08-11-2024, 06:53 PM
Hello Gib, thanks for keeping the conversation going.
Of course there isn't one straight forward answer to your questions, so I'll give mine and others can chime in with theirs.
" Aaron is obvious instrumental in this role, but why specifically did God intend for Aaron to play this role? He could have instructed Moses himself to stretch out his staff, so why Aaron? "
I seem to remember Moses not having confidence and G-d telling him not to worry, that Aaron will be by his side. Maybe this is one of those times.
For your next question, I'll reply with what I know.
Yes, there is a big contrast regarding strengthening and hardening of Pharaoh's heart. There is a great book titled "The Exodus You Almost Passed Over" by Rabbi Fohrman that goes into great details with his thoughts on the matter.
G-d strengthened Pharaoh's heart as to not take away his free will in the beginning plagues. Then once Pharaoh admitted to knowing there was a G-d of Israel (initially he said he didn't know the G-d of the Hebrews), G-d proceed to harden his heart. G-d gave him many chances.
I have to look deeper into your other questions.
Of course there isn't one straight forward answer to your questions, so I'll give mine and others can chime in with theirs.
" Aaron is obvious instrumental in this role, but why specifically did God intend for Aaron to play this role? He could have instructed Moses himself to stretch out his staff, so why Aaron? "
I seem to remember Moses not having confidence and G-d telling him not to worry, that Aaron will be by his side. Maybe this is one of those times.
For your next question, I'll reply with what I know.
Yes, there is a big contrast regarding strengthening and hardening of Pharaoh's heart. There is a great book titled "The Exodus You Almost Passed Over" by Rabbi Fohrman that goes into great details with his thoughts on the matter.
G-d strengthened Pharaoh's heart as to not take away his free will in the beginning plagues. Then once Pharaoh admitted to knowing there was a G-d of Israel (initially he said he didn't know the G-d of the Hebrews), G-d proceed to harden his heart. G-d gave him many chances.
I have to look deeper into your other questions.