A classic question is how Hashem could have punished the
Egyptians for enslaving the Bnei Yisroel
when He Himself had orchestrated their slavery in Egypt. How could God have
punished Pharaoh for not releasing the Israelites when He intervened and
hardened Pharaoh's heart?
There are various answers given, but I think I've discovered
the real reason.
Cesare Borgia, the fifteenth-century Duke of Valentinois, is
thought to be the main inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Prince."
Borgia did whatever he thought would best lead to the realization of his goals,
regardless of the morality of his actions. In one instance, he ordered one of
his generals to snuff out a rebellion. The harsh and violent methods the
general used under Borgia's orders made the general widely hated. After the
rebellion was put down, Borgia had the general executed for his crimes. This
made the people love him and his underlings fear him, exactly the result that
served Borgia best.
Hashem is omniscient. Unlike us puny humans, He doesn't have to wait for historical developments or talented writers to produce works like "The Prince" to know the best methods for manipulating the public. Long before Cesare Borgia and Machiavelli, Hashem knew that the best way to get the people to love and fear you is to have someone else do your dirty work, and then punish them for it.
Hashem is omniscient. Unlike us puny humans, He doesn't have to wait for historical developments or talented writers to produce works like "The Prince" to know the best methods for manipulating the public. Long before Cesare Borgia and Machiavelli, Hashem knew that the best way to get the people to love and fear you is to have someone else do your dirty work, and then punish them for it.
