Proof of Truth of Judaism

The Keli Yakar makes a connection between the plague of locusts, and an apparent general statement made by Moshe to Pharoah.

When he warns the Egyptian king that he had better let the people go, or else he would suffer this horrible plague, he adds another point.

He says what appears to be a generality about all of the plagues. “In order that you tell your children and children’s children how G-d ‘played’ with the Egyptians and the wonders placed in them.” The Keli Yakar says that specifically this verse applies to the locusts. They will be speaking about this massive affliction for generations. Egypt will never again witness a plague of locusts such as this.

This brings us to an overall difference of opinion between the Rambam and Rav Yehuda Halevi. The Rambam was concerned that we should not base our beliefs strictly on the supernatural events of Egypt. He was afraid, that despite their greatness, in time, people might give explanations as to how it was really natural events, and not necessarily from G-d. The only way is to develop an intellectual faith in G-d that would be more permanent.

Rav Yehuda Halevi had a different view. He felt that the fact that all of the major religions accept that the events of Egypt actually happened, it serves to be a basis in proving the truth of Judaism.

The Rambam felt that we come closer to G-d by way of developing intellectual faith. And Rav Yehuda Halevi felt that evidentiary proof was very compelling. In either case, we are to see the events of Egypt as a springboard. This is also why we are commanded to speak of the exodus from Egypt, twice daily. Only Judaism began with such a connection between G-d and His people. It was impressive for a while, the extent of those plagues. But we are to be impressed, not so much by the miracles, but by Hashem’s greatness alone.