Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is speaking in Exodus 1:9 and who is he talking to?
A: The verse records the words of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. He is speaking to his own people, the Egyptians, expressing his concern about the growing Israelite population in Egypt (Rashi on Exodus 1:9).
Q: Why was Pharaoh worried about the Israelites being 'more and mightier' than the Egyptians?
A: Pharaoh feared the Israelites would become too powerful and potentially join Egypt's enemies in war (Exodus 1:10). The Midrash explains that the Egyptians noticed how the Israelites were blessed with large families and good health, making them a growing demographic threat (Shemot Rabbah 1:8).
Q: What does this verse teach us about Jewish history in Egypt?
A: This verse marks the beginning of Egyptian oppression, showing how the Israelites went from being respected guests (as in Joseph's time) to being perceived as a threat. The Rambam teaches that this pattern of a nation first welcoming Jews and later oppressing them repeats throughout Jewish history (Igeret Teiman).
Q: How does the Torah show the Israelites became 'more and mightier' than the Egyptians?
A: The Talmud explains that despite harsh conditions, Jewish women miraculously gave birth to six children at once (Sotah 11b). Rashi notes the phrase 'more and mightier' refers to both numerical growth and physical strength (Rashi on Exodus 1:7).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's reaction to Jewish growth?
A: The verse teaches that oppression often begins with irrational fear. The Maharal explains that Pharaoh's fear was baseless since the Israelites never showed rebellious intentions, showing how antisemitism often stems from imagined threats (Gevurot Hashem ch. 11).
Context of the Verse
The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 1:9, where Pharaoh expresses concern about the growing Israelite population in Egypt. This marks the beginning of the oppression of Bnei Yisrael, setting the stage for the Exodus narrative.
Pharaoh's Fear and Strategy
Rashi explains that Pharaoh was alarmed by the rapid increase of Bnei Yisrael, fearing they might join Egypt's enemies in war or dominate the land. The phrase "רַב וְעָצוּם מִמֶּנּוּ" ("more and mightier than we") suggests Pharaoh viewed them as a demographic and military threat. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:9) elaborates that Pharaoh saw them multiplying miraculously—women giving birth to six children at once—heightening his anxiety.
Grammatical and Linguistic Insights
Pharaoh's Misguided Perception
The Or HaChaim highlights that Pharaoh's statement was irrational—Bnei Yisrael were still a minority compared to Egyptians. His paranoia stemmed from divine providence (hashgacha pratit), as Hashem had promised Avraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Bereishit 15:5). Thus, no human strategy could thwart this destiny.
Broader Themes