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Why does the Torah (תורה) not explicitly state that Hashem (ה׳) commanded Moshe to decree the plague of locust? The Maharal's difficulty points to a deeper reality: Moshe transforms from mere agent to principal in Parshas Bo, empowered by "Elokim nesaticha l'Pharaoh" to personally decree punishment against Egypt. This reflects Hashem's role as Avinu—our Father—not just King, giving His children the right to strike back at their oppressor.
Rabbi Zweig opens with a fundamental question from the Maharal regarding the plague of locusts (arbeh) in Parshas Bo. Unlike all previous plagues where Hashem (ה׳) explicitly commands Moshe what to tell Pharaoh, here the Torah (תורה) simply says "Bo el Pharaoh" (go to Pharaoh), and then Moshe himself announces the coming of arbeh. The Maharal offers two answers: either the Torah condensed the narrative, or Moshe deduced on his own that another plague would target the remaining vegetation. Rabbi Zweig proposes a more profound explanation. The key to understanding this shift lies in a Midrash Rabbah on Parshas Va'era regarding "Re'ei nesaticha Elokim l'Pharaoh" (I have made you a god to Pharaoh). The Midrash explains that while an ordinary king forbids others from using his crown, scepter, or name, Hashem gave Moshe His very name—Elokim. This indicates that Moshe was not merely Hashem's agent (shaliach) but became a principal with genuine power and authority over Egypt. This explains how Moshe could determine precisely when plagues would end—not because he was told, but because he possessed real power to make such determinations.
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Parshas Bo
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