Va'erah: revolution

Va'erah: Revolution

The appearance (of Gd) is the title of the parsha.  E tells Moshe  that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob merited revelations  but their  revelations were incomplete.  Those patriarchal revelations were in the form of  L- Shakai, the power that is sufficient, the provider, but the name Y (the Eternal)  was not known to them.

How did Gd appear to the patriarchs?  Avraham received promises (descendants, land)  and saw retribution ( Sodom),  Isaac saw rescue (Akeida, Avimelech).  Yaakov made deals ( 10%) and was given  permission ( to leave Canaan, to leave Lavan).

The main business of the parsha is seven plagues. Prior to the plagues, Moshe and Aaron show their stuff. They turn the sick into an alligator/serpent. The Egyptian magicians do likewise.  It is interesting to note that Moshe's stick ( magic wand)  swallows all the sticks of the magicians.  Was the stick increasing its power by this cannibalism? The benign explanation is that this part of the performance was merely to add to the intimidation of the audience (Pharaoh).  But it didn't work.  It would be like inviting the Japanese generals to the atomic bomb test in New Mexico.  Beyond a demonstration of technical ability, there needs to be a demonstration of will, the will to hurt the oppressor. Gd certainly has plenty of  this will, But Gd insists that each of the plagues be initiated by an act performed by Aaron or Moshe.


Now, Gd is the author revolution ( The Gd of Trotsky?).  The revolution  incorporates promise for the downtrodden and justice ( punishment) for the oppressors.

 To the barricades! You have nothing to lose but your chains!