In an insightful interpretation by Rabbi Pinchas Polonsky, the story of the Exodus is presented not just as a pivotal chapter in Jewish history, but as a defining moment in the spiritual journey of all humanity. 

The grand revelation of God during the Exodus, as highlighted by Rabbi Polonsky, was not for the Israelites but for the Egyptians. This distinction is significant. He suggests that the plagues, often interpreted as punitive actions against the Egyptians, were actually instruments of enlightenment: “And the Egyptians should know that I am the Lord” (Exodus 7:5).

Why Egypt?

Ancient Egypt was a cornerstone of civilization, ultimately influencing Greece and Rome, and thereby the entirety of Western Civilization. By revealing Himself to Egypt, God was essentially reaching out to all of mankind. This revelation set the stage for the specific covenant at Sinai made with the Jewish people.

Egypt: A Symbol of Bondage and the Necessity of Liberation

Described as the ‘house of bondage’ (Exodus 20:2), Egypt represents more than a physical location; it symbolizes a state of subjugation. It represented a spiritual and intellectual enslavement to Pharaoh and the laws of nature. 

The plagues served to dismantle this system. They challenged the Egyptians’ confidence in their gods and in nature, exposing the limitations of their worldview. Each plague was a step towards the ultimate revelation of a single, omnipotent God. In doing so, God was liberating not just the Israelites, but humanity, from a primitive understanding of the world.

The Sinai Revelation: A Covenant with Purpose

The revelation at Mount Sinai was not just about forming a covenant with the Israelites; it was about setting them on a mission to elevate humanity from its primitive state. The Torah, given at Sinai, was a blueprint for this elevation, imparting moral and ethical guidelines essential for human progress. Before tasking the Israelites with spreading His message to the world, God had to first reveal Himself to the world and free mankind from its Egyptian “bondage.” 

A Universal Message from a Singular Event

Rabbi Polonsky’s interpretation offers a profound understanding of the Exodus story. It transcends its immediate Jewish context, presenting it as a momentous event in the spiritual journey of all humankind. The revelation in Egypt was a necessary prelude to the revelation at Sinai, setting the stage for the Israelites’ mission as a light unto the nations.