[Par-reg] Parshat Va'era - shiur

[Menachem Leibtag]

*************************************************************
        THE TANACH STUDY CENTER [http://www.tanach.org]
  In Memory of Rabbi Abraham Leibtag
 Shiurim in Chumash & Navi by Menachem Leibtag
*************************************************************
 
PARSHAT VA'ERA  & Brit Avot
 
 Was it really so necessary for Bnei Yisrael to suffer so much in
preparation for their redemption?
 From a cursory reading of "brit bein ha'btrarim" in Sefer Breishit
(see 15:13-18), it would certainly seem so.  Furthermore, from the
events that transpire in Sefer Shmot, when Pharaoh doubles their
workload immediately after Moshe Rabeinu makes his first plea for
redemption (see Shmot chapter 5), it seems that this 'extra
affliction' is part of God's 'master plan'!
 Can one find any logical reason for this?
 Is 'suffering' a value in itself?  Does God simply want His nation to
suffer, just so they can later appreciate Him?
    In our first shiur on Parshat Va'era, we suggested [based on
psukim from Yechezkel 20:5-9] that the length of their slavery and its
intensity may have been a direct result of Bnei Yisrael's
unwillingness to accept God.  However, we did not discuss why that
very 'slavery in a foreign land' (see Breishit 15:13) was necessary in
the first place.
    To shed some light on this difficult question, the following shiur
returns to the opening psukim of Parshat Va'era, to explain why God
prefaces His 'tidings of redemption' by reminding Moshe Rabeinu of His
special relationship with the forefathers. 
 
INTRODUCTION - A 'DOUBLE MENTION'
    As Parshat Va'era opens, God reassures Moshe that despite his
first setback (see 5:21-23), the redemption process will continue.
Let's take a careful looks at what God tells Moshe at this time,
paying careful attention to how and when the word 'brit' [=covenant]
is mentioned:
"And Elokim spoke to Moshe, telling him I am Hashem.  And I appeared
to Avraham, Yitzchak & Yaakov using the Name KEL SHADAI, but My Name
HAVAYA, I did not make known to them.
** And also I had established [upheld?] My BRIT with them [the Avot]
to give them the land of Canaan... 
 
** And I have also heard the cries of Bnei Yisrael, for Egypt is
oppressing them, and I have remembered My BRIT.
Therefore, tell Bnei Yisrael...ANI HASHEM"  (6:2-6)
 
 As you should have noticed, the word "brit" is mentioned twice in
these psukim.  But what specific covenant is God referring to?  
    To answer this question, we must return to our study of Sefer
Breishit and recall that God had established two covenants with
Avraham Avinu: 
  * Brit Bein ha-btarim (see Breishit 15:1-20);
[Recall how this covenant was given b'shem Havaya.]  
  * Brit Mila (see 17:1-14),
   [Recall how this covenant was given b'shem Elokim.]
 
 Even though both covenants focused on God's promise to Avraham of
'zera' [numerous offspring] and 'aretz' [the Land of Israel], each
covenant related to a different aspect of God's future relationship
with the nation of Israel.
 Let's review the main aspects of each covenant.
 
BRIT BEIN HA-BTARIM
 As we explained in our shiurim on Sefer Breishit, "brit bein
ha-btarim" forecasted the long historical process by which Avraham's
offspring would become God's Nation. 
"And Hashem (be-shem Havaya) said to Avram: Know well that your
offspring shall be strangers in a LAND NOT THEIRS, and they shall be
ENSLAVED and OPPRESSED, for 400 years...and that nation that oppresses
them I will punish, and afterward they SHALL GO FREE with GREAT
WEALTH...  [This won't happen in Avraham's lifetime] only the fourth
generation will return here, for the sin of Emorite will not be
complete until then... 
On that day God made a covenant to Avram saying: To your offspring I
assign this land..." (see 15:13-18) 
 
    In contrast to all other nations, who begin as a group of people
who share a common land - and then become a nation; God's special
nation is destined to become a nation 'in someone else's land'
["baretz lo lahem"] - through common suffrage ["v'avdu v'inu otam"],
and only afterward will they attain sovereignty of the Land of Canaan
(and only after the original nations living there deserve to be
expelled for their bad behavior ["ki lo shaleym avon ha'Emori ad
heyna"]).
 
 In this manner, "brit bein ha'btarim" sets the framework for the set
of historical events that will later unfold in Sefer Shmot. Note
however, that this covenant did not specify 'who' [specifically] this
'other nation' will be; nor did it describe how intense that
affliction would become.  [See Rambam Hilchot Teshuva chapter six.
See also Seforno's commentary on the first chapter of Sefer Shmot!]]
 Even though Sefer Breishit did not explain why this entire historical
process was necessary, it becomes rather clear from Sefer Shmot (and
later on in Sefer Devarim) that this 'suffering in Egypt' was supposed
to sensitize the nation of Israel in such a manner, that when they
become a sovereign nation - they would be sure to treat their
'strangers' & the downtrodden in a proper manner.  [See for example,
Shmot 22:20 and 23:9, and Devarim15:12-15, 24:17-22 etc. etc. ]
 
BRIT MILA
 Many years after "brit bein ha'btarim", but immediately before
Avraham fathers his first child, God (b'shem Elokim) enters into
another covenant, including once again the promise of 'zera va-aretz':
"Avram was 99 years old, and God appeared to him saying I am KEL
SHA-DAI, HITHALEYCH L'FANEI v'HEYE TAMIM - walk before Me and be
perfect.  And I will make a covenant between Me and you... 
"...And I will uphold/establish My covenant with you - "lihiyot lachem
le-Elokim" - and for your offspring after you...and I have given you
and your offspring 'eretz megurecha' - the land that you are living in
- the land of Canaan... and I will be for them their God..." (17:7-8).
 
 In this covenant we find an emphasis on God's special relationship
with Am Yisrael on more personal level.  Its key phrase - "lihiyot
lachem le-Elokim" [to be a close God for you] reflects a type of
'partnership' - He will be our God (and hence look after our special
needs), and we will become His people - to represent Him before other
nations (see 17:3-4, based on the themes of God's earlier promises in
12:1-3).
 In other words, Brit Mila describes a relationship where God and Am
Yisrael will work as a 'team'.  Bnei Yisrael will serve as God's
agent, keeping His commandments.  In return, God will oversee their
daily needs.  
    For example, a more detailed framework for this relationship is
described by the 'tochacha' in Vayikra chapter 26. [Note textual
parallel to brit Milah in 26:9,12!]  Should Bnei Yisrael diligently
keep God's mitzvot, He will make sure that there is ample rain and
produce, while guaranteeing safe and secure borders.  On the flip
side, should they fail to be loyal in this partnership, God will need
to punish them (until they obey once again).
 It should be noted that the actual mitzva of 'mila' [circumcision] is
not the covenant itself; rather that mitzva serves as symbol of this
covenant [an 'ot brit'] - a constant sign [reminder] of this special
relationship. Nonetheless, the covenant itself is the actual 'working
relationship' between God and His people.
 
HOW THEY DIFFER
 Even though each covenant complements the other, each 'brit' remains
distinct.  In regard to God's different Names in each covenant -
Ramban [on Breishit 17:1] explains how this reflects a different
'mode' of God's behavior within the framework of each 'brit'.  In
'brit mila' (shem Elokim] God's relationship manifests itself through
natural events [what he refers to as 'hashgacha nisteret'].  It was
within this framework that God had looked after the needs of the Avot,
and came to their rescue; but even if there was a need for a miracle,
it took place in a 'hidden' manner.  In contrast, within the framework
of 'brit bein ha-btarim' - given be-shem Havaya - God may act in a
more miraculous fashion, as was the case in our redemption from Egypt
['hashgacha nigleit'].
 [See Ramban on Breishit 17:1 and Shmot 6:3.]
 
A TRADITION PASSED DOWN
 From our above explanation, we would certainly expect for the entire
process of redemption from Egypt to relate to 'brit bein ha-btarim'.
Nonetheless, we will show how there maybe an aspect of 'brit mila'
involved as well.
 Let's explain:
 Recall God's final 'hitgalut' to Yaakov as he left Eretz Canaan on
his way to see Yosef in Egypt (see TSC shiur on Parshat Vayigash).  At
that time, God [be-shem Elokim] had promised Yaakov that He would be
WITH HIM in Egypt, make his offspring a great nation there, and one
day eventually bring them back (see 46:3-4).  Yaakov passed this
tradition on to Yosef (see 48:21), and later (at the conclusion of
Sefer Breishit), Yosef passes this tradition to his brothers:
"Pakod yifkod ELOKIM etchem... - God will surely remember you and
bring you up from this land to the land that He promised on oath to
Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov" (50:24).
 
 Based on this promise alone, and within the framework of BRIT MILA,
Bnei Yisrael can (and should) expect God, b'shem Elokim, to look after
their needs in Egypt and eventually tell them when to return to Eretz
Canaan. 
 In contrast, "brit bein ha-btarim" foresees a severe oppression in a
foreign land, followed by a glorious redemption (including the
punishment of the oppressor and the attainment of great wealth),
culminating with the conquest of the Promised Land.  However, this
BRIT does not specify either where this foreign land is, or when the
'400 year clock' starts ticking.
 Nonetheless, within the framework of this covenant, Bnei Yisrael have
ample reason to expect a miraculous redemption [b'shem Havaya] from
their oppression in Egypt.
 Hence, it is logical to assume that both these traditions were
ingrained in the heart and soul of Bnei Yisrael in Egypt, as they were
passed down from generation to generation.  Even though their slavery
in Egypt intensified, Bnei Yisrael patiently waited for their
redemption, as promised by God according to either one or both of His
covenants.  
[See Shmot 3:13-17, where Moshe Rabeinu anticipates that Bnei Yisrael
will ask: 'Which Name of God' has promised to redeem us?  - See also
Rashbam's amazing commentary on those psukim.]
 
TWO BRITOT IN PARSHAT VA'ERA
 With this background, we can return to the opening psukim of Parshat
Va'era in order to show how God, in his conversation with Moshe
Rabeinu, refers to BOTH of these covenants: 
 First note how the opening pasuk constitutes a 'fitting'
introduction:
6:2 "And ELOKIM spoke to Moshe and said to him I am HAVAYA"
 Note how shem Elokim introduces shem Havaya!
[Compare with the opposite phenomena in the opening psukim of Brit
Mila / see Breishit 17:1-3!]
 
6:3 "And I appeared to Avraham Yitzchak & Yaakov as Kel Shakai, but in
MY Name HAVAYA I did not make Myself known to them" 
 
    Although God had appeared (be-shem Havaya) numerous times to the
Avot, He had never performed miracles for them in the eyes of other
nations ('hashgacha nigleit').  Instead, He watched over them from the
perspective of shem Elokim, (alternately - shem Kel Shakai, i.e.
'hashgacha nisteret'):
  [Be sure to see Ramban on this pasuk!]
[One could also suggest that these words may allude to how the
forefathers diligently followed God's commands of "hithaleych l'fanei
v'heye tamim" - and hence did not need miraculous intervention, nor
severe punishment - to encourage improved behavior.]
 
 In contrast, God now informs Bnei Yisrael that they will soon witness
a level of God's providence that the Avot themselves did not see!  As
background, God first reminds them:
 
6:4 "I also established My covenant [-BRIT MILA-] with them [the Avot]
to give them the LAND OF CANAAN..." 
 
 Based on an obvious textual parallel with Breishit 17:7-8, the
covenant described in this pasuk clearly must be 'brit Mila' (see
Rashi on this pasuk)!  Even though that covenant remains in the
'background', God now explains how Bnei Yisrael's present predicament
in Egypt relates to another covenant as well:
 
6:5 "I have NOW heard the cries of Bnei Yisrael, for Egypt is
OPPRESSING them, and I have remembered My COVENANT."
 
 Clearly the covenant referred to in this pasuk must be 'brit bein
ha-btarim' [again, see Rashi!].  In addition to the obvious thematic
connection, textual proof can be found as well when we compare this
pasuk with Breishit 15:13-14, noting the parallel to "va-avadum ve-inu
otam".  With this background from 'Sefer Breishit', God now instructs
Moshe concerning what he must now tell Bnei Yisrael:
 
6:6 "Therefore, tell Bnei Yisrael that I am HAVAYA, and I will take
them out... and save them from their BONDAGE, and I will redeem them
with an outstretched hand and GREAT PUNISHMENTS (e.g. the Ten
Plagues)" [Bein Ha-btarim]
 
 The word 'lachen' - therefore - connects this forthcoming statement
with the background in 6:2-5.  Because God is coming to fulfill His
covenants, God first mentions ANI HASHEM - for He has come to fulfill
'bein ha-btarim' (given be-shem Havaya), and hence He will redeem them
and punish their oppressor in a miraculous manner, as promised in that
'brit'.  However, in addition:
 
6:7 "And I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God..."
[See and compare with Brit Mila, Breishit 17:7-8, noting phrase:
lihiyot lachem le-Elokim] 
 
"And you shall know that: I am HAVAYA ELOKEICHEM who is taking you out
from your suffering in Egypt." 
 
 This pasuk appears to combine both covenants, as both are going to be
fulfilled in the process of Yetziat Mitzrayim.   It also clearer
alludes to what will take place at the covenant at Har Sinai, as these
verses form the opening line of the Ten Commandments (see Shmot
20:1-3), which in itself serves as the completion of "brit Milah".
    Note how this will all lead the fulfillment of God's promise to
make Avraham's offspring a nation in the land- 
     Therefore:
6:8 "And I will bring you into the Land which I promised to give to
Avraham Yitzchak and Yaakov [in Brit Mila], and I will give it to you
as a possession - 'MORASHA' ['yerusha', as in Br. 15:7-8] for I am
Havaya [Brit Bein Ha-btarim]." 
 
 Recall that the word YERUSHA was mentioned some five times in 'brit
bein ha-btarim'!  This final promise confirms that when Bnei Yisrael
will enter the land after Yetziat Mitzrayim, it will entail the
military conquest of the land, resulting in Bnei Yisrael's sovereignty
over the land.
 
BACK TO THE SNEH
 This background can also explain several difficult psukim that we
encountered in our study of Moshe's conversation with God at the
burning bush.  For example, recall that after God had given Moshe his
mission to tell Bnei Yisrael that God is now coming to redeem them,
Moshe's first question was:
"When I come to Bnei Yisrael and say to them 'The God of your fathers
has sent me to you' and they ask me 'WHAT IS HIS NAME?' - what shall I
say to them?"  (see Shmot 3:13).
 
 What provokes this question?  Why is Moshe so sure that Bnei Yisrael
will inquire as to the nature of God's Name?
 Based on our shiur, this question is quite understandable.  Moshe's
query regarding God's Name (in 3:13) relates precisely to these two
family traditions.  Moshe is aware of their future redemption, yet
they will want to know which Divine Promise is being fulfilled at this
time, i.e. will the redemption be only be-shem ELOKIM (1), i.e. within
the framework of Brit Mila, (as promised to Yaakov); or will it ALSO
be be-shem HAVAYA (2), within the framework of Brit Bein Ha-Btarim.
[See Ramban & Ibn Ezra on 3:13!]
 Moshe's question is not merely a technicality, it relates to the very
nature of Yetziat Mitzrayim:
 If Bnei Yisrael's redemption is only be-shem Elokim (1), then they
should expect a natural process ('hashgacha nisteret'), similar to the
manner in which Yaakov was saved from Lavan (see Br. 31:9-13,24-29 &
48:15-16!).  Furthermore, they should not expect the Egyptians to be
punished, nor to receive great wealth [an important 'nafka mina'!].
Furthermore, if this is only 'brit mila', then their redemption may a
temporary salvation, for the full four hundred year time period may
not be over yet.
 However, if their redemption will also be be-shem Havaya (2), then
Bnei Yisrael should expect a miraculous process ('hashgacha gluya')
including the punishment of Mitzrayim, attaining great wealth, and
finally the conquest of the fullest borders of the Promised Land.  By
knowing which specific Name of God has come to redeem His people,
Moshe will be able to tell Bnei Yisrael more details concerning the
nature of the forthcoming redemption. 
 
I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE
 With this in mind, let's see how God answers Moshe's question.  Note
how God's immediate answer appears at first to be quite vague:
"'Eheyeh asher eheyeh' [I Will Be what I Will Be], go tell Bnei
Yisrael that 'Eheyeh' has sent you" (3:14). 
[See Rashbam in 3:15 'zeh zichri' - for an amazing 'encrypted'
explanation of this answer that follows perfectly according to our
discussion in this shiur!  You'll have to 'decode' it to appreciate
it.]
 
God expounds upon His answer in the next pasuk:
"... Thus tell Bnei Yisrael: HAVAYA [who is] ELOKEI AVOTEICHEM... has
sent me... this is My Name..." (3:15).
 
 God answers that He is coming not only be-shem Elokim, but also
be-SHEM HAVAYA, i.e. He has come to fulfill BOTH covenants!
Accordingly, God instructs Moshe to relay this message (3:16-17):
"Gather the elders of Israel together and tell them: HAVAYA [who is]
ELOKEI AVOTEICHEM appeared to me... saying:
    (1) "PAKOD PAKADTI ETCHEM..."
    [Brit Mila/ see Br. 50:24]
(2) "I will bring you up ME-ONI MITZRAYIM to ERETZ HA-CAN'ANI
E-'HACHITI..." 
   [Brit Bein Ha-Btarim / see Br.15:13,20)
 
 Next, God instructs Moshe to take the elders with him to Pharaoh
(this makes Moshe the official representative of Bnei Yisrael) to
demand that he allow Bnei Yisrael to worship God in the desert (3:18).
The fact that Pharaoh will not agree (see 3:19) sets the stage for the
fulfillment of two additional elements of Brit Bein Ha-Btarim, namely
punishing the oppressor and great wealth:  "I will stretch out My Hand
and SMITE Egypt...after that he shall let you go... When you go, you
will not go empty handed: Each woman will borrow... vessels of SILVER
and GOLD and clothing [compare Br. 15:14]..."   (3:20-22).
 At the conclusion of God's lengthy answer, Moshe still remains
doubtful whether Bnei Yisrael will truly believe that Shem Havaya has
appeared to him (4:1).  To solve this problem, God (obviously now
be-shem Havaya) provides Moshe with several 'otot' (signs/
mini-miracles) to prove that a 'miraculous' redemption is indeed
forthcoming (see 4:2-9). 
 
AND YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM HASHEM
 As we have shown, a deeper understanding of the purpose of the
covenants that God had made with Avraham Avinu  can help us appreciate
the necessity for the miraculous nature of Yetziat Mitzrayim.  The
goal of the Exodus was not merely to fulfill a divine promise to the
forefathers.  Rather, it was to prepare the nation of Israel to become
a nation that would know how to represent God in the proper manner.
    The miracles of the Exodus, and in the Desert would only be the
first stage in this difficult process. In our study of Ma'amad Har
Sinai, we will show how the laws that Bnei Yisrael will receive at Har
Sinai will constitute the framework by which God's goals of "brit
Avot" - "lihiyot lachem le-Elokim" can ultimately become fulfilled.
 Till then, 
     shabbat shalom,
     menachem
 
==================
FOR FURTHER IYUN
 
OT OR MOFET
 The background from the above shiur can help us understand why the
first 'ot' that Bnei Yisrael are given is the 'mateh' turning into a
'nachash' (see 4:2-5), in contrast to the first 'ot' that Pharaoh is
given of the 'mateh' turning into a 'tanin' (see 7:8-12). 
 Pharaoh, as he doesn't believe in God at all (see 5:2!), needs to be
shown a 'MOFET' (see 7:9) - a wonder - to prove that God exists and
was the Creator of the Universe.  Therefore, the symbol of a 'tanin'
is used, relating back to the story of Creation (see Breishit 1:21).  
 In contrast, Bnei Yisrael believe in God, yet they feel that God has
neglected them, for no one has come to redeem them.. Therefore, they
require an 'OT' - a sign - that God indeed has not forgotten them (see
4:1-2).  The symbol of a 'nachash' is used, which may relate back to
the story of the 'nachash' in Gan Eden (see Breishit chapter 3).  That
story focuses on God's providence over man, and the complex
relationship of 'sechar ve-onesh' - [divine retribution].  In a
similar manner, one can understand the other two 'otot' in 4:6-9;
Moshe's hand turning leperous (definitely a symbol of 'sechar
ve-'onesh'), as well as the contrast between life and death, as
symbolized by water (life) turning into blood (death).
 
 
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