The story is simple, powerful and inspiring. The Exodus. Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery to freedom, oppression to destiny, and into history. This simple story has inspired generations of Jews and non Jews alike and been a symbol in liberation movements around the world. Yet we do not live in simple times, and we must now see the complexities behind this story.
The reality is, not everyone could leave Egypt.
At a first reading, the story of the Exodus flows easily. After the negotiations between Pharaoh and Moses (aided by the power of the plagues) we have the end of Exodus 13, where Moses leads the people from Egypt, with alternating pillars of fire and cloud guiding them. (More about this guidance is found in a previous Adventure Torah entry). The Torah notes that the route was not the most direct:
“So God led the people round about, by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds. Now the Israelites went up armed out of the land of Egypt” Exodus 13:18.
The section raises a clear question, why the circuitous route? And the answers given over the generations are varied and fascinating. But that is not our focus here. There is something even more interesting, and a close reading of the Hebrew raises a tough question.
The world translated above as “armed” Chamushim is an okay translation. At first glance, it would appear to be a biblical form of fifty, but also might indicate a large, bountiful number, as the Torah sometimes does. Its precise meaning, as translations interested in scholarly accuracy note, is “uncertain.” (JPS)
But commentators gotta commentate. Over the generations, the translations have gathered around it indicating that the Israelites left Egypt armed with weapons, since they were traveling in dangerous areas (as indicated by the next verses.) Many see this as literal, while others see it as an indication of the former slave’s positive attitude. They felt “armed” by purpose and energy.
For generations of commentators, it was a simply explained ambiguity.
But Rashi, the great gatherer and simplifier of commentaries offers another view. At the end of his exploration of the verse he says that Chumashim might mean: “only one of five went forth from Egypt…”
It is a shocking number: one in five. Only a small portion had the ability to choose the risks of freedom over the routines of the life they knew. Not everyone wanted to leave the narrow existence they had, in order to enter the broad desert of possibilities. Only one-fifth would make history.
For us today, it raises an important question. Would we be a part of the one-fifth? Could we leave the known for the unknown? Could we speak up when it does not impact us? Could we act when it may harm us? Even for those who could leave, there remained concerns and complaints. Looking back, it seems a simple choice to leave Egypt. Looking around, we grow accustomed to the slowly boiling water.
Simplicity in the Exodus story leads to inspiration. However, thoughtful understanding of the details can lead to effective action. And what will history say about the choices we make?
