Parshat Vayera; Exodus 6:2 -9:35 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger
The Torah Portion Vayera is the second in the Book of Exodus. This week the plagues descend upon Egypt. Pharaoh refuses to heed God’s word as presented by Moses and Aaron. Each time they go before the Pharaoh to seek freedom for the Israelites, Pharaoh digs in. He deepens his resolve to keep the Israelites enslaved. “Pharaoh turned and went into his palace, paying no regard even to this. (Ex. 7:23).” Pharaoh exhibits a complete disdain for the theatrics of the Nile turning to blood. But with the increasing severity of each of the ten plagues (seven of which are featured in this week’s parasha) Pharoah refuses to heed the demand of Moses and Aaron to let the Israelites go free.
After the second plague of frogs, Pharaoh does ask Moses and Aaron to ask God to remove the frogs from swarming over Egypt and even promises that the Israelites may go to the wilderness to worship their God. But quickly reneges on his promise. “But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he became stubborn and would not heed them, (Ex. 8:11).” Even when the Egyptian magicians were powerless to counteract a plague and pleaded with Pharaoh saying, “This is the finger of God! (Ex. 8:15).” Their sage advice did nothing to change Pharaoh’s mind or heart.
This pattern continues throughout the plagues upon Egypt. Pharaoh is too arrogant and proud to admit that there indeed was a power great than he. Or often we see in the text that Pharaoh will ask Moses and Aaron for relief from the plague, promising freedom for the Israelites only to change his mind and nullify the deal he made with them.
Traditionally this entrenched attitude of Pharaoh is described in the Torah as “Pharaoh hardened his heart” or “stiffened his heart” (Ex. 6:13) or “became stubborn” (Ex. 8:11). But there are also expressions that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Ex.7:4). As if the great king of all of Egypt had no free will. It seems that Pharaoh is nothing but a mere puppet being manipulated by God. That somehow the only way Pharaoh will come to know the mighty power of YHVH is to be taught these lessons.
This question of free will is an important one. Jewish tradition does believe that human beings have free will. We have the power to choose good over evil and right from wrong. So too we must imagine that Pharaoh had the power to choose as well. He could have chosen to overcome his stubborn and arrogant nature. He could have chosen to be a compassionate leader, caring for his people. But his disdain is clear. When the people are digging holes to find clean drinking water after the Nile turn to blood, he turns his back on them and retires to the safety of his palace (6:23-24). Just as he will turn his back on Moses and Aaron and the implication is that although this is a “Pharaoh who knew not Joseph” the Egyptian royalty turned their backs on the Israelites, enslaving a people who brought wealth and prosperity to Egypt in an earlier time.
But it was only when his own royal house was touched by the death of his own first born that Pharaoh ultimately changed his heart and overcame the hardening and his own stubbornness. It will be then that the Israelites will go free.
The story of the Ten plagues sent upon Egypt can be read in many ways. Clearly the character of Pharaoh is mocked by the text. One can see the defeat of the many Egyptian gods and goddesses in each of the ten plagues as they represent various Egyptian ideals and religion. But the story can also be understood as an important lesson in leadership skills. Any leader must be in touch with the people that they lead. If you turn your back on your people and harden your resolve even though all the courtiers and advisors tell you differently –defeat will be certain. Perhaps those in Washington would do well to read this story!
Had Pharaoh heeded his advisors and magicians and even Moses and Aaron then perhaps the story would not have had such a tragic end for Pharaoh’s own family and dynasty.
As terrible as the plagues were for Egypt and the Egyptians, the Ten plagues were also the source of awe and wonder and inspiration for the Israelites. Each plague that challenged the might and power of the Egyptian overlords gave hope to the Israelites that their prayers may have been answered and that Moses and Aaron were about to deliver on God’s promises! Their own “spirits crushed by cruel bondage,” (Ex. 6:9), the Israelites had to have proof with their own eyes of God’s saving power to free them. The plagues were that proof that began to rebuild their faith devastated by slavery.
Today we ought to look for ways to rebuild our faith that is often crushed by the bondage of our times and open our eyes to the wonder and awe that God still provides for us. This is the wonder of family, the wonder of love, the wonder and beauty of art and music, the wonder of creativity, the wonder of nature and the joy of friendship. These and more can help inspire us and revive our own faith in a world of cruelty and enslavement.
Posted by Lee at January 16, 2007 12:26 PM
