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Why does the ribis prohibition reference yetzias Mitzrayim and conclude with living in Eretz Yisrael? The Maharal's principle that ribis stems from achdus explains both connections: Eretz Yisrael creates the unity where Jews naturally treat each other's money as their own. This unity emerges from recognizing our complete dependence on Hashem (ה׳)'s personal providence in the land.
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L begins by examining the Torah (תורה)'s prohibition of ribis (interest) in Parshas Behar, questioning why the pasuk references yetzias Mitzrayim - specifically Hashem (ה׳)'s ability to distinguish between the firstborn and non-firstborn. Rashi (רש"י) explains this teaches that Hashem can similarly distinguish between someone lending their own money versus lending a non-Jew's money. The Rabbi finds this connection puzzling and seeks a deeper understanding. The analysis extends to the pasuk's conclusion about Eretz Yisrael, where Rashi states that anyone living in Eretz Yisrael has Hashem as their G-d, while leaving the land is tantamount to idol worship. This connects to the Midrash explaining that Hashem directly governs Eretz Yisrael, while other lands are administered through intermediary angels. The Maharal teaches that ribis prohibition stems from the achdus (unity) that emerges specifically from being in Eretz Yisrael.
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Parshas Behar 25:35-38
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