Parashat Bo

3 Shevat 5785 / February 1, 2025

by Rich Birndorf

This Week's Readings:

Torah: Exodus 10:1-13:16

Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28

Brit Chadashah: 1 John 2:15-17

The concept of pride can be defined as a determination of a high evaluation of one’s self, possibly concluding a superiority of oneself. This emotion can be seen throughout Scripture as harmful and often quite catastrophic. In today’s society, pride is usually looked upon as a particularly positive trait, where self-fulfillment is the ultimate goal. To put this distortion in context, the word “pride" is often associated with the gay lifestyle. However, when pride is manifested in those that wield great power it can be dangerous, and at worst calamitous. The devastation that has occurred in Palestine is an unfortunate example. Throughout the war, Hamas’s pride has caused mass desolation to the land – and much worse, has resulted in the loss of far too many lives, mostly of those that they were supposedly supporting. Though clearly overpowered, Hamas continues to battle in a lost cause because pride has prevented them from accepting defeat. 

Conversely, there are Scriptures that reference pride, three verses in the book of Philippians in particular. The difference is that the pride is directed to Yeshua rather than in one’s self.

To begin the Torah portion, we see the theme of pride and its destructive consequences clearly demonstrated. The final three plagues are found in the Torah readings. Beginning with the eighth plague, the locusts bring consuming destruction. Yet again, Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh bringing G-d’s directive to let the people go. G-d’s question to him was, “how long would you refuse to humble yourself before Me?” Soon afterwards, Pharaoh's servants plead, “Don’t you realize yet that Egypt is being destroyed?” How many residents of Gaza have asked the same thing? Of course, Pharaoh's hardened heart continued to have its negative result until finally leading to the ultimate calamity, the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt. 

I also chose to discuss the verses in chapters 12 and 13, that of G-d’s charge to observe the Passover forever. Each generation is to observe the enormity of G-d’s deliverance, power, and love for His people. It amazes me that although the customs and traditions may differ from certain groups based upon the diversity in culture and observance, the Passover has been maintained for over 3,000 years. 

The Haftarah reading is Jeremiah’s prophecy telling of the future punishment of Egypt. Throughout this passage, the reference is made to the once great prideful nation, led by a prideful leader, being brought low and given over to their oppressor Babylon. The passage concludes positively, as G-d, much like He did in the Passover narrative, declared He would save His people from Egypt, returning them to their land and being their protector.

Continuing on to the Brit Chadashah passage, the clear instruction is not only to avoid pride, but the related sins of the lust of the flesh and eyes. All of these offenses are due to the love of the world and man’s misguided desire to live for those things that the world provides. These things of the world are not from G-d, and if one’s love is focused there, then that person will not receive His love. Moreover, the world and all that it contains is temporary, but the one that lives for G-d will have the assurance of eternal life with Him. 

So, practically, what does this mean? It is not sinful to be satisfied or joyful when we accomplish something of great importance, if we have the understanding that all we have and all that we achieve is ultimately from G-d. All of our spiritual gifts and abilities are from Elohim, the Creator; therefore, our accomplishments are never to be realized on account of our self-effort. This is why I must constantly recognize that it is G-d that has given me the ability to be a far superior cook than others, and give Him the glory in realization that I am much funnier than most others as well. 

Perhaps the verse in scripture that best summarizes the sin of pride is found in

Proverbs 16:18. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. 

Being prideful can have devastating consequences. Being humble gives glory to G-d.