Do you think the average Egyptian really hated Hebrews, or personally supported the Pharaoh’s more extreme policies targeting them? Do you think maybe they were a little bit afraid of the Hebrews, threatened by the success of foreigners on Egyptian soil? After all, the government itself said that these foreigners were a threat!
Nevertheless, those who participated in the oppression, experienced consequences.
Do you think the average Egyptian soldier pursued the Israelites out of antisemitism? After everything they had just witnessed on account of the Israelites being mistreated, do you think they wanted the Israelites to remain in captivity? Do you think they were evil just for being loyal soldiers of the state? Do you think they maybe thought that they should just follow their orders, even if they had questions?
Nevertheless, those who followed the Israelites into the sea, experienced consequences.
…It’s been a great week personally, an anxiety-inducing week nationally and indeed globally. This is what arises in my mind on this week’s perasha.
שבת שלום