(2005/5765)

In Perek 10, Pasuk 1, Hashem says to Moshe that he should go to Pharaoh because Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart, “Leman Shiti,” “So that I can put my signs.”  The Ramban says that the reason Hashem wanted to put signs was to show Bnei Yisrael His glory, and not only to punish Pharaoh.  Rashi disagrees and says, that since Pharaoh broke his word three times, Hashem saw that Pharaoh would not fully repent with all of his heart unless Hashem did wonders in Egypt.  Ramban’s opinion seems to have more basis in the rest of Tanach.  In Perek 3 Pesukim 6 and 7 the Navi Tzifanya writes, “Hichrati Goyim Nashamu Pinotav… Amarti Ach Tiree Oti Tikchi Musar.”  “I have cut off nations, their webs have become desolate… I said surely you will fear Me, you will accept Mussar.”  Accordingly, we see that Hashem does destroy nations to send a message to Bnei Yisrael.  In addition, had the purpose been to punish Egypt, Hashem could have smitten Egypt with one fell swoop.  Rather, it is drawn out to show Bnei Yisrael that this was from Hashem, the God of their forefathers.  Next, Bnei Yisrael might not have accepted the Torah at Har Sinai if Hashem had not proven that he was their God, since when he appears to Klal Yisrael he says “For I am Hashem who took you out of Egypt.”  We can learn from here that we should follow the news, even if it does not concern us or our brethren in Eretz Yisrael, since it can be a message from Hashem that we must improve.