This Week: Plagues of Lice and the Horde | HDYRI Newsletter #67
Week of 1/31/25
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Last week in Episode 72 - Plague of Frogs - Exodus 8:1-11, we discussed the poetic logic of the plagues and looked for 1) the presence or memory of death, 2) the proximity, and 3) a separation. We considered various reasons for God sending the plagues and reasons for the specific plagues He does send.
This week in Episode 73 - Plagues of Lice and the Horde - Exodus 8:12-28, we continue drawing out the logic of the plagues and begin to see Pharaoh’s recognition of God’s ability to separate, to protect whom He will from the plagues. We imagine how horrible the experience of a plague of lice must be and hear a charming anecdote concerning lice and death-by-bus. Pharaoh again toys with God and the Israelites and asks Moses to entreat on his behalf to God, and yet again Pharaoh hardens his heart.
Episode 73 teaser:
Until next time!
If you are interested in digging deeper on your own, here are a few resources:
Ancient Christian reading practices:
Biblical Exegesis and the Formation of Christian Culture
Medieval exegesis:
Medieval Exegesis: The Four Senses of Scripture, Vol. 1
Medieval Exegesis : The Four Senses of Scripture, Vol. 2
Second Temple Judaism:
Two Gods in Heaven: Jewish Concepts of God in Antiquity
Torah with Rabbinic Commentary:
Bereishis Genesis, Part I and II, ArtScroll Tanach Series, Translation with Commentary
Mythological:
Canaanite Myth and Hebrew Epic: Essays in the History of the Religion of Israel
Literary approach:
René Girard