1)

The Torah mentions the promise that Yisrael would find favor in the eyes of the Egyptians in 3:21; and records it when it occurred later in 12:34. Why does the Torah need to mention it here as well?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: Because it was the fact that, during the plague of darkness, when Yisrael could have helped themselves to all of their belongings and when they could have left Egypt without permission - but did neither, that earned Yisrael a deep respect that led to the Chein that Yisrael found in their eyes.

2)

Why does the Torah need to tell us about Moshe's esteem in the eyes of the Egyptians?

1.

Ramban #1 (citing the Ibn Ezra): To teach us that Hashem kept the promise that He made to Moshe. See 3:21. 1

2.

Ramban #2: "The eyes of the people" is referring (not to the Egyptians, but) to Yisrael. The Torah is telling us here that even among the men of Yisrael who had previously confronted him ("Hashem will see what you did and judge you!" - 5:21), and afterwards the people did not listen to him "from shortness of breath" (6:9), Moshe now rose in their esteem, when they saw that Hashem had accepted him as a faithful prophet. 2

3.

Seforno: Because in honor of Moshe (in view of that esteem), the people unashamedly asked for more than they would otherwise have done.

4.

Oznayim la'Torah: It is remarkable that the man who just recently provoked Pharaoh to the point that he ordered him to leave and never see his face again would suddenly find favor, not only in the eyes of the people, but even in the eyes of Pharaoh's servants.


1

The Ramban objects to this explanation and to that of the Seforno. Refer to 11:2:5:1.

2

Ramban: And that the Egyptians and the servants of Pharaoh, in spite of the painful Makos from which they were still suffering, prompted by feelings of pity for the poor Jews, and of their own feelings of guilt, held Moshe in the highest esteem, and willingly gave (lent) Yisrael whatever they asked them for. See also Rashi to 12:36.

3)

Why does the Torah mention only "b'Einei Avdei Pharaoh," and not 'b'Einei Pharaoh' himself?

1.

Ramban: Because Hashem had hardened his heart against Moshe, causing him to attack him verbally twice (10:10,28), with the intention that he would yet come and prostrate himself before him, like a man comes to beg forgiveness from his enemy (who defeated him).

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