“Nevertheless I have spared you for this purpose: in order to show you My power, and in order that My fame may resound throughout the world” (Exodus 9:16). I stopped on this quote and wondered, does God have an ego? Can an all-powerful presence like God have an ego? It seems to be counterintuitive to the teachings of mussar. For some context, in the midst of this week’s parsha, Va-eira, we encounter a divine proclamation to Pharaoh, a declaration that goes beyond the immediate circumstances of plagues and hardships. “Nevertheless” speaks of divine mercy, a mercy that threads its way through the tapestry of our history.
God’s choice to spare the Israelites was not a hesitant act but a deliberate one. The Almighty’s intention was to manifest God’s power and to ensure that God’s fame would echo throughout the world. Why, we might ask, does God use the word “fame?”
God’s desire for fame isn’t rooted in earthly pride or self-promotion. Rather, it is a profound expression of God’s character and a revelation of God’s redemptive plan for the Israelites. The term “fame” in this context signifies the global acknowledgment of God’s greatness, a recognition that transcends borders and cultures. It is an invitation for all nations to witness the majestic power of the Almighty.
When God declares God’s intention for God’s fame to resound, it’s not a boastful proclamation but a reassurance that there was never any doubt about the liberation of the Israelites. It is an explanation of the greater plan at play, a plan rooted in God’s unwavering commitment to the chosen people.
The challenges faced by the Israelites in Egypt were not random; they were part of a divine symphony, each note harmonizing with the others to create a masterpiece. God’s declaration to Pharaoh reveals a purposeful sparing, a predestined path toward freedom and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
As we prepare for a Shabbat of song and learning with our special guest Jay Rapoport, let us find comfort in the knowledge that God’s plans are intentional. Whether or not you have connection to God, there is a force guiding our lives, knowing that, like the Israelites, we too are part of the eternal plan.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danny Glassman