Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Bo/0/en
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Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Bo
Do Two Wrongs Make A Right?
Twice in the early chapters of Shemot, Hashem seems to command the nation to deceive Paroh and/or the Egyptians. Hashem tells Moshe to ask Paroh for only a three day furlough in the Wilderness while His real intent is for them never to return. Later, he instructs the nation to request items of gold and silver from their Egyptian neighbors even though the objects are not to be returned.
- Why isn't Hashem upfront with Paroh about the desire to leave for good? What was gained by requesting just a short holiday? And finally, was Paroh really duped? [What evidence suggests that he was or was not?]
- When the Egyptians gave of their vessels did they intend them as loans, anticipating that the Israelites would be returning, or as outright gifts knowing full well that the Israelites were leaving for good? If the latter, should not the Israelite's actions be considered theft?
- In each of the above cases, do you think that the duplicity was justified? Why or why not? In general, when is deception of the enemy allowed? Does the fact that you are unjustly treated, allow for you be dishonest in return?
