VaEra When bad turns out to be good! 5779

Moses in a state of shock and embarrassment runs back to G-d and complains. “Why did you do evil to these people? Why did you send me? From the moment I arrived at Pharaoh to speak in your name, only more evil befell the nation. And obviously I did not do anything to save your nation.”  Hashem assures Moses that he will now see what will be done to Pharaoh and how Pharaoh will set the people free. But Hashem doesn’t seem to answer Moses question, or does He?  The rabbis point out that the strange combination found in the opening words of this week’s portion are in essence an answer from G-d to Moses. We begin with the words, Vaydaber Elokim – as we have explained in the past this verb for speaking denotes a harsh tone from the aspect of Elokim or strict justice and the same verse concludes, Vayomer Elav Ani Hashem. Again as we noted thisverb denotes a soft loving tone and concludes with the name Hashem or Havaya denoting the aspect of loving kindness. Hashem in essence is telling Moses, although you perceive Me coming to you and the people with harshness, judgment andcruelty, in reality I am coming to you with kindness as Ani Hashem.