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Eight Chapters – Chapter 8:11

“There’s one more thing to mention briefly to complete this chapter” and this book, Rambam inserts here, that “I hadn’t originally intended to mention, but which I must anyway” he adds quixotically. What is it? The subject of...

Eight Chapters – Chapter 8:10

But Pharaoh wasn’t the only reprehensible individual to have his free will rescinded because of earlier sins. G-d hardened King Sichon of Cheshbon’s heart for much the same reason — and not because he “was not willing to let us pass through his...

Eight Chapters – Chapter 8:9

It’s upsetting, though, to think that G-d would prevent someone from repenting. Isn’t repentance vital to the soul, and wouldn’t we lose hope for true spiritual excellence if we couldn’t depend on it? After all, while we might make every effort...

Eight Chapters – Chapter 8:8

The fact that G-d had “fortified Pharaoh’s heart” and thus gave him no choice but to force us to stay in Egypt is definitely puzzling. But as we’ll see, it will actually enhance our understanding of free will. Rambam agrees that G-d had in fact...

Eight Chapters – Chapter 8:7

But the whole idea of our own free will is even more theologically complex than this, as there are several verses in the Torah itself that seem to deny it. We’re told for example that G-d told Abraham that his descendants would serve the Egyptian people hundreds...