Va'erah: Miracles and Science

Va'erah:  Miracles and Science

There is an  evolution of the plagues.  The first two, blood and frogs, are within the  capabilities of the Egyptians. There is a  technique to turn water into blood and to cause a proliferation of out-of-control frogs.  We would call such a situation, an established human technique, science.  Note that the scientists could add to the problem, but could not take it away. 

What we call science, what we call miracle usually depends upon who is doing the calling. Most people take most science on faith.  There is no pretense of understanding how plugging a lamp into a wall socket allows the creation of a burning bush that is not consumed. 

The third plague,  creation of lice, evokes the admission: this is beyond our capabilities,  this is beyond science. That seems to be the point of the these outlandish plagues:  so that they will know that  there is a force beyond understanding and science.

The illusion of understanding ( and it is  always an illusion, one can always ask questions back to the unanswerable) is arrogant.  It rejects the idea of the unknowable.

Raishith chachmah yirath .... The most fundamental wisdom is fear of ( in the face of) the unknowable.

I admit: I have trouble accepting this postulated knowledge void.  But looking for it is very informative.