The fourth and fifth plaques that G-d sent to the Egyptians were the plague of the DEVOURING BEASTS and the plague of EPIDEMIC.
DEVOURING BEASTS are connected to the Sefira of “Netzach”(Endurance/Ambition). The Egyptians had an unhealthy ambition, they didn’t care who they stepped on, the only thing that mattered to them was to build these cities fast without taking into consideration the pain and suffering they imposed on others. This type of ambition can be compared to “devouring beasts” who eat everything that is on their way. On the other hand healthy ambition is one of the greatest gifts in life. Ambition is an engine that drives a person to pursue and achieve his dreams and make a difference in the world. Without it we would never be able to have technological advances, life saving medicine and so many other things that really make our lives better.
The fifth plague of the EPIDEMIC is connected to the Sefira of “Tiferet” (Compassion). The Egyptians suffered from sly compassion, they would exploit others weaknesses for selfish purposes in a shrewd, sly and deceitful way.
This type of compassion will eat up the person slowly and painfully just like an epidemic and it will transfer to others too.
Healthy compassion according to Kabbalah teaches that compassion is more enduring and powerful than love. Love can be destroyed when the other mistreats us. Compassion on the other hand helps us see every situation from every angle giving us the ability to feel empathy and see to the needs of the other.
Excerpts taken from “Ten Ways to Destroy Your Life” By Rabbi Yosef Y Jacobson
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