Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Vaera. Exodus 6:2-9:35
We are dealing here with the eternal question: Who is God, the Creator and Master of all? Is he The LORD God or the creature who thinks and acts as if he were God (in this narrative Pharaoh)?
The LORD God sends Moses, accompanied by Aaron, to the Israelites in slavery under this ‘mighty’ Pharaoh to tell them that the LORD God has sent them. The Israelites do not believe Moses and Aaron and, of course, Pharaoh wants to know who this God is demanding of him to “let my people”.
In order for the people and Pharaoh to accept who is truly the God of the Universe: “The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the children of Israel out from their midst.” (7:5), Pharaoh’s heart is hardened – he who thinks he is all-powerful will not bow to a ‘higher’ Power.
The LORD God sends ten signs, seven of which are described in this Parashah, to convince both the Hebrews and Pharaoh who is truly the All-powerful.
Reflection:
Our world hasn’t moved far from this situation and we are faced daily with choices for God or against God. We know, because of the experience of the Israelites, that the LORD God remains in the midst of his creation and is our refuge and our strength. How do I face the daily battle?
Prepared by Bernadette Chellew
See all Weekly Torah Nuggets from Bat Kol International
Subscribe to Weekly Torah Nuggets
“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4