- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Three questions in Tanach
Question
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. It’s written explicitly why: “because the iniquity of the Emori (will) not yet be full” (Breishit 15, 16), and accordingly, we had to wait. It’s true the people of Israel are the Chosen People, but by no means does that mean that God doesn’t take into account the needs, the reward, punishment and challenges of other nations, as well. As for Israel, the oral tradition details that there were different levels of bondage and hardship over the years (e.g. the slavery itself was only 210 years), and therefore our fathers received the precisely beneficial amount of challenges. Accordingly, the element of time was relatively insignificant.
2. The correct source is 105, 18, is more correctly translated, ‘he was put in iron” The term “nefesh”, is usually literally translated as “soul”, but is often a poetic way to refer to the person involved (“he”, as in Isa. 29, 8). From the context (Joseph being locked up), it’s clearly referring to physical locking, i.e. “he (his body) was put (=locked) in iron”.
3. It’s referring to the “entourage” of God, commonly called: “angels”.

Hishtadlut vs Bitachon (making decisions)- cont.
Rabbi Ari Shvat |

Are Muslims Noahides?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 6, 5781

Modernization in judaism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 15, 5779

Bible authenticity
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 22, 5771

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit
Shevat 7, 5771

Orlah fruit trees
Adar I 5, 5771

Kri u'ktiv
Adar II 25, 5771
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Carrying House Keys
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 14, 5774

Backyard Eruv
Various Rabbis | 15 Kislev 5763

How can a cohen marry a convert
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 26, 5773

If you knew the Mashiach should you alert him and others?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 15, 5782

Amusement Park on Shabbat
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 5, 5782

UMAN RH
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 12, 5782
