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When Moses faced Pharaoh, he strategically withheld the full truth to protect his people. The conversation between them after the fourth plague, â¯arov, sheds light on this:
Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, âGo, sacrifice to your G-d here in the land.â But Moses said, âThat would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the L-rd our G-d would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? We must take a three-day journey into the wildernessâ¯to offer sacrifices to the L-rd our G-d, as He commands usâ (Exodus 8:27-28).
Moses consistently framed his requests as a brief journey for sacrifices, never explicitly mentioning permanent departure from Egypt. This strategic approach continued throughout their interactions, creating a false impression but ensuring the safety of his people.
Various commentators offer insights into this approach. Some suggest it was necessary to deceive a tyrant like Pharaoh, while others highlight the technical truth in Moses’ words. Ultimately, the narrative reveals a pattern of strategic communication in times of power imbalance.
The Torah emphasizes the value of truth in Judaism, but also acknowledges the complexities of survival in oppressive systems. The connection between freedom and truth is clear: where there is freedom, truth can prevail. In societies where honesty jeopardizes survival, strategic communication becomes a means of resistance.
These narratives from Genesis and Exodus illustrate the delicate balance between truth and survival in a hostile world. While deceit is not condoned, the Torah recognizes the necessity of strategic communication in the face of oppression. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of creating a society where truth can thrive without compromising survival.