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Drash
for Shabbat Bo This week’s Parsha, Bo, continues with the 8th through 10th plagues inflicted upon the Egyptians. Originally at the burning bush, Moses expressed doubt in his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It becomes obvious that Moses was more than equal in his ability to accomplish the task. There is a battle of personalities between Moses and Pharaoh. Each is very strong. At first it seems like a standoff. During each plague Pharaoh tells Moses that if the plague stops, the Israelites may leave, but then changes his mind. This confrontation between these two powerful personalities evolves into a battle between Moses who becomes elevated above Pharaoh, who was considered godlike by the Egyptians. In the end, Moses and the God of Moses overcomes Pharaoh and the God of Pharaoh. Now we come to the most consequential plague, the tenth. It is the killing of the first born of the Egyptians from the first born of Pharaoh to the first born of the cattle. At this point, there is an interruption in the middle of the narrative. Moses is told by God to instruct the Israelites that on the 10th of the month (Nisan), each household is to get a lamb, one without blemish and hold it. On the 14th day of the month (Nisan), they are to slaughter it, take the blood, and put it on the doorposts and lintel of their homes. God tells Moses to have the Israelites do this, so it will be a sign for you that I will see the blood and pass over you, so that no plague will destroy you when I strike Egypt. The people were also told roast and eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. It seems that this was God’s purpose on that awesome night. Although the Israelites felt liberated they also had to eat bitter herbs in order to remind them of their oppression. They also ate the matzah, which would serve as a symbol of their rapid exodus, which would actually take place the next morning. Does this sound familiar? Well wait until April 19th (Nisan 13) and we have Passover. The night before redemption the Israelites were still enslaved. They had smeared their doorposts with blood, then sat down to celebrate their redemption. Their trust in God was absolute although still in Egypt they were long-gone psychologically. When the final 10th plague struck Egypt killing first-born from Pharaoh to the cattle Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. He told them to depart from among my people, you and all the Israelites. Go worship the Eternal as you said. Finally, Moses and the God of Moses bested Pharaoh and his gods. Shabbat Shalom.
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