5786/2026
Over the last few Parshi’ot, we have seen a consistent cycle, starting from Shechin, where Paroh recognizes his sin and Hashem’s abilities. Yet, Hashem makes Paroh’s heart “stiff” or “stubborn” (JPS Translation), and Paroh refuses to release us. However, this raises a difficult question. In Devarim (30:15), Hashem tells us that He has placed before us the “good and the bad”, meaning that it is our choice to decide which path to take. The Rambam makes this clear in Hilchot Teshuvah (5): “Free will is granted to all men. If one desires to turn himself to the path of good and be righteous, the choice is his. Should he desire to turn to the path of evil and be wicked, the choice is his”. So, if man is given free will, how could Hashem inhibit Paroh’s decision making and force Paroh into stubbornness?
Let us put this question aside for a moment and ask a separate question. Why does Hashem decide to take us out through 10 Makkot? He could’ve flown us out on a magic carpet! The reason is very subtle in Pesukim. In the beginning of Parashat Bo (10:2), Hashem explains that He needed the Makkot so that he could make Himself known throughout the land. Hashem isn’t just another “god” in the Egyptian pantheon. He is THE G-D.
And now we are back. Rabbi David Fohrman suggests that these traditional translations are not the most accurate. Really, “VaYechazak” actually means to be strengthened. By strengthening Paroh’s heart, Hashem is really giving Paroh the courage he needed to make his own decisions. Does Paroh actually want to free the Jews, or does he actually want to end the plagues? In a way, it is the ultimate free will. Will Paroh choose the good and get to know Hashem?
It is a lesson for life that our choices often feel pressured by fear and discomfort, much like Paroh’s decisions during the plagues. Hashem does not remove our free will, but instead gives us the inner strength to pause, reflect, and choose consciously. Like Paroh, we must ask ourselves whether we are changing simply to avoid consequences, or because we genuinely recognize what is right. When we choose the good with clarity and intention, we fulfill the purpose of free will and come closer to truly knowing Hashem.