Questions for Parashah #51

Exodus 8:20 – 9:35

Isaiah 34:11 – 35:4

Hebrews 12:14-17

Torah Resource Commentary

This is the last part of the annual portion of Va'era. We are continuing through the administration of plagues, signs, and wonders upon the Egyptians, ultimately leading up to the death of the firstborn. This portion covers the plagues of swarms, cattle disease, boils, and hail.

1. Concerning the ten plagues, the Sages teach that the ten plagues may be divided into four groups: those administered by Aaron (3), those administered by Moses (3), those administered jointly by Moses and Aaron (1), and those administered by Adonai himself (3). The teaching goes on to describe how Aaron's plagues (#1, 2, and 3) pertain more to the earth, water, and corporeal things while Moses' plagues (#4, 5, and 6) deal with air, fire, and ethereal things. Is this a valid or useful classification system for understanding the plagues? Why or why not? There are several other ways to diagram and interpret the plagues and each may reveal various perspectives on the purpose and meaning of the plagues.
2. In demonstrating His power to Pharaoh, Adonai systematically displayed mastery over all the elements and ideas that the Egyptians worshiped. How does this foreshadow the events in Yeshua's ministry when he displayed similar mastery over the natural and supernatural forces he encountered? Is it possible to cite examples from the gospel accounts that show Yeshua exercising authority over an element or symbol of each of the ten plagues? Be creative.
3. What is the signficance of ten plagues? Where else does this number show up in the exodus and wilderness journey? Does it have any prophetic signficance?
4. The plagues in Parashah #151 heavily emphasize the fact that Adonai is 'making a distinction' between the land of Egypt and the land of Goshen, the Egyptians and the children of Israel. This separation gives us an absolutely vivid illustration of what important biblical concept? How does this change or impact how we view specific instructions related to this concept?
5. From a few portions back, we recall that Pharoah declared that he did not know Adonai (Ex. 5:2). Legends of the Bible describes a curious unfolding of events(pg. 326), elaborating that Pharaoh asked for the archives containing the names of the gods of the nations, from which he read, "The gods of Moab, the gods of Ammon, the gods of Zidon—I do not find your God inscribed in the archives!" Moses and Aaron exclaimed: "O thou fool! Thou seekest the living in the graves of the dead. These which thou didst read are the names of dumb idols, but our God is the God of life and the King of eternal life." Wow! What gospel reference does the phrase "seekest the living in the graves of the dead" bring to mind? What is the scripture reference and context of that statement? Contrast this story with Pharaoh's hardened heart.