Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 33:4 mean when it says 'upon their gods also the Lord executed judgments'?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentaries, this verse refers to how Hashem not only struck the Egyptian firstborn during the final plague, but also demonstrated the powerlessness of Egypt's idols. The Midrash explains that their gods were shattered or disgraced, proving they had no real power compared to the Almighty.
Q: Why is the burial of the firstborn mentioned in Numbers 33:4 significant?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the Egyptians were busy burying their dead to highlight how complete their defeat was. The Ramban explains that this detail shows Egypt's utter humiliation—normally a conquering nation buries its enemies, but here they were burying their own due to Hashem's judgment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 33:4 about idol worship?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem alone has true power, while idols are worthless. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 54b) derives from this that one must actively reject false gods, not just avoid worshipping them. This principle remains central to Jewish belief today.
Q: How does Numbers 33:4 connect to the Exodus story?
A: This verse summarizes key elements of the final plague (death of firstborn) and its aftermath as the Jews left Egypt. The Sforno explains that mentioning both the firstborn and the gods shows Hashem's complete victory—over both Egypt's people and their false belief system.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Egypt's gods being judged when discussing the Exodus?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 12:7) teaches that Hashem specifically targeted Egypt's gods to demonstrate His absolute authority. For example, the Nile (worshipped as a god) turned to blood, and the sun (represented by Ra) was darkened during the ninth plague. This reinforced the lesson of monotheism.
Overview of the Verse
The verse describes the aftermath of the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, and the subsequent judgment upon the Egyptian deities. This event marked the culmination of the plagues that led to the Exodus of Bnei Yisrael from Mitzrayim.
Burying the Firstborn
Rashi (Shemot 12:30) explains that the Egyptians were preoccupied with burying their dead firstborn because the plague struck suddenly and with great severity, leaving no time for preparation. The term "מְקַבְּרִים" (burying) emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of their response, as they were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tragedy.
Judgment Upon the Egyptian Deities
The latter part of the verse states that Hashem executed judgment upon their gods. Ramban (Shemot 12:12) elaborates that this refers to the humiliation and destruction of the Egyptian idols, demonstrating their powerlessness against the Almighty. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 15:12) adds that each plague corresponded to a specific Egyptian deity, dismantling their false authority.
Theological Significance
The Ibn Ezra (Shemot 12:12) highlights that these judgments served to prove Hashem's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the false gods of Egypt. The plague of the firstborn was the final blow, demonstrating that even Pharaoh—considered a divine ruler—was powerless before Hashem.
Lessons for Bnei Yisrael
The Mechilta (Bo 12) teaches that witnessing these events instilled in Bnei Yisrael a recognition of Hashem's supremacy and reinforced their faith as they prepared for redemption. This moment was pivotal in shaping their identity as a nation bound to the Divine.