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The Plague That Silenced the MagiciansTANAKH
The Plague That Silenced the Magicians
TANAKH
The plague of boils was so severe that even the magician-priests of Egypt were afflicted and unable to confront Moses. The book of Exodus describes the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt, with the plague of boils being one of the most direct and personal afflictions.
The Miracles of the Sixth PlagueCOMMENTARY
The Miracles of the Sixth Plague
COMMENTARY
The sixth plague in Egypt, which involved the affliction of boils, was a profound demonstration of divine power through a series of miracles. Rabbeinu Bahya, a 13th-century Spanish commentator, elaborates on the three miraculous aspects of this plague.
The Dual Realms of the PlaguesCOMMENTARY
The Dual Realms of the Plagues
COMMENTARY
The plagues of Egypt were not just a series of divine punishments but were divided into two sets, each affecting different realms and serving distinct purposes. This text from the Pesach Haggadah, the guiding text of the Passover seder, explores the deeper significance of the Ten Plagues and their impact on both the lower and upper worlds.
The Magicians' FailureCOMMENTARY
The Magicians' Failure
COMMENTARY
Pharaoh's magicians, who initially replicated some of the plagues, ultimately failed and acknowledged the divine origin of the plagues. This commentary on the Pesach Haggadah, the guiding text of the Passover seder, highlights the magicians' inability to replicate the plagues and their eventual recognition of God's power.
Unbearable BoilsSECOND TEMPLE
Unbearable Boils
SECOND TEMPLE
Philo of Alexandria provides a vivid and detailed description of the physical agony caused by the painful sores. This ancient text delves into the sixth plague from the Exodus story, offering a graphic portrayal of the sores' formation and symptoms.
Understanding the Plague of BoilsCOMMENTARY
Understanding the Plague of Boils
COMMENTARY
Rashbam distinguishes between two types of boils described in the Torah: those resulting from the heat of wounds or injuries and those caused by burns from fire. In his commentary on Leviticus, Rashbam explores the term שחין (sh'chin), highlighting both its physical manifestation and spiritual implications.
Why No WarningCOMMENTARY
Why No Warning
COMMENTARY
According to Ibn Ezra, no demand was made to release the Israelites prior to this plague because it did not last long. The Tur HaArokh, a medieval Jewish commentary by Jacob ben Asher, provides insight into the reasoning behind the sudden onset of the sixth plague in the Exodus narrative.
Remembering the Ten PlaguesMIDRASH
Remembering the Ten Plagues
MIDRASH
R. Yehudah's mnemonic device offers a unique and memorable way to categorize and recall the ten plagues of Egypt. The Sifrei, a midrashic commentary on Deuteronomy, provides these mnemonic signs to help remember the plagues central to the Passover story.
The Nature of BoilsCOMMENTARY
The Nature of Boils
COMMENTARY
The detailed description of the boils provides a vivid and precise understanding of the physical afflictions described in the Torah. Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura’s commentary on the Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, offers an in-depth explanation of the laws of ritual impurity related to skin conditions.
The Three Groups of PlaguesCOMMENTARY
The Three Groups of Plagues
COMMENTARY
The plagues in Egypt are categorized into three groups, each demonstrating G-d's mastery over different elements of nature. Rabbi Ovadia Sforno, a 16th-century Italian Jewish scholar, provides a detailed commentary on the plagues in the Book of Exodus, highlighting the pattern of warnings given before each plague.
Understanding Biblical BoilsTALMUD
Understanding Biblical Boils
TALMUD
The classification and characteristics of different types of boils, including those mentioned in the context of Egypt, offer a fascinating insight into ancient medical and religious perspectives. The Talmudic tractate Bekhorot discusses various types of garav (boils), distinguishing between their properties and healability, and linking them to different biblical contexts.
