Two Accounts which Yitro Heard/3

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The Two Accounts Which Yitro Heard

Points of Dispute

These are some of the central points of dispute (נקודות המחלוקת) between the various exegetes:

  • LeMoshe uleYisrael ammo – Who is the object of Hashem's salvation in verse 1?
    • Only Moshe (who was acting on behalf of his nation Israel) – Rashbam.
    • The phrase is highlighting the salvation of Moshe, and the deliverance of Israel, Moshe's nation, is secondary – Cassuto.
    • The phrase emphasizes the miracles wrought to save Israel rather than those brought to punish Paroh – New approach, Keli Yekar.
    • The words mean "because of Moshe and Israel," and the verse is speaking of punishments to the Egyptians – Ibn Ezra, Toledot Yitzchak, probably Sforno.
  • Does the word ki in 18:1 mean "that" or "when"?
    • That – Most commentators.
    • When – Sforno, Toledot Yitzchak.
  • Overlap – Is there overlap between the two accounts?
    • No overlap – Rashbam, Sforno, New approach, Keli Yekar.
    • Significant overlap – Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael, Rashi, Cassuto.
    • Overlap due to the need to correct the original account – Malbim, Toledot Yitzchak.
  • What is the "תְּלָאָה" from which Hashem saved the nation of Israel in 18:8?
    • Clashes with the Egyptians in Egypt and at Yam Suf and with Amalek – Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael.
    • Hostile encounters with the Egyptians at Yam Suf and with Amalek – Rashi.
    • The Egyptians chasing after the Israelites at Yam Suf (only) – New approach, Toledot Yitzchak.
    • All the troubles that the nation encountered en route to Sinai: the chasing of the Egyptians, lack of food and water, and Amalek's attack – Rashbam, Cassuto.
    • Only the difficulties that the nation suffered on the way after the drowning of the Egyptians (thirst, hunger, and the war with Amalek) – Sforno.
  • How were Yitro's religious beliefs affected by the accounts he heard?See Yitro's Religious Identity.
    • Yitro was already planning on converting after hearing the initial report and Moshe merely encouraged him further – R. Eliezer in the Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael, possibly Rashi and Sforno.
    • It was specifically Moshe's account which led to Yitro's profession of faith – New approach, Toledot Yitzchak, Keli Yekar, Malbim.
    • Yitro's religious beliefs did not change and he did not convert – Cassuto.
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