מטרות שעבוד מצרים
נקודות המחלוקת
These are some of the central points of dispute (נקודות המחלוקת) between the various exegetes:
Religious identity of the Israelites in Egypt
Completely righteous – Ran, R. Chasdai Crescas, Tzeror HaMor, Malbim
Needed to be taught belief in Hashem – Ralbag, Ma'asei Hashem
Assimilated and idolatrous – Radak, Nimmukei Yosef, Seforno, Netziv
Does Hashem punish children for the sins of fathers?
Yes – Three Amoraic opinions in Bavli Nedarim, Vayikra Rabbah, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, Tanchuma, R. Yochanan b. Zakkai in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (Higger), Ramban, Mishnat Rabbi Eliezer, Opinion cited (and rejected) by Akeidat Yitzchak, Abarbanel (Approach #1)1
No – Akeidat Yitzchak, Abarbanel
Collective punishment
Yes – Abarbanel (Approach #1)
No – Akeidat Yitzchak
Afflictions without sin?
Yes – Rashi, Ran, R. Chasdai Crescas
No – Ramban
Why in Egypt?
Ma'aseh Avot Siman LeBanim – Ramban
Egypt was the world's leading center of idolatry – R. Chasdai Crescas, Abarbanel (Approach #2)
The Egyptians were xenophobic and this prevented assimilation – Zohar, Seforno, R. Hirsch, Immanueli
