Exodus 1:9

1:9 He said ¹  to his people, “Look at ²  the Israelite people, more numerous and stronger than we are!

Exodus 8:23

8:23 I will put a division ³  between my people and your people. This sign will take place ⁴  tomorrow.”’”

Exodus 18:13

18:13 On the next day ⁵  Moses sat to judge ⁶  the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning until evening.

Exodus 19:14

19:14 Then Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes.

Exodus 32:9

32:9 Then the Lord said to Moses: “I have seen this people. ⁷  Look ⁸  what a stiff-necked people they are! ⁹ 

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¹ tn Heb “and he said.”

² tn The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh) introduces the foundational clause for the exhortation to follow by drawing the listeners’ attention to the Israelites. In other words, the exhortation that follows is based on this observation. The connection could be rendered “since, because,” or the like.

³ tn The word in the text is פְדֻת (pÿdut, “redemption”). This would give the sense of making a distinction by redeeming Israel. The editors wish to read פְלֻת (pÿlut) instead – “a separation, distinction” to match the verb in the preceding verse. For another view, see G. I. Davies, “The Hebrew Text of Exodus VIII 19 [English 23]: An Emendation,” VT 24 (1974): 489-92.

⁴ tn Heb “this sign will be tomorrow.”

⁵ tn Heb “and it was/happened on the morrow.”

⁶ sn This is a simple summary of the function of Moses on this particular day. He did not necessarily do this every day, but it was time now to do it. The people would come to solve their difficulties or to hear instruction from Moses on decisions to be made. The tradition of “sitting in Moses’ seat” is drawn from this passage.

⁷ sn This is a bold anthropomorphism; it is as if God has now had a chance to get to know these people and has discovered how rebellious they are. The point of the figure is that there has been discernible evidence of their nature.

⁸ tn Heb “and behold” or “and look.” The expression directs attention in order to persuade the hearer.

⁹ sn B. Jacob says the image is that of the people walking before God, and when he called to them the directions, they would not bend their neck to listen; they were resolute in doing what they intended to do (Exodus, 943). The figure describes them as refusing to submit, but resisting in pride.