1/22/98

In the Hagada, Rabbi Yosi Hagelili and others say that the ratio of Makos at the Yam Suf was 5:1 to the makos in Mitzrayim. In Mtzrayim it says Etzba Elokim Hu and at the Yam it says Vayar ....es haYad haGedola. One hand = 5 fingers. So if in Mitzrayim they got 10 makkos then on the Yam they got 50 etc.

Question: In Perek 9 - 3 in our parsha it says regarding makkas Dever Hinei YAD Hashem Hoya.... So in Mitzrayim Yad Hashem was involved?!

The Malbim in his Peirush on the Hagada says that the Term "Yad" in Makkas Dever is used to denote a blow or Maka but is not used in the sense that it appears by the Yam It seems tha Unkelus supports this idea as he translates the yad in our Parsha as "MACHA Min Kadam Hashem" meaning "Blow"

Perhaps another answer we can give is that although Yad hashem was used in makkas Dever we don't find taht anyone recognized or acknowleged it as such The only revelation that took place in Mitzrayim for all to see that was acknowleged was Etzba Elokim whereas at Yam Suf we saw Yad Hachazaka.

Remember that the central letters of Paroah are Ra and the central letters of Mitzrayim are Yetzer. when we learn these Parshiyos we must pay attention to Paro's tactics to learn the tactics of the Yetzer Hara. Why is it that no matter how much Yad Hashem we see we continue to harden our hearts and refuse to do what Hashem wants?

For comment on recent current events Clinton's latest scandal stealing the headlines from Clinton's disapproval of BiBi's visit see Rashi on Bereishis 40-1 where he explains the Hashgacha involved in when news stories break.

Good Shabbos
Rav Segal