Torah and Jewish Idea > Torah and Jewish Idea

Why did G-d Grant the Magicians of Pharoah a small amount of power?

<< < (4/4)

Kahane-Was-Right BT:

--- Quote from: edu on December 30, 2010, 01:46:29 AM ---Muman613 asked for a commentary on

--- Quote ---Since he acted wickedly and in opposition towards Me, and it is revealed to Me that the nations take no pleasure in wholeheartedly repenting, it is better for Me that his heart be hardened so that My signs be increased against him and you will thereby recognize My power. This is the way of G-d: He brings punishment upon the wicked nations so that Israel may hear about it and fear [Him], as it is said:88 "I have cut off nations making their corners desolate . . . I said: If only you would fear Me then you (Israel) will accept admonition." Nevertheless, concerning the first five plagues it does not say: "G-d strengthened Pharaoh's heart" but, "Pharaoh's heart was strengthened."
--- End quote ---
Mizrachi says that had G-d not hardened Pharoah's heart, he would of cooperated with the request to send away Israel, in order to avoid suffering, but not because of an ideological belief that one must observe the will of G-d. Therefore, in that situation, it was better that he refused, so that would then be an excuse to perform wonderous plagues and signs against Pharoah, which would strengthen the fear of G-d by the true servants of G-d.
Siftei Chachamim, says that if Pharoah would have done a partial repentance and then received punishment for his sins, people would innacurately, blame the partial repentance as the source of the punishment. In this situation, it would be better for the world to clearly recognize that Pharoah was evil and an enemy of
G-d, so that his later downfall would be attributed to his rebellion against G-d.


--- End quote ---

Fascinating ideas.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page