Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi Yosef Shemtov
The Almighty brought 10 makot (strikes) upon Paroh King of Egypt through Moshe Rabenu to let the Jews go out of Egypt. It is interesting to note that before each set of strikes different words are used. For example, for the first three it says, “I will bring all these strikes so that you should know that I am G-d.†For the second three it says, “that you should know I am G-d who is in the midst of the land.†For the third set it says, “that you should know that there’s no other G-d like me.â€
Malbim explains that in the beginning Paroh thought there was no G-d.Hashem proved to him there is a G-d by turning the Nile River into blood because the Egyptians used to worship the Nile River. He also caused the frogs to come out from the Nile and struck the Egyptians with lice. By bringing these plagues, Hashem showed the existence of G-d because the wise men of Egypt were not able to do the same things.
Then Paroh thought there may be a G-d, but he doesn’t have supervision over the land. So Hashem brought wild animals, an epidemic among the Egyptians’ animals, and boils. These only affected the Egyptians and not the Jews to prove that G-d has supervision over the land.
Then Paroh thought maybe there is a G-d and he has supervision over the land, but maybe there are other G-ds as well. So Hashem brought hail, locusts, and darkness to show him there is no other G-d anywhere else.
Finally by the 10th plague of the first born, the Jews were allowed to leave the land of Egypt. Ramban explains that all these strikes are meant to strengthen our faith that G-d is always in control and our redemption can be brought out in any circumstances.
Shabbat Shalom