It wasn't just about remembering the events, but about understanding the deeper meaning behind them. The Torah tells us, "And so that you will relate in the ears of your son, and of your son's son, what I have wrought upon Egypt, and My signs that I have performed among them; and you will know that I am the Lord" (Exodus 10:2).
This verse isn't just a command; it's an invitation. An invitation to connect with our history, to learn from it, and to find God within it.
How exactly did Moses convey the plagues to his people beforehand? Shemot Rabbah explores this, suggesting that God revealed to Moses which plague was coming, and Moses hinted at it. "And so that you will relate in the ears of your son" – this, the Midrash suggests, alludes to the plague of locusts. As it says in the Book of Joel (1:3), "Relate to your children about it."
The next verse reveals exactly what's to be related: locusts!
Think about the sheer scale of the plagues. Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh, delivering God's message: "So said the Lord, God of the Hebrews: How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, and they will serve Me. For if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your border" (Exodus 10:3–4).
"Behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your border..." But what does "into your border" specifically mean? The Midrash in Shemot Rabbah points out a subtle detail: this plague would affect Egypt, but not the lands of the descendants of Ham. As Isaiah (26:9) states: "For when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants [of the world] learn righteousness." Through this plague, everyone would recognize the precise borders of Egypt. God's judgment, even in its destructive form, brought clarity and understanding.
Then there's this curious detail: "And your houses will be filled, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; that neither your fathers nor your fathers' fathers have seen, from the day that they were on the earth until this day. He turned, and exited from Pharaoh" (Exodus 10:6).
“They will cover the face of the earth.… And your houses will be filled…He turned, and exited from Pharaoh” (Exodus 10:5–6). Why the specific mention of Moses turning and exiting? Shemot Rabbah offers a beautiful insight. This action isn't mentioned with other plagues, so why here? It's because Moses saw the Egyptians glancing at each other, considering his words. He left so they would have the space to truly consider their actions, to take counsel, and perhaps, to repent. Moses wasn't just delivering a threat; he was offering an opportunity for change.
Isn't that profound? Moses, in his wisdom, understood that true change requires introspection and a willingness to turn away from destructive paths. He removes himself from the equation, giving them the space to choose.
So, when we retell these stories to our children, and to their children, what are we really sharing? We're sharing not just the history of plagues and miracles, but the ongoing potential for growth, for understanding, and for teshuvah, repentance and return. We're sharing the idea that even in the face of judgment, there's always an opportunity to turn towards righteousness. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most important lesson of all.