In a world filled with distractions and competing values, humanity still grapples with the same fundamental question that echoed through Pharaoh’s palace thousands of years ago: “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?”
When Moses first approached the Egyptian ruler demanding freedom for the Israelites, Pharaoh’s dismissive response revealed not only defiance, but profound ignorance. This ancient confrontation set in motion a divine educational plan that continues to shape our world today.
Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh with God’s command to release the Hebrew slaves, but were met with shocking indifference. Scripture tells us:
This response, “Who is the Lord?” came from a man who ruled an empire filled with countless deities, none of which demanded moral accountability. How could Pharaoh, who himself was considered divine in Egyptian culture, comprehend a God who stood above all rulers and demanded justice?
What followed was not simply punishment but education on a grand scale. Each plague systematically dismantled Pharaoh’s theological worldview while revealing aspects of the one true God’s character and power.
The plagues were not random displays of might but carefully orchestrated lessons about God’s sovereignty over every element of creation that Egyptians had deifiedāfrom the Nile they worshipped (turned to blood) to the sun god Ra (darkened in the ninth plague). The plagues weren’t merely punishments but signs, designed to educate not just Pharaoh but the entire world about God’s nature and relationship with humanity.
This same educational mission, given dramatic expression in Egypt, became the blueprint for the Jewish people’s purpose in world history. Isaiah describes this divine appointment eloquently:
The Hebrew phrase or lagoyim, “a light unto the nations,” encapsulates this mission. Just as the plagues were designed to teach Pharaoh about God, the Jewish people are called to be living testimonies of God’s reality and moral vision in a world that often asks, like Pharaoh, “Who is the Lord that I should listen to Him?”
This mission isn’t about proselytizing or conversion. According to Jewish tradition, it’s about living in such a way that God’s nature becomes visible through the Jewish people’s covenant relationship with Him. By following the Torah’s commandments, Jews create a model society that demonstrates God’s wisdom and compassion.
The prophets repeatedly emphasized that this mission goes beyond ritual observance to the heart of ethical monotheism. The prophet Micah distilled this purpose beautifully:
These three requirementsājustice, kindness, and humility before Godāremain the core values that the Jewish people are called to exemplify and teach.
Today, this ancient mission takes many forms. Jewish communities worldwide continue to preserve and transmit God’s revelation through study of Torah, observance of Shabbat (the Sabbath) and other commandments, ethical business practices, and acts of chesed (loving-kindness).
The State of Israel represents another dimension of this missionāa modern miracle that demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenantal promises after centuries of exile. Many Orthodox Jews see Israel’s technological innovations, humanitarian aid efforts, and ethical military code as contemporary expressions of being a “light to the nations.”
The values that emerged from the revelation at Sinaiāhuman dignity, compassion for the stranger, care for the vulnerableācontinue to shape Western civilization.
When we partner together to advance these divine values in our communities, we participate in the ongoing educational mission that began with Moses standing before Pharaoh, insisting that there is indeed a God who cares deeply about how we treat one another and who deserves not just acknowledgment but obedience.
In a world where modern “pharaohs” still ask, “Who is God that I should listen to Him?” the answer remains the same as it was in ancient Egypt: He is the Creator who demands justice, loves mercy, and walks with those who humbly seek His face. This is the mission that began with Abraham and continues wherever people choose to make God’s presence known through lives of holiness and compassion.
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We at Israel365 have launched our annual campaign with a profound mission: Be A Light For Israel. As Isaiah declared, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
Now more than ever, in these challenging times, Israel needs your light to shine brightly. When you support this historic movement of redemption, you don’t just giveāyou become part of prophecy fulfilled.
Join our Wall of Light and see your impact multiply. Your gift today doesn’t just support Israelāit declares that when darkness threatened, you brought God’s light in her most critical hour.
Be the Light. Find the Blessing.
