Why Pharaoh Still Had Chariots After the Egyptian Cattle Died

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vaera 20:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Exodus 9:20:) "He who feared the word of the LORD." From here Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai used to say: The best of snakes — crush its brain; and the most worthy of the Egyptians — kill. It is written (Exodus 14:7): "And he took six hundred chosen chariots." From where were they, seeing that it is written (Exodus 9:6): "And all the livestock of Egypt died"? Rather: "He who feared the word of the LORD among Pharaoh's servants made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses" (Exodus 9:20). "And he who did not set his heart [to the word of the LORD]" (Exodus 9:21) — the Holy One said: "Stretch out your hand toward the heavens" (Exodus 9:22).

Themes

Divine JusticeEgyptMosesAnimalsMerkavah

Biblical References

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