Portion Bo

Exodus 10:1–13:16

Bo and the Word “Go”

This morning, I was reflecting on the plagues and trying to discern if there was a bigger picture I might have missed. It all started with the title of this week’s portion, “Bo.” It is usually translated as “Go.” God said to Moses, “Go into Pharaoh…” However, I was intrigued by the fact that the Hebrew word Bo literally means “Come.” Why, then, is it translated as “Go”? It feels as though those two terms are opposites—you’re either coming or going.

This question led me down a rabbit hole of studying the plagues, and I uncovered some fascinating patterns and revelations. To help convey what I’ve discovered, I’ve (with the help of AI) created the following chart to illustrate the incredible structure and divine design behind the plagues.

I’ve highlighted key patterns and parallels across the plagues, though I’m sure there’s even more to uncover. Here are some of the most striking observations:

Observations

1. The Plagues Are Organized into Three Triads (Plus the Final Judgment).

• Plagues 1–3 deal with the water and land: these are foundational elements of life for the Egyptians.

• Plagues 4–6 affect people and animals, targeting individuals more directly.

• Plagues 7–9 involve forces of nature, causing widespread, catastrophic destruction.

2. The intensity of the plagues increases with each group, showing God’s escalating power. From targeting the land and its provisions, to the creatures and people, and finally to unleashing widespread chaos, the progression is intentional and awe-inspiring.

3. The Commands to Moses Follow a Distinct Pattern.

• Plagues 1, 4, 7: Moses is commanded to “Go” (Yalak or Yatsawb). These instructions involve presenting himself to Pharaoh, often early in the morning and sometimes by the water. This suggests God is sending Moses as His messenger.

• Plagues 2, 5, 8: Moses is told to “Come” (Bo), which implies entering Pharaoh’s palace or inner dwelling. This language feels less like God sending Moses into enemy territory and more like God saying, “I am already here in the darkness; come and join Me.”

• Plagues 3, 6, 9: Moses performs these acts without approaching Pharaoh at all. There is no command to address Pharaoh, only to act.

• Plague 10: God acts alone, without Moses needing to intervene or carry out any action. God declares what will happen, and His word alone accomplishes it.

Reflection

What does all of this mean?

For me, it’s an incredible reminder of how specific, intentional, and awe-inspiring God is in the way He operates. These patterns are not accidental—they reveal a divine plan.

I’m especially struck by the use of the word Bo (Come) in certain plagues. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t send us into dark, challenging places alone. Instead, He invites us to join Him in the work He’s already doing.

When we face the palaces of evil—whether sickness, broken relationships, doubt, fear, addiction, or the challenge of sharing the Gospel with others—we can rest in the fact that we are not alone. God is already present in those dark places, and He calls us to “Come.”

This truth fills me with comfort and strength. It reminds me that, as we walk with God, He doesn’t abandon us to face the enemy on our own. Instead, He invites us into the deepest darkest place where His Presence has already gone before us.