Who did Hashem mean by "the Elders of Yisrael"?
Rashi: He was referring (not to old people in Yisrael, but) to the Chachamim. 1
Yoma 28b: From the time of the Avos, Yeshivos never ceased - even in Egypt, as the Torah states here. 2
Who subsequently died by the fire of Tav'eirah; see Rashi to Bamidbar 11:16.
See Torah Temimah, note 19. Sifrei in Beha'alosecha - And from the fact that Hashem instructed Moshe to gather them, we see that Hashem gave the Zekenim honor.
What is the significance of the double expression "Pakod Pakadti"?
Targum Yonasan, Ba'al ha'Turim: Refer to Bereishis 50:25:2.
Rashi (to 3:18): Yosef had used this expression to assure his brothers that they would be redeemed (Bereishis 50:24-25); and it was passed down by tradition. (For its meaning, refer to 3:18:5.2 and 3:18:5.3.)
What is the difference between "you," and "what was done to you in Egypt"?
Seforno: "You" - because you are their offspring (of the Avos that Hashem just mentioned); "What was done to you in Egypt" - because I detest cruelty and violence. 1
Maharal (Chidushei Agados Vol. 4, p. 111, to Chulin 92a): "Of you" - to redeem Yisrael; "and what has been done to you" - to punish Egypt. 2
