Every Pharaoh Must Go

Pharaoh does not respond to moral argument. He does not yield to reason. He responds, as tyrants so often do, with greater cruelty. But God responds differently. Throughout Exodus, God’s demand rings out again and again: “Shalach et ami! Let My people go!” This is how you stand up to a tyrant — with moral clarity, courage and action. Exodus reminds us that standing up to a despot is dangerous work, and that the outcome is never obvious or guaranteed.