Print version: Ibn Ezra Bo

Bargaining with God (Bo)

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what people say. I just watch what they do.”
—Andrew Carnegie

The roots of commerce seem to be deeply ingrained in the human psyche. It has become second nature to seek reward or to give reward for products or services. However, when it comes to God, humans take a curiously different approach.

We call to Him in times of need. We pray fervently for His help. So desperate are we for divine assistance that we begin to make promises: “God, if You will do x for me, I promise I will do or become y.”

Some people take these promises to heart, and they often lead to life-changing outcomes. Many, however, soon forget their promises once the heavenly boon has been granted.

The Ibn Ezra hints at a more successful approach. Commenting on Exodus 13:8, he explains that although we eat matza on Passover to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt, the matza was, in fact, the cause of our liberation. Eating matza was among the first commandments given to the nascent Jewish people. Because they ate the matza—because they obeyed the word of God—they merited the historic emancipation that gave rise to our nation.

God prefers to see those positive acts up front (cash). He does not always grant wishes based on promises for the future (credit).

Shabbat Shalom,

Ben-Tzion

Dedication

To President Javier Milei, for giving an outstanding talk on this week’s Parashat Bo at the World Economic Forum in Davos.