We know the big picture: Pharaoh’s stubbornness, the Israelites’ suffering, and God’s mighty hand. But what about the little things? Like, what happened to all those dead animals after the plague of flies?
Well, according to Legends of the Jews, Ginzberg's masterful retelling of rabbinic tradition, the end of the fourth plague was just as miraculous as the plague itself. See, the Egyptians, in their desperation, had killed a bunch of the animals afflicted by the swarms of flies, right? Makes sense. But here’s the thing: God wasn’t about to let those wicked oppressors profit, not even a little bit, from the devastation. So, these very animals – the ones the Egyptians had slaughtered – they were resurrected! They came back to life and marched right out of Egypt with the rest of the afflicted creatures. Can you imagine that sight? A testament to divine justice, ensuring the wicked gained absolutely nothing from their suffering.
It’s a stark contrast to the plague of frogs. Remember them? They just died where they fell, their carcasses rotting and adding to the overall misery. Why the difference? Perhaps because the frogs, unlike the livestock, weren't of use to the Egyptians. The point wasn't just punishment, but also preventing the oppressors from benefiting from the suffering they inflicted.
And then came the fifth plague: the devastating pestilence. This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it was a grievous disease that decimated the Egyptians' livestock, their cattle and beasts. While the animals suffered the most, the plague didn’t entirely spare the Egyptians themselves.
Interestingly, Legends of the Jews explains that this pestilence wasn't just a one-time event; it was a constant, underlying presence accompanying all the other plagues. So, while the focus might be on the frogs or the locusts, this deadly disease was always lurking, contributing to the overall suffering and death toll.
And what about the Israelites? Again, they were completely unharmed. Protected, shielded. It's a recurring theme, isn't it? The clear distinction between the oppressors and the oppressed. But it goes even deeper.
According to the tradition, even if an Israelite had a legitimate claim on an animal owned by an Egyptian, that animal would be spared. And if Israelites and Egyptians shared ownership of cattle? Those animals, too, would be protected from the pestilence. It's a fascinating detail, highlighting the meticulous nature of divine justice, the careful consideration of even the smallest details.
These stories, these legends, they aren’t just ancient tales. They are reminders that justice, while sometimes delayed, is ultimately served. And that even in the midst of unimaginable suffering, there is always a glimmer of hope, a promise of redemption. What do these legends teach us about how we should treat those around us? What kind of world would we build if we remembered these lessons?