Sufficient
שמות ו,ג : וָאֵרָא אֶל־אַבְרָהָם אֶל־יִצְחָק וְאֶל־יַעֲקֹ ב בְאֵ -ל שַ -דָי וּשְמִי ה' לֹא נוֹדַעְתִי לָהֶם
The Sforno notes that the name Shad-dai (it is sufficient) denotes HaShem placing limitations on His creation in nature. This attribute was known to the Avos and passed on to their children. However, the readiness of HaShem to transform nature and involve Himself in the destiny of natures was not revealed to them. His “finger in history” and the changing of natural laws are expressed in the four-letter name of HaShem. HaShem tells Moshe to teach this aspect of Him to the Jewish people. Through this forthcoming manifestation they will become His people and be redeemed.
This concept is expressed in the forthcoming verses as the three reasons for the redemption of the Jews:
(a) “But My name HaShem I made not known to them” to reveal His control of nature’s forces and concern of the destiny of the Jews;
(b) “And I have also established My covenant” to fulfill the covenant made with the Avos;
(c) “And I have, moreover, heard” to respond to the prayers and cries of the Jewish people.
Genealogical Table
שמות ו ,יד : אֵלֶה רָאשֵי בֵית־אֲבֹתָם בְנֵי רְ אוּבֵן בְכֹר יִשְרָאֵל
Rashi gives two reasons for inserting this partial genealogical table at this point breaking the flow of the narrative (until verse 27)
The Sforno, however, understands these verses as follows: HaShem appointed Moshe and Aharon as leaders, who were descendants of the Levi, the third son. Why were Reuven and Shimon denied the leadership?
The Sforno explains that although Reuven was the firstborn, only his four sons were worthy to be mentioned by name in the Torah, but none of the following generations. The same was true of Shimon. This indicates that the third and successive generations were not of the same high level of distinction as the initial generations. However, Levi’s descendants are mentioned by name into the fourth generation. The text emphasizes the longevity of these men enabling them to educate and influence the third and fourth generation. The choice fruit were Moshe and Aharon, signifying their worthiness to be chosen as the leaders and spoke people for the Jews.
Crocodiles
שמות ח ,ג : וַיַעֲלוּ אֶת־הַצְפַרְ דְ עִים
Unlike most commentators, the Sforno maintains that the צְפַרְ דְ עִים were not frogs but were crocodiles.
In later verses this is a subtle change in Paroh’s request and Moshe’s initial response. In verse 4, Paroh asks that the crocodiles be removed. Whereas, Moshe speaks of their destruction in verse 5. However, in verse 6 Moshe states “according to your word” as you originally requested, there would be a removal and not a destruction. Therefore, the Sforno is of the opinion that the crocodiles only now took up their habitation in the Nile at the command of HaShem.
