(ח) וַיּוֹצִאֵ֤נוּ יְהוָה֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם בְּיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ וּבִזְרֹ֣עַ נְטוּיָ֔ה וּבְמֹרָ֖א גָּדֹ֑ל וּבְאֹת֖וֹת וּבְמֹפְתִֽים׃
(8) The LORD freed us from Egypt by a mighty hand, by an outstretched arm and awesome power, and by signs and portents.

And the Lord took us out of Egypt. This refers to washing (raḥtzah), which is the beginning of redemption. As it says, “And the daughter of Pharaoh went down to wash (lirḥotz) in the Nile” (Exodus 2:5).

With a strong hand (yad ḥazakah). This refers to the daughter of Pharaoh, who sent out her hand to those in need, as it is said, “And her hand (ve-yadehah) is sent out to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20).

With an outstretched arm. This refers to the daughter of Pharaoh who extended her arm many cubits (amot) to reach the basket in the reeds, as it says, “And she sent out her arm (amatah)” (Exodus 2:5).1

And with great awe. This refers to the revelation of the Divine Presence to the daughter of Pharaoh, who knew the child was a Hebrew, as it says, “And she opened [the basket] and saw It, the child (va-tirehu et ha-yeled)” (Exodus 2:6).2 Why does it say, “She saw It (va-tirehu)” and “the boy (ha-yeled)?” Because at that moment she saw both the Holy Blessed One and the child.

And with signs (otot). This refers to prophecy, that the daughter of Pharaoh prophesied that this boy and no more would be cast into the water,3 as it says, “And this will be the sign (ha-ot) for you” (Exodus 3:12).

And with wonders (mofetim). This refers to compassion, that the daughter of Pharaoh returned the child to his mother for nursing, as it is said, “Take this child from me and nurse it for me” (Exodus 2:9). And it is said, “I have become as a wonder (ke-mofet) for many, since You are my mighty refuge” (Psalms 71:7).