Two Groups of Plagues: The Difference Between Va'era and Bo

The division of the plagues between Parshat Va'era and Parshat Bo is very significant, representing the different goals of each set of plagues.  In Parshat Va'era, the struggle between Moshe and Pharaoh relates to the recognition of God, and it is toward this objective that the plagues are directed.  In Parshat Bo, on the other hand, the goal of the plagues is to take Israel out of Egypt. By examining these two goals alongside the haftarot of the two parshiot, we can understand these distinctions in a much deeper way, and appreciate the destiny of Israel as a nation that it will not be utterly destroyed, but rather that it will survive as God's people.