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Why does the Torah (תורה) barely mention that the plague of frogs included unbearable noise, which Chazal say was worse than the physical irritation? The shiur distinguishes between two simultaneous Divine agendas: midah k'neged midah (punishment matching the sin) and tachlis milchamah (conquest strategy). The noise—traumatizing and lasting—served the conquest agenda, while the physical plague fulfilled the punishment, explaining why Pharaoh could say "tomorrow" despite the torment.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question about the plague of frogs (tzfardei'im): the Midrash teaches that the noise—the croaking of the frogs—was worse than the physical makah itself, yet the Torah (תורה)'s description emphasizes the frogs jumping into beds, ovens, and bodies, with barely any mention of sound. Why would the Torah downplay what was actually the most severe aspect of the plague? The shiur explores several difficulties. First, if noise was the worst part, why isn't it featured in Moshe's warning to Pharaoh? Second, why does the Torah emphasize the noise only at the removal of the plague rather than at its onset? Third, why does Moshe need to cry out (vayitzak) with such intensity to remove the frogs—a language of prayer suggesting extreme distress? Fourth, how could Pharaoh say "tomorrow" if the noise was truly unbearable?
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Vaeira - Plague of Frogs
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