The initial encounter between Moses and the Israelites in Egypt marks a dramatic turning point. After long years of crushing enslavement, the news of impending redemption is met with complete acceptance, entirely dispelling Moses's earlier fears. The people's belief is not merely an acknowledgment of facts, but a total recognition of the divine message as a solid, guiding foundation for life [רש״ר הירש]. Commentators offer various explanations for this immediate faith. Some suggest that the signs and wonders performed by Moses proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was a true prophet [מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ]. Others emphasize that the people believed instantly, even before hearing the traditional code of redemption, revealing a profound inner faith [אלשיך]. This reflects the idea that the Israelites are inherently believers, the descendants of believers [תורה תמימה]. Furthermore, Moses's devotion as a faithful leader, ready to sacrifice his life for his flock much like King David in later years, inspired their complete trust [בעל הטורים].
Empowered by this deep faith, the people were fully open to listen and internalize the message [העמק דבר, מלבי״ם]. They understood that the appointed time promised to Abraham had finally arrived and the exile was ending [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר, שטיינזלץ]. One unique perspective approaches God's attention to the people as an act of counting. God surveyed the Israelites and saw their vast numbers. Because their crushing labor far exceeded what had originally been decreed, God considered the intensity of their hardship as a substitute for the remaining years of exile, thereby accelerating the redemption [נחל קדומים].
The divine recognition of their suffering and torture carries several promises for the future [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר]. First, it expresses God's intention to take vengeance on the Egyptians for their cruelty [העמק דבר]. Second, it serves as an assurance that even if the redemption does not occur instantly, God's watchful eye will protect them from any further harm [רש״ר הירש]. Additionally, acknowledging their affliction hints at future compensation, promising to enrich them with great wealth upon their departure [אלשיך].
The encounter concludes with two distinct physical acts of submission and gratitude: bowing, which involves lowering the head and upper body to the ground, and prostrating, which is the complete flattening of the entire body against the earth [רש״ר הירש, אבן עזרא]. This dual expression carries profound meaning. Conceptually, bowing symbolizes the submission of human intellect and thought to a higher power, while prostrating represents the surrender of a person's entire essence to His will [רש״ר הירש]. According to mystical tradition, bowing with the face to the earth serves to overcome strict justice and prevent harm, while the subsequent prostration connects the people to God's attribute of mercy [רקנאטי]. Alternatively, these two actions represent a double expression of gratitude for two separate tidings. They offer thanks for their anticipated freedom alongside gratitude for the coming vengeance upon Egypt [העמק דבר], or thanks for the redemption itself coupled with gratitude for the promise of future wealth [אלשיך]. Finally, the bowing may serve as an acknowledgment of their miraculous population growth, while the prostration expresses thanks for God's mercy in shortening the harsh years of their exile [נחל קדומים].