Mitzrayim lihyot lachem lelohim ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֲנִ֞י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹצֵ֤אתִי אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִ֑ים אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
אֲנִ֞י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹצֵ֤אתִי אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִ֑ים אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Revelation and Exodus

The verse "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God" (Vayikra 22:33) emphasizes the foundational relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this declaration serves as a reminder of the Exodus from Egypt, which establishes Hashem's authority and our obligation to serve Him. The repetition of "I am the Lord your God" underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of this covenant.

The Purpose of the Exodus

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) teaches that the Exodus was not merely a historical event but a demonstration of Hashem's sovereignty, meant to lead us to accept His commandments. The phrase "to be your God" signifies that the purpose of the redemption was to forge an everlasting bond, obligating us to live according to His will.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Sifra, Kedoshim 10:12) elaborates that this verse connects the Exodus with the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Just as Hashem redeemed us from Egypt, He also gave us the mitzvot to guide our lives. The double mention of "I am the Lord your God" alludes to both the past (Exodus) and the future (Messianic redemption), reinforcing His eternal kingship.

Halachic Implications

  • The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this verse is the basis for the mitzvah of emunah (faith) in Hashem, as it affirms His role as our Redeemer and Lawgiver.
  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 25) explains that this declaration obligates us to recognize Hashem's providence in both national and personal history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 12b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the recitation of the Shema and the importance of remembering the Exodus from Egypt.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the miracles performed for Israel and the significance of God's deliverance from Egypt.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is mentioned in the context of the Noahide Laws and the recognition of God's sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:41 mean?
A: Numbers 15:41 is a declaration by Hashem (G-d) that He is the One who took the Jewish people out of Egypt (Mitzrayim) to be their G-d. This verse emphasizes the special relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, reminding us that our service to Him is rooted in His act of redeeming us from slavery.
Q: Why is remembering the Exodus from Egypt important in Judaism?
A: Remembering the Exodus from Egypt is a fundamental principle in Judaism because it demonstrates G-d's power, love, and covenant with the Jewish people. As Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Kriyat Shema, recalling the Exodus is a daily obligation (found in the third paragraph of Shema) to reinforce our faith in G-d as our Redeemer and Sustainer.
Q: How does Numbers 15:41 connect to the mitzvah of tzitzit?
A: Numbers 15:41 appears at the end of the section discussing the mitzvah of tzitzit (fringes on garments). Rashi explains that the verse connects tzitzit to the Exodus because seeing the tzitzit reminds us of all the mitzvot, and through keeping mitzvot, we acknowledge G-d who redeemed us from Egypt. The blue thread (techelet) in tzitzit specifically reminds us of the sea and heavens, symbolizing G-d's presence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'I am the Lord your God' in this verse?
A: The repetition of 'I am the Lord your God' teaches that just as G-d took us out of Egypt to be our G-d, He continues to be our G-d in all generations. The Sforno explains that this means our acceptance of G-d's sovereignty should be constant - not just during miracles like the Exodus, but in everyday life through observing His commandments.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds Jews today that our identity and mitzvot are tied to G-d's redemption. The Talmud (Berachot 21a) derives from this verse that remembering the Exodus is obligatory day and night. Practically, we fulfill this through daily recitation of the Shema, mentioning the Exodus in prayers, and using physical reminders like tzitzit and mezuzot to connect daily actions to our covenant with G-d.