Parashat Bo meaning “Come” (Exodus 10:1–13:16) describes the final stages of Israel’s deliverance from Mitzrayim through the last three plagues, establishing the themes of redemption and the eternal significance of Passover.

• The Eighth Plague – Locusts (Exodus 10:1–20): After Pharaoh’s continued refusal to release the Israelites, G-d brings the plague of locusts. Despite repeated warnings, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. G-d commands Moshe to stretch his staff over Mitzrayim, and a strong east wind brings swarms of locusts that consume all vegetation, leaving Mitzrayim barren. Even as Pharaoh briefly shows repentance, pleading with Moshe for relief, he hardens his heart again after the locusts depart.

• The Ninth Plague – Darkness (Exodus 10:21–29): The ninth plague is an intense darkness that descends over Mitzrayim for three days—a darkness so heavy it could be felt. No one could see or move, except for the Israelites, who had light where they lived. Despite the severity of this plague, Pharaoh offers only partial freedom, insisting that Israelite livestock remain behind. Moshe rejects this compromise, leading Pharaoh to threaten Moshe with death if he returns to him.

• The Tenth Plague – Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11:1–10, 12:29–32): G-d reveals the final and most devastating plague: the death of all firstborns in Mitzrayim, from Pharaoh’s household to the livestock. This judgment is to strike at midnight, with a cry of mourning rising throughout Mitzrayim. However, G-d promises that no harm will come to the Israelites, sparing them as a sign of His favor. In response to this judgment, Pharaoh finally relents, allowing the Israelites to leave Mitzrayim.

• The Institution of Passover (Pesach) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzah (Exodus 12:1–28): Before the tenth plague, G-d commands Israel to observe a new beginning of months and establishes the Pesach. Each household must slaughter a spotless lamb, placing its blood on the doorposts and lintels as a sign of protection. The people are instructed to eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, dressed and ready to depart. This act becomes an eternal commandment: G-d instructs the Israelites to observe the Passover every year as a memorial of their deliverance, teaching future generations that this day marks G-d’s intervention on their behalf.

• The Exodus and Consecration of the Firstborn (Exodus 12:37–51, 13:1–16): After the final plague, Pharaoh permits the Israelites to leave. Approximately 600,000 men, along with women, children, and a mixed multitude, journey from Rameses to Succoth. Before departing, the Israelites take silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians, fulfilling G-d’s promise to enrich them. G-d then commands the consecration of all firstborns, as they belong to Him in remembrance of the firstborn of Mitzrayim whom He struck down. This practice further solidifies Israel’s relationship with G-d and their duty to remember His deliverance.

Key Themes to Consider:

Redemption and Deliverance: G-d’s power to redeem Israel from oppression is vividly demonstrated in His protection of the Israelites during the plagues.

Passover as a Lasting Ordinance: G-d emphasizes that Passover is not only a one-time event but an everlasting observance, linking Israel’s identity to G-d’s acts of salvation.

Consecration of the Firstborn: The dedication of Israel’s firstborn as holy to G-d serves as a reminder of G-d’s deliverance of Israel and sets the stage for Israel’s covenantal relationship with G-d.

Parashat Bo concludes Israel’s physical and spiritual liberation from Mitzrayim. The institution of Pesach and the Feast Hag HaMatzah mark this defining moment in Israel’s history as a permanent ordinance, shaping their identity as a people chosen and delivered by G-d’s powerful hand.