Arbeh - The Makkah That Moshe Chose By Ariel Kryzman (‘23)
In the very first Pasuk of this week's Parashah, Hashem commands Moshe Rabbeinu, "Bo El Paroh Ki Ani Hichbadti Et Libo Ve'Et Leiv Avadav Lema'an Shiti Ototai Eileh BeKirbo," "Come to Paroh for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants so that I shall place these signs of Mine in his midst" (Shemot 10:1). This Pasuk is peculiar in both its language and the nature of its request. Why say "Bo" or "Come" when the word "Leich" or "Go" would be far more appropriate? Also, regarding all other Makkot, Hashem told Moshe what the Makkah would be before Moshe warned Paroh; why is this Makkah, Makkat Arbeh, any different? Furthermore, after this Makkah, Paroh begs Moshe and Aharon to end Makkat Arbeh. In doing so, Paroh uses phraseology that he doesn't use by any other Makkah: "Chatati LaHashem Elokeichem VeLachem," "I have sinned to Hashem, your God, and to you" (Shemot 10:17). While Paroh does state that he has sinned when pleading with Moshe and Aharon to end Makkat Barad, never does he say that he sinned "to you," to Moshe and Aharon. Why does Paroh feel that he has sinned against Moshe, and why does he feel that way specifically by Makkat Arbeh? These questions are among those asked by Rav Simcha Bunim of Peshischa in his Sefer Kol Simchah. Rav Simcha Bunim explains that the primary purpose of the Makkot was not to punish the Mitzrim but to teach Bnei Yisrael of Hashem's control of nature. The Makkot also came to teach Bnei Yisrael of Hashem's infinite kindness. One of the ways Hashem showed Bnei Yisrael was through this Makkah of Arbeh. In this Makkah, Hashem told Moshe to choose the Makkah, and Hashem would follow through and employ it. If Hashem picked all of the Makkot, perhaps there would be room for someone to say that Hashem performed the Makkot for Himself. However, Moshe Rabbeinu's selection of Makkat Arbeh teaches that Hashem performed the Makkot for Klal Yisrael's sake. That explains why Parashat Bo opens with the commandment of "Bo" and not "Leich." The Lashon of "Leich" would imply that Moshe was just following Hashem's direct command without any input of his own. The word "Bo" or "Come" places a greater emphasis on Moshe and Aharon, thereby giving them greater independence in this Makkah and the autonomy to choose the Makkah itself. That is also why Paroh says that he has sinned to Moshe and Aharon as well as to Hashem. Paroh acknowledged that it was Moshe and Aharon's idea and Hashem listened to it. Paroh, therefore, sinned to both Hashem and Moshe, and Aharon. Nowadays, we should recognize the miracles that Hashem does for us, big and small, and realize that they are given to us by God himself for our own good.