On this day, Ezekiel prophesied that Egypt would be destroyed, as punishment for failing to keep their repeated promises to assist the Israelites.
So says the L‑rd G‑d: Behold I am upon you, O Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great serpent that crouches in the midst of its rivers, who said, “My river is mine, and I made myself.” I will put hooks in your jaws and will cause the fish of your rivers to cleave to your scales; and I will drag you out from your rivers….I will scatter you in the desert, you and all the fish of your rivers…to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the heaven I have given you to be devoured. (Ezekiel 29:3–5)
Links: Haftorah Reading for Va’eira; Va’eira Haftorah in a Nutshell; Action Is the Main Thing
This is my G‑d, and I will praise Him, the G‑d of my father, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2
When He is only the G‑d of your father, He remains exalted and beyond your world. When you make Him your own G‑d, then you can truly praise Him with your heart.
Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (16th century)
Only a fool will toss out the inheritance of many generations. But one who does not take ownership remains a child.
So it is with a material estate, so it is with the faith of our fathers and mothers. We must make it our own faith, as well.
And how do you make that faith your own? Ironically, through the power of your own mind.
Engage your mind to live by your faith.