As our Parsha begins, an obvious question arises. Hashem tells Moshe, “Come to Pharaoh.” The question could have been asked several times last week too. Do you know what’s unusual here? I’ll give you a moment...
Yes! Hashem told Moshe, “Come to Pharaoh,” instead of saying, “Go to Pharaoh.” Moshe was here, and needed to be there. Shouldn’t he “go”?
First of all, we know that Hashem had promised Moshe He would be with him, (as He is with all of us.) Therefore, one could explain that Hashem was saying, “Come to Pharaoh” as in, “Come, let us go together.” When entering a frightening or dangerous situation, it’s reassuring to know you’re not alone.
Then, we have the fact that though Moshe was not where Pharaoh was, Hashem already was there. Hashem was telling Moshe, “Are you afraid to approach Pharaoh? Where do you think he gets his power and might? From Me! COME to Pharaoh, for I’m already here!” This echoes the first message, that we have nothing to fear but Hashem (with all apologies to Mr. Roosevelt...)
Finally, there’s a message that is crucial for anyone who wants to influence or impact anyone else, which is pretty much all of us. Had Hashem said, “Go to Pharaoh,” Moshe would have gone and faced off with the Egyptian king. But you can’t convince someone to change when their back is to the wall and you get in their face.
They will just be defensive and dig in their heels because you’re an enemy, an opposing force. Hashem was telling Moshe, “Bo el Pharaoh,” come to Pharaoh, and let him feel you’re an ally. Show him you’re on his side and that freeing the Jews will be for his own benefit.
When we want to help people change for the better, we need to make sure we “come” to them; that they feel we’re not trying to change them, but rather that we’re trying to help them figure out what’s best for themselves.
Let them do it on their own and give them a gentle push by putting your arm around them, not by getting in their faces and telling them why they’re wrong.
