What We Learn About Hashem’s Love From the Exodus

Even during times of hardship or punishment, Jewish faith teaches us to maintain complete trust in our Creator. Suffering is not a sign that Hashem has distanced Himself from His people. On the contrary, His love never diminishes. To understand this more deeply, we can look to the foundational story of our nation.

The Exodus: Our Birth as a People of Faith

For more than three thousand years, every year on the night of the Seder, we recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt. This story is filled with open miracles that shaped us into a nation that believes in Hashem. As the prophet Isaiah says, “This people I formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise” (Isaiah 43:21).

The Jewish people were not formed through gradual development, but through clear divine intervention. Our national identity was born through miracles that left no doubt about Hashem’s presence and care.

A Decree With a Purpose

Long before the Exodus, Hashem told Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own, enslaved and oppressed, but that they would eventually leave with great wealth (Genesis 15:13). From the wording of this decree, it is clear that the suffering was not an end in itself, but a step toward a greater good.

Hashem also promised that the nation responsible for the oppression would be judged. Afterward, Israel would emerge enriched, materially and spiritually. Abraham, who pleaded passionately for the people of Sodom, did not object to this decree once its purpose was revealed. He understood that it was part of a divine plan meant for the benefit of his descendants.

The Danger of Assimilation

Before the Torah was given, the Israelites lived in Goshen in relative comfort and prosperity. This comfort carried a serious danger. Without clear laws, structure, and a unique spiritual mission, there was little separating Israel from Egyptian society.

The risk of assimilation was real. Had the Israelites remained comfortable in Egypt, there would have been little motivation to leave behind a settled life for the uncertainty of the desert and the responsibility of receiving the Torah.

Even after years of harsh oppression, only a portion of the Israelites chose to leave Egypt. Many were afraid to abandon what they knew. Without the pressure of suffering, the likelihood of remaining in Egypt and blending in completely would have been far greater.

Slavery as a Painful Necessity

As difficult as it is to accept, the slavery in Egypt played a role in preserving Israel’s unique identity. It forced a separation between Israel and Egypt and awakened a longing for redemption and closeness to Hashem.

This pattern has repeated itself throughout history. When Jews appear too similar to the surrounding nations, tension often arises. The uniqueness of Israel, first tolerated and even admired, can turn into resentment. In Egypt, what began as cooperation slowly transformed into hatred once the Egyptians recognized Israel’s distinct destiny.

Crying Out and Drawing Close

The suffering did not weaken Israel’s connection to Hashem. Instead, it strengthened it. Remembering the promises made to their forefathers, the Israelites cried out to Hashem, and He responded by sending Moshe as their redeemer.

This closeness, forged through hardship, could not be extinguished. It led directly to redemption.

Why So Many Plagues?

The plagues that struck Egypt were not random acts of punishment. They were carefully designed revelations of Hashem’s love and protection for Israel. Each plague demonstrated His control over nature and His commitment to defending His people.

Why did Hashem bring a series of plagues rather than one decisive blow? Because the process mattered. Through each stage, Israel saw Hashem’s active involvement, not just the downfall of their enemies. This gradual redemption allowed the message to sink in deeply: Hashem was not distant or indifferent. He was present, attentive, and protective.

Unlike other instances of divine judgment, such as the flood or the destruction of Sodom, the Exodus was marked by ongoing, personal involvement. It was not only justice, but care.

Protection Beyond Egypt

This pattern continued beyond the Exodus. When Balaam sought to curse Israel, Hashem did not simply ignore him. Instead, He transformed the curses into blessings, publicly revealing His protection. Balaam himself became a symbol of failure, while Israel emerged strengthened and affirmed.

This too was an expression of love. Hashem did not merely block harm. He turned it into good.

A Lesson for All Generations

The story of Egypt teaches a lasting truth. Even when suffering is present, it does not signal abandonment. Discipline, hardship, and struggle can be part of a process that leads to greater closeness, clarity, and purpose.

Hashem’s love for His people is constant. Sometimes it is expressed through kindness we easily recognize. At other times, it is hidden within difficulty. But it is always there.

This article is adapted from the book 'Living with Faith' by Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi.