Ordinarily I don't write up such speculative answers, but this question has been bothering me for so long that I decided to share the best two answer I have in hopes that it'll generate discussion.
My recall is that Rabbi Fox taught a version of the first answer with an emphasis on the role of the hashgacha in the events related to Bnei Yisrael as a whole. That we were there because Hashem specifically directed us to be there and got out specifically because Hashem decided to take us out. Historical and political forces are secondary to Hashem's will. So if He hadn't taken us out, we'd still be there because that would mean that He *wanted* us to be there. That said, I like the creativity of your suggestions, and the first could be the natural mechanism for the hashgacha operating in keeping us there (shudder). It's like a dystopian novel.
Interesting! I don't know whether you listened to my shiur on Sforno entitled, "Hashem Decreed the Egyptian Servitude?! Chas v'Shalom!" but I'm of the opinion that Hashem did NOT decree for us to be there - though He did take us out because of His promise to the Avos. I think this view makes a lot more sense, and is more consistent with the pesukim and my understanding of hashgachah. That being said, there are those who disagree, and within THAT framework, Rabbi Fox's idea makes sense.
These are good answers. The way I’ve understood it, it’s just a lesson about gratitude. Since we have no proof that Egyptian slavery would have ended, we must be so grateful because there’s a chance we’d still be there.
My recall is that Rabbi Fox taught a version of the first answer with an emphasis on the role of the hashgacha in the events related to Bnei Yisrael as a whole. That we were there because Hashem specifically directed us to be there and got out specifically because Hashem decided to take us out. Historical and political forces are secondary to Hashem's will. So if He hadn't taken us out, we'd still be there because that would mean that He *wanted* us to be there. That said, I like the creativity of your suggestions, and the first could be the natural mechanism for the hashgacha operating in keeping us there (shudder). It's like a dystopian novel.
Interesting! I don't know whether you listened to my shiur on Sforno entitled, "Hashem Decreed the Egyptian Servitude?! Chas v'Shalom!" but I'm of the opinion that Hashem did NOT decree for us to be there - though He did take us out because of His promise to the Avos. I think this view makes a lot more sense, and is more consistent with the pesukim and my understanding of hashgachah. That being said, there are those who disagree, and within THAT framework, Rabbi Fox's idea makes sense.
These are good answers. The way I’ve understood it, it’s just a lesson about gratitude. Since we have no proof that Egyptian slavery would have ended, we must be so grateful because there’s a chance we’d still be there.
Gratitude is a great way to frame it. Thanks!