This week’s Torah is called B’shalach, and this title word itself raises questions. Here is the translation of the opening phrase, from Exodus 13:17 –
Now it was, when Pharaoh had sent the people free…
We, and our historical commentators on the Torah collectively, say: “Huh? Didn’t God bring us out of Egypt?” How is it that when our ancestors began their time on the way to revelation we say that Pharaoh “sent” us free? After all the story seemed to emphasize God’s hand in everything, even the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart.
Perhaps we learn instead that in the wake of all of the plagues and miracles that Pharaoh finally did change his mind despite his hard heart. Moses and God had to convince Pharaoh about God’s power, in the same way that they had to convince the Israelites to follow Moses into freedom.
Even through all of the divinely wrought special effects of the Exodus, people still make a difference. Pharaoh made a significant decision, and the Israelites did too. This continues into the rest of this week’s reading, as the Israelites complained the entire way. We were skeptical of God’s might and capacity to bring us through the desert.
As a stiff-necked and cautious people, we often are wary of something that might be too good to be true. Let us aim to hold onto that keen eye without losing hope that we can make things better.
Image source: http://www.andrews.edu/ARCHAEOLOGY/img/news/art-Panel-LR-Detail2.jpg
