בס "ד

Parshat Bo discusses the final plagues and the removal of Pharaoh’s free will. After Pharaoh hardened his own heart during the initial plagues, the Creator punished him “measure for measure” and deprived him of the ability to choose good (“For I have hardened his heart”). The purpose of hardening his heart was to demonstrate to Pharaoh that he is not his own master, but rather a tool in the hands of Divine Providence. This leads to a fundamental question:

Why was Pharaoh punished for refusing to free the Israelites once his ability to choose had been taken from him?

The reason for the removal of his power of choice was Pharaoh’s statement: “Who is the L-rd that I should obey His voice?” which constitutes a dishonor for the Creator. The prohibition of blasphemy is one of the Seven Noahide Laws. The duty of a Noahide is to recognize the Creator, to serve Him, and to honor His name. Pharaoh was also bound by this command, but through his words, he blasphemed and reviled Hashem, thereby violating this prohibition. Pharaoh saw himself as an idol. The prohibition of idolatry exists within all three “garments of the soul”: thought, speech, and action.


Why should the thought of idolatry be avoided? Thought is called a “subtle garment,” closer to the human soul than speech or action. Our Sages teach that “anyone who acknowledges idolatry is as if he has blasphemed and reviled the Name of G-d.” (Rambam laws of idolatry chapter 2) The thought that the world is led by foreign powers (idolatry) is in itself a branch of the prohibition of blasphemy and desecration (Rabbi Jonatan Shteif, Mitzvot Hasham page 315-318). When a person (Jew or non-Jew) accepts a foreign authority as a deity in his heart and mind, he denies G-d’s unity in his thought and desecrates His honor. It is also considered a branch of the prohibition of idolatry.

Thus, a thought of idolatry is simultaneously a form of blasphemy toward Heaven at the moment it is thought, and a branch of the prohibition of idolatry. While an earthly court cannot punish a person for their thoughts, the spiritual impact however, remains under Divine judgment. Keeping our thoughts pure is essential for a true relationship with the Creator.


Even after G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart, was there a way back? The answer is yes. Because Pharaoh defiled his thoughts and speech, Divine assistance in opening the gates of repentance was withheld. However, the path was not entirely closed. Even without Heavenly aid, a person can still repent through extraordinary personal effort. Pharaoh was punished because he failed to exert that effort; he did not repent even though the possibility—however difficult—remained.


From this, we can learn how vital it is to keep the three garments of the soul pure and dedicated to the service of G-d. Even in thought, where there is no physical action, it is very important to guard against negative thoughts and to increase positive reflections on the infinite greatness of the Creator. The path of the Noahide is not just about “not doing” wrong; it is about “doing” right by acknowledging G-d’s presence in the world. This serves as a preparation for the fulfillment of the ultimate destiny: “For they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them,” in the true and complete Redemption.

Von Rabbiner Moshe Bernstein

Source: Rabbi Jonatan Shteif, Mitzvot Hasham page 315-318. The Divine Code Rabbi Moshe Weiner Hebrew edition page 110. Likutei Sichos Vol. 6 page 57. Exodus 5:2.




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