Parashat Bo 5767/2007
EJD
The weekly reading for the week of 8 Shevat, 5767 - January 27, 2007 Parashah: Bo Exodus 10:1 to 13:16; Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28; Mei Kituvim: Psalm 135:1-21; Brit Chadashah: Revelation 19:6-21
Parashah Lite Edition (Focuses on one verse or idea anywhere in the readings.)
The Bagel: A harvest of locustness.
"....and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field" (Exodus 10:5).
Funny, the Egyptians were expecting the fruit from their diligently guarded and cared for trees. But they reaped a different crop. Instead of a harvest of fruitfulness, they got nothing. It was not the nothingness of a draught or of frost-damaged crops, but the consumption of locusts. Locusts eating of fruit trees (representative of all things agricultural in the text) is also a natural phenomenon. What is not so natural is the extent of the destruction, the whole nation was consumed. Also not found in nature is the specificity of eating: Jewish trees and crops were excluded though near the infestation or invasion the locusts. Probably, the number of locusts involved is more than nature can source, given the Mediterranean Sea and desert surrounding Egypt. Something supernatural is afoot (or should we say: "Many things supernatural are on the wing." to adapt the clich?.)
And the reason for the nothingness of the locustness is not attributed to nature, but is often a part of human experience, which is sin. It was the specific sin of rejecting a clear command and revelation of G-d. Pharaoh and Egypt knew better, both by word, the Word of G-d through Moses and Aaron, and by revelation, the physical judgements of the plagues. It is one thing to boast of no need of G-d when you have everything you need, but another to deny Him even when stripped of everything. Fruit trees were the symbol of Egyptian prosperity that defied the harsh conditions of the desert. But rebellion against G-d always produces a harvest of locustness in place of fruitfulness. But through faith in Yeshua coupled with Teshuvah (repentance - turning away from rebellion and sin) can "restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten" (Joel 2:25 KJV & JPS HOLY SCRIPTURES 1917).
Cream Cheese You can't find something in nothing, but G-d turn our nothing into something.
Unless noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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