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> Exodus/Shemot > Parshat Va'eira
Va'eira: What did Hashem Command the Children of Israel
to Do?
Verse: And Hashem spoke to Moshe
and Aharon and he commanded them to the Children of Israel and to Pharaoh
king of Egypt, to take the Children of Israel out of Egypt.
Context: Previously, G-d spoke to Moses in the 4 languages of
redemption, but the people didn't listen. Subsequent to the verse, there
is a genealogy of the first 3 tribes and a command to speak to Pharaoh.
Translation: Hashem commanded Moses regarding the people
to lead them a certain way.
1. Midrash Sifrei: Know that they are disagreeable and bothersome,
on condition that you accept them (as they are) that they will curse you
and stone you. Rambam Sanhedrin 25, 2: the judge must
tolerate the burden of the congregation as Moshe did.
2. Rashi: According to the Midrash: He commanded him to lead the
people gently and to accept them. And to Pharaoh to give him honor (as
befitting to a king).
3. Ibn Ezra: he commanded them to command the Israelites without
getting mad at them.
4. Pesikta deReb Kahane: he commanded them not to call the Children
of Israel rebels.
5. Zohar Hadash: Why is the lineage of the Israelites juxtaposed?
Because it is as if to say, they may work hard now but they are the
children of the tribes, kings sons of kings.
6. Oznaim Letorah: this is why the lineage of Reuven (Dathan and
Aviram), Shimon (Zimri), and Levi (Korah) follows, as if to say, command
them, but know that they have some real trouble makers among them who will
lead rebellions against you. |
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