What Took So Long? Efficiency vs. Education Reading the story of the ten plagues, one wonders whether G-d used the most efficient method to force Pharaoh to free the Jewish people. After all, could G-d not have begun with the tenth and most severe plague forcing Pharaoh to free the Jewish people immediately? Indeed, reading the verses, it is clear that in addition to compelling Pharaoh to set the people free, the plagues served an educational purpose as well, both for the Egyptians and for the Jewish people. The Abarbenel explains that there were three series of plagues, each demonstrating another foundational theological principle: (1) the existence of G-d (2) G-d’s providence over the details and specifics of the people and events on earth (3) G-d as all-powerful. When introducing the first series of plagues, G-d states: So said the Lord, "With this you will know that I am the Lord." (Exodus 7:17) “I am the Lord” emphasizes the existence of G-d. As the second series of plagues, beginning with the fourth plague, is introduced, we read: And I will separate on that day the land of Goshen, upon which My people stand, that there will be no mixture of noxious creatures there, in order that you know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. And I will make a redemption {distinction} between My people and your people; this sign will come about tomorrow. (8-18:19) “Separation” and “distinction” demonstrate that G-d is aware of the specific differences between people and creations. That his providence is not just general, but rather it is an intimate, specific, awareness of every aspect of creation. The final series of plagues, and the final lesson conveyed, are introduced as follows: Because this time, I am sending all My plagues into your heart and into your servants and into your people, in order that you know that there is none like Me in the entire earth. (Exodus 9:14) “There is no one like Me in the entire earth” teaches that, unlike the pagan idea of many G-ds, each in control of a specific natural force, G-d is the one, all-powerful G-d. Thus, the plagues served as an educational experience, demonstrating that G-d is not an abstract existence disinterested in the human experience, but rather invested and engaged with every aspect of existence.
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