The Two Consecrations of Moshe

At the beginning of our parsha we read of Moshe's appointment as God's agent to secure the release of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. All the elements that we would expect to find in such a consecration are present: the problem of slavery, Moshe's task, and the ultimate goal - redemption. However, this entire section seems superfluous - Moshe was already appointed as God's messenger at the burning bush! What need is there for a second consecration?

A deeper analysis reveals that each consecration carries a unique purpose in Moshe’s inauguration as the redeemer of Israel. Only at the beginning of Parshat Vaera can God disclose to His chosen messenger the second factor of the redemption, the national-historical element. After Moshe senses and identifies totally with the plight of Bnei Yisrael, he is prepared to learn about the national redemption, the redemption that sets this nation apart from the rest of the world.