Parashat Bo
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==Plague of Locusts== | ==Plague of Locusts== | ||
| + | Moshe and Aharon warn Pharaoh about the impending plague of locusts. Pharaoh is urged by his ministers to release the Jews. After agreeing to only release the adult males, Pharaoh expels them from his presence. Moshe raises his rod over Egypt and millions of locust swarm into Egypt devouring all surviving crops and dimming the sunlight of the land. Pharaoh apologizes to Moshe, who in-turn prays to Hashem and the locusts are blown into the sea. Hashem once again hardens Pharaohs heart and he refuses to release the Jews. | ||
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===Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart=== | ===Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart=== | ||
| − | Hashem tells [[Moshe Rabbenu|Moshe]] that he purposely hardened Pharaoh and his ministers hearts so he could continue afflicting them in order that further generations be told how He tormented Egypt and the awesome miracles that were performed there. | + | Hashem tells [[Moshe Rabbenu|Moshe]] that he purposely hardened Pharaoh and his ministers hearts so he could continue afflicting them in order that further generations could be told how He tormented Egypt and the awesome miracles that were performed there. |
===The Warning=== | ===The Warning=== | ||
Revision as of 22:38, 2 January 2014
Parashat Bo is the third parsha in the Book of Shemos and the 3rd week of Shovavim. It contains 105 pesukim. For the Haftora, Yermiyahu's prophecy to Egypt is read.
Contents |
Plague of Locusts
Moshe and Aharon warn Pharaoh about the impending plague of locusts. Pharaoh is urged by his ministers to release the Jews. After agreeing to only release the adult males, Pharaoh expels them from his presence. Moshe raises his rod over Egypt and millions of locust swarm into Egypt devouring all surviving crops and dimming the sunlight of the land. Pharaoh apologizes to Moshe, who in-turn prays to Hashem and the locusts are blown into the sea. Hashem once again hardens Pharaohs heart and he refuses to release the Jews.
Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
Hashem tells Moshe that he purposely hardened Pharaoh and his ministers hearts so he could continue afflicting them in order that further generations could be told how He tormented Egypt and the awesome miracles that were performed there.
The Warning
Moshe and Aharon once again approach Pharaoh and repeat in the name of Hashem that he free the Jews, warning him that a refusal will bring about a plague of locusts. This would be the largest locust attack to ever hit Egypt since its creation. They would cover the entire land, devouring all that remained from the Plague of Hail and would fill up all the homes of the Egyptians.
Upon the exit of Moshe and Aharon, Pharaoh's ministers implore him to free the Jews so they can rid themselves from this obstacle that threatens to destroy the country. Moshe and Aharon are called back by a messenger and Pharaoh inquires exactly who they wish to have participate in their journey of worship. Moshe replies that the entire nation including the seniors, children and livestock must go. Pharaoh replies that he sees in astrological readings a star of blood and annihilation rising in their direction, therefore he only agrees to the adult males leaving. Moshe and Aharon are evicted from Pharaoh's presence.
The Inception
Hashem tells Moshe to raise his hand on the Land of Egypt to bring fourth the locust that will devour all the produce remaining from the Plague of Hail. Moshe raises his rod on Egypt and Hashem blows and eastern wind that entire day and following night. At dawn of the following morning the wind caries the locust into Egypt, which then descend all over boundaries of the land. This was the thickest swarm of single species of locust to ever attack in the previous and future history of the world. So thick was the swarm that it blotted out the sun, darkening the land. The locust then proceeded to completely devour all the grass and fruit trees surviving from the hail.
The Withdrawal
Pharaoh calls Moshe and Aharon and apologizes, saying he has sinned to Hashem and to them and requests that he be pardoned this one time and they should pray to Hashem to remove the death of the locust. Moshe leaves Pharaoh and prays to Hashem. Hashem brings a strong western wind that caries the locust into the sea. Not a single locust remains in Egypt. Hashem once again hardens Pharaoh's heart and he does not release the Jews.