Exodus 2:11 - Moses defends oppressed Hebrew brother.

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Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם וַיַּרְא אִישׁ מִצְרִי מַכֶּה אִישׁ־עִבְרִי מֵאֶחָיו׃

English Translation

And it came to pass in those days, when Moshe was grown, that he went out to his brothers, and looked on their burdens: and he noticed a Miżrian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brothers.

Transliteration

Vayehi bayamim hahem vayigdal Moshe vayetze el-echav vayar besivlotam vayar ish Mitzri makeh ish-Ivri me'echav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י&thinsp

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Growth and Awareness

The verse begins with "וַיְהִי בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה" ("And it came to pass in those days, when Moshe was grown"). Rashi explains that "וַיִּגְדַּל" refers not only to physical growth but also to his rise in stature—Pharaoh appointed him over his household (Shemot Rabbah 1:26). The Midrash further elaborates that Moshe was granted greatness by Hashem, as he was destined for leadership (Shemot Rabbah 1:32).

Identification with His Brethren

The phrase "וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו" ("he went out to his brothers") demonstrates Moshe's deep connection to Bnei Yisrael. Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) highlights this as an example of empathy—Moshe, though raised in Pharaoh's palace, chose to identify with the suffering of his people. The Talmud (Sotah 11a) adds that Moshe would often leave his royal comforts to share in their burdens.

Witnessing the Oppression

"וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם" ("and looked on their burdens")—Rashi notes that Moshe did not merely observe passively; he "set his eyes and heart to grieve over them" (Shemot 2:11 with Rashi). The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 9) explains that Moshe physically assisted them, lightening their workload.

The Egyptian Taskmaster

The verse concludes with "וַיַּרְא אִישׁ מִצְרִי מַכֶּה אִישׁ־עִבְרִי מֵאֶחָיו" ("he noticed a Miżrian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brothers"). Ibn Ezra comments that this Egyptian was a taskmaster appointed over the Hebrews. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:28) reveals that the Egyptian had assaulted the Hebrew man’s wife, prompting Moshe’s intervention. This act of injustice ignited Moshe’s sense of righteousness, a trait later essential for his role as redeemer.

Leadership Quality: Moshe’s actions here foreshadow his future role—defending the vulnerable (Talmud, Sanhedrin 58b).
Divine Providence: The Sforno notes that Hashem orchestrated these events to prepare Moshe for his mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11a

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Moses' early life and his compassion for his fellow Hebrews, illustrating his righteous character even before he was chosen by God.

📖 Exodus Rabbah 1:27

The midrash elaborates on this verse to highlight Moses' empathy and his early signs of leadership, connecting his actions to his future role as the liberator of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe 'went out to his brothers' in Exodus 2:11?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe deliberately left Pharaoh's palace to connect with his fellow Hebrews and share in their suffering. This shows his deep compassion and sense of responsibility toward his people, despite being raised in royalty.

Q: Why did Moshe intervene when he saw the Egyptian hitting the Hebrew?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe acted because he couldn't tolerate injustice. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) derives from this that we must emulate Moshe's trait of hating oppression. Moshe risked his privileged position to defend a fellow Jew, demonstrating true leadership.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe seeing the Hebrews' burdens?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 11a) learns from this that leaders must personally witness their people's struggles. Moshe didn't just hear about the slavery - he went to see it firsthand. This teaches us the importance of empathy and direct engagement with those who are suffering.

Q: Why does the Torah specify that the beaten man was 'one of his brothers'?
A: Sforno explains this emphasizes that Moshe recognized all Hebrews as family, despite being raised separately. The Or HaChaim adds that this phrase shows Moshe's actions were motivated by brotherly love - he couldn't remain passive when a 'brother' was in distress.

Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: This incident establishes fundamental Jewish principles: 1) We must identify with our people's pain (Rashi), 2) We must oppose injustice even at personal risk (Rambam), and 3) Leadership requires firsthand knowledge of communal needs (Talmud). These values remain central to Jewish life and communal responsibility.