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Soul in Chains

1) Since God is “Almighty,” why didn’t God deliver the children of Israel much, much sooner than to wait over 350+ years to bring them out of Egypt.

2) Psalm 115:18 (Joseph’s) feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of iron and his soul entered into the iron. Exactly what is the meaning of “Soul entering the iron.”

3) Job 1:6, 2:1 …. who exactly were the “sons of God” that presented themselves before the Lord.

Answer:

1. God is indeed almighty, and His ways are naturally beyond the means of human comprehension, so that it is not appropriate to express wonder at that which cannot understand.

At the same time, it is right to look into the ways of God and see to understand them.

In the case of Egypt, the Sages write that the time the Hebrews (the nascent Jewish People) spent in Egypt was required for the purification of the people, and that their emergence from Egypt can at exactly the appropriate time, when they were readied for becoming the people of God.

2. The Hebrew Nefesh (spirit) can refer to the soul (spirit) but can also refer to the body (or the part of the spirit that actually enters the body).

In this case, some interpreters explain that the reference is to the body (see Metzudos).

Alternatively, it can be understood as a reference to his will, the Nefesh (spirit) sometimes referring to a person’s will and desire. His “will” as it were was imprisoned in chains.

3. Commentaries explain that these are other-worldly creatures that are close to God. It could be that these are souls of the righteous, or other angelic beings. our level of understanding in these matters is naturally not very high.

Best wishes.

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2 Comments

  1. Rabbi, that was such an awesome answer! In regards to my first question, I would like to restate the question in hopes of clarifying my real thoughts, ..and it is … I was wondering if the Children of Israel were in captivity for over 350+ years in Eqypt .. due to their disobedience .. at the beginning of their capture .. to have every son that is born into the world .. to be circumcised (as started by Abraham) .. and since they did Not continue this tradition .. then God punished them. What are your thoughts?

    1. In the absence of such a tradition (that they were punished for this sin), it is difficult to make up such a thesis. Note that the exile and the suffering therein was already foretold to Abraham, so that it is hard to attribute it as a punishment for their not continuing the circumcision.

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