Biblical Parallels Index – Shemot 5
Overview
This could be due to the gravity of their sins, the fact that they used up their opportunities to change, or because, as idolaters, they were simply not bequeathed the gift of repentance.Questioning God’s Justice
Moshe is the first of many prophets who question God’s justice in the face of human suffering (Shemot 5:22). See also Yirmeyahu 12:1-2, Chavakuk Chapter 1, Kohelet 7:15, and Sefer Iyyov for some other examples.
Sources
- See the commentary of Rabbenu Chananel for analysis of Moshe’s intent in questioning Hashem’s justice.
Articles
- See Theodicy – צדיק ורע לו for exploration of the wide range of approaches in Jewish thought to this fundamental philosophical question. Some suggest that, despite appearances, everyone gets their appropriate due in this world. It only seems to the outsider that the righteous suffer (or wicked prosper) because we do not have a good perspective on the true merits of a person or the true nature of their recompense. Others, in contrast, suggest that actually, in this world, people do not always receive their just deserts. Since this world is run by nature and judged according to the collective, it is possible that an individual will undeservedly be included in the rewards (or punishment) aimed at another, and fall prey to the vicissitudes of chance. This, however, should not be perceived as unjust because true compensation is reserved for the next world, where everyone receives their appropriate due.