Before we drink from the fourth cup of wine, let us recall why we drink four cups of wine at the Seder.

According to the Torah, God sent Moses to the Israelites in Egypt, instructing him to tell them that God had seen their misery, and had heard their cries, and was ready to bring them out of slavery.

God's promise was put in FOUR different ways:

1. "I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."

2. "I will deliver you from their bondage."

3. " I will redeem you with an outstretched arm..."

4. "I will take you to be My people."

These four promises are celebrated with four cups of wine. 

[In that same passage in the Torah, there is a fifth promise, which was fulfilled several decades ago: "I will bring you back--to the land of your ancestors."]


haggadah Section: Hallel