It is one of the most puzzling verses in the Torah: “Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.’ God made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people. (Ex. 11:2,3).”

Really, the Egyptians thought well of the Israelites? Moses was “Gadol Meod” – very great in their eyes? The text says God caused it, but we always look for natural explanations as well. Why on earth would the Egyptians, having suffered through the plagues, think well of Israelites? In our own day, we understand it very well.

It takes chutzpah – moxie – to walk up to your old slaveowner and ask for what is in effect back wages for centuries of labor. The Israelites could have snuck out quietly but they didn’t. They asked for (at least some) of what they deserved. The Egyptians despised them when they were weak. Now that they saw the strength of character in Israel, their respect grew. Moses was very great because he did not conduct himself as a weakling or as a slave.

In our own day, we have seen that when Israel demonstrates strength, Jews are seen differently by the world than before there was a state. Powerlessness invited contempt from the world. Now when we fight back – militarily, rhetorically, politically – some may not like it, but it earns respect.

Jewish history makes clear that it is not enough to trust in the compassion of others. Many have demonstrated such compassion, and we should not belittle the kindness that human beings can show one another. Yet the survival of a beleaguered people is due not to pleading but to power. It has been the Jewish faith in God and willingness to be resolute that created the conditions for such miraculous endurance throughout the centuries.

In our day, as we see the hostages come home, the Jewish people’s resolve sounds historical echoes in our ears. From the moment we ceased being slaves, we have been on a monumental journey to self-reliance, always with the support of friends, yet recognizing that the words of God to Ezekiel remain powerful and true: “Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak to you.” (Ezekiel 2:1.)