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Midrash Tanchuma, Vaera 11

Midrash Aggadah Midrash Tanchuma, Vaera 11

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published March 15, 2026

<b>When Pharaoh shall speak unto you (Exod. 7:9).</b> Scripture states (elsewhere in reference to this verse): <i>Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying: “My counsel shall stand, and all My pleasure will I do”</i> (Isa. 46:10). The Holy One, blessed be He, declared at the very beginning what the end would be, when He said to Moses: <i>Behold, thou art about to sleep with thy fathers, and this people will rise up, and go astray</i> (Deut. 31:16). They were destined to do so upon Joshua’s death. <i>And will forsake Me, and break My covenant</i> (ibid.), as it is said: <i>And they forsook the Lord, and served Him not</i> (Judg. 10:7). Hence at the very beginning he disclosed what would follow.

R. Phinehas the priest, the son of Hama, stated: One who reads this verse may think that there must be a difference of opinion above (in heaven), since it says: <i>My counsel shall stand, and My pleasure will I do</i>. What is the actual meaning of <i>My counsel shall stand, and all My pleasure will I do</i>? It means that He desires to justify His creatures, as it is said: <i>The Lord was pleased, for His righteousness’ sake</i> (Isa. 42:21). Certainly He does not take delight in proving anyone guilty, as it is said: <i>For I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live</i> (Ezek. 33:11). Hence, it is said: <i>All my pleasure will I do</i>.

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Midrash Tanchuma, Vaera 11

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