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Numbers 20:16 - Divine rescue from Egypt's bondage

Numbers 20:16 - במדבר 20:16

Hebrew Text

וַנִּצְעַק אֶל־יְהוָה וַיִּשְׁמַע קֹלֵנוּ וַיִּשְׁלַח מַלְאָךְ וַיֹּצִאֵנוּ מִמִּצְרָיִם וְהִנֵּה אֲנַחְנוּ בְקָדֵשׁ עִיר קְצֵה גְבוּלֶךָ׃

English Translation

and when we cried to the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and brought us out of Miżrayim: and, behold, we are in Qadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

Transliteration

Vayitzak el-Adonai vayishma koleinu vayishlach malach vayotzieinu miMitzrayim vehineh anachnu beKadesh ir ketzeh gvulecha

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנִּצְעַ֤ק אֶל־יְהֹוָה֙ וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע קֹלֵ֔נוּ וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח מַלְאָ֔ךְ וַיֹּצִאֵ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וְהִנֵּה֙ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ בְקָדֵ֔שׁ עִ֖יר קְצֵ֥ה גְבוּלֶֽךָ׃
וַנִּצְעַ֤ק אֶל־יְהֹוָה֙ וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע קֹלֵ֔נוּ וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח מַלְאָ֔ךְ וַיֹּצִאֵ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וְהִנֵּה֙ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ בְקָדֵ֔שׁ עִ֖יר קְצֵ֥ה גְבוּלֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Cry to Hashem and His Response

The verse states, "and when we cried to the Lord, he heard our voice". Rashi (on Shemot 2:23) explains that the Jewish people's cry was not merely due to physical suffering but was a heartfelt tze'akah (a deep, sincere outcry) directed toward Hashem. This demonstrates the power of sincere prayer, as the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:5) teaches that the gates of tears are never closed.

The Role of the Angel in the Exodus

The verse mentions that Hashem "sent an angel, and brought us out of Miżrayim". Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:34) explains that angels are intermediaries through which Hashem executes His will in the physical world. The Talmud (Megillah 31a) identifies this angel as Michael, who is associated with Israel's redemption. However, the Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the angel acted solely as an agent of Hashem, not as an independent force.

Kadesh as the Border of Edom

The verse concludes, "and, behold, we are in Qadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border". Rashi (on Bamidbar 20:16) notes that Kadesh was on the edge of Edom's territory, marking a significant point in the Israelites' journey. The Sforno explains that this location was a reminder of Hashem's ongoing protection, as they stood at the threshold of entering Eretz Yisrael.

Lessons in Divine Providence

  • The verse highlights the direct relationship between prayer and redemption, as taught by the Ramban (on Shemot 3:8).
  • The mention of the angel reinforces the principle of hashgacha pratit (divine providence), as Hashem oversees every detail of Israel's journey.
  • Kadesh serves as a reminder that even at the "edge" of a hostile land, Hashem's presence remains with His people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 20:16 mean?
A: Numbers 20:16 recounts how the Israelites cried out to Hashem during their suffering in Egypt, and He responded by sending an angel to bring them out of slavery. The verse emphasizes that their redemption was a direct result of prayer and divine intervention, leading them to Kadesh, a city on the border of Edom.
Q: Why is the mention of an angel important in this verse?
A: The mention of an angel (מַלְאָךְ) highlights that Hashem works through intermediaries to fulfill His will. Rashi explains that this angel refers to Moshe (Moses), who was sent as Hashem's messenger to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This teaches us that great leaders are instruments of divine salvation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites crying out to Hashem in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the power of sincere prayer (תְּפִלָּה). When the Israelites genuinely cried out from their suffering, Hashem answered them. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) emphasizes that prayer is a key means of connecting with Hashem, especially in times of distress.
Q: How does this verse connect to the location of Kadesh?
A: Kadesh (קָדֵשׁ) was a significant stopping point for the Israelites in the wilderness, near the border of Edom. Rashi notes that mentioning Kadesh here reminds us of Hashem's continuous guidance—He not only freed them from Egypt but also sustained them in the wilderness.
Q: How can we apply the message of this verse today?
A: This verse reminds us that just as Hashem heard the cries of the Israelites, He listens to our prayers today. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4) teaches that sincere repentance and prayer can bring divine assistance, reinforcing that we should always turn to Hashem in times of need.