“The Four Expressions of Redemption” refers to four expressions from God’s speech to Moses in Exodus 6:6–7, in which God promises to redeem the Israelites from their enslavement in Egypt. God uses four phrases to describe the process: “I will take you out,” “I will save you,” I will redeem you,” and “I will take you.” Some consider a phrase in the following verse, “I will bring you,” to be a fifth expression of redemption.
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Four CupsTALMUD
Four Cups
TALMUD
Four is an important number, in general and in particular to Passover, but why? The Jerusalem Talmud provides many different possibilities, connecting the four expressions of redemption to the four cups of the seder.
Help is on the WayTANAKH
Help is on the Way
TANAKH
The enslaved people of Israel are suffering and they cry out to God for help. Discover the message that God instructs Moses to pass along to the people, as told in the Book of Exodus.
Measure for MeasureMIDRASH
Measure for Measure
MIDRASH
A close reading of the Torah reveals nuances in each word that is used, even if some words seem redundant. In this medieval collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus, learn about the of the four words that all seem to point towards redemption.
Who Knows Four?CHASIDUT
Who Knows Four?
CHASIDUT
The number four is a significant Jewish symbol, and Passover contains many examples. This early 20th century collection of sermons from a chasidic rebbe in Poland lists just some of these examples of “fours.”
