(Exodus 14:9) "And Egypt pursued them" (This is ostensibly redundant.) We are hereby apprised that not one of them stumbled on the way, lest they resort to divination and turn back.
For thus do we find, that these nations resorted to divination, viz. (Devarim 18:14) "For these nations that you are to inherit resort to soothsayers and diviners, etc.", and (Numbers 22:7) "And the elders of Moav and the elders of Midian went, with (instruments of) divination in their hands," and (Joshua 13:22) "And Bilaam the son of Beor the augur they slew by the sword," and the elders of Midian divined and turned back.
"and they overtook them camping by the sea … (Ibid. 10) And Pharaoh pressed ahead": He "pressed" the disaster to come upon him. When Pharaoh saw that (the idol) Ba'al Tzefon had remained, he said: Ba'al Tzefon has concurred with my decree. I thought to destroy them by water, and Ba'al Tzefon has concurred — whereupon he began slaughtering, offering incense, and bowing down to his idol. Thus, "and Pharaoh drew near" — to slaughter and to offer incense.
4
דָּבָר אַחֵר: "וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב". מַה שֶּׁהָלְכוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה יָמִים, הָלְכוּ הָאַקְטוֹרִים בְּיוֹם וּמַחְצָה.*אַקְטוֹר. actor publicus: ממונה על העבדים של המדינה. וּמַה שֶּׁהָלְכוּ הָאַקְטוֹרִים בְּיוֹם וּמַחְצָה, הָלַךְ פַּרְעֹה בְּיוֹם אֶחָד, לְכָךְ נֶאֱמַר "וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב".
Variantly: "and Pharaoh pressed ahead": He pressed himself forward to pursue them. The distance that Israel covered in three days, his emissaries covered in a day and a half. And what they covered in a day and a half Pharaoh covered in one day. Thus, "and Pharaoh pressed ahead."
"and, behold, Egypt coming (nose'a) after them": It is not written "nosim" (plural), but "nose'a" (singular), all forming squadrons, like one man — whence the kingdoms learned to lead their men in squadrons.
"And they were exceedingly afraid, etc.": whereupon they "embraced the trade" (prayer) of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham — (Genesis 12:8) "… Beth-el on the west and Ai on the east, and he built there an altar to the L–rd, and he called in the name of the L–rd."
Isaac — (Ibid. 24:63) "And Isaac went out lasuach in the field," "sichah" being prayer, as in (Psalms 55:18) "Evening, morning, and noon asichah and moan, and He has heard my voice," and (Ibid. 14:2-3) "With my voice I cry out to the L–rd. I pour out before Him sichi. I tell my trouble before Him, etc.", and (Ibid. 102:1) "A prayer of the afflicted one when he faints, and before the L–rd pours forth sicho."
Jacob — (Genesis 28:11) "Vayifga in the place and he spent the night there, for the sun had set, "pegiyah" being prayer, as in (Jeremiah 7:16) "And you (Jeremiah), do not pray for this people, and do not raise for them song and prayer, and (do) not tifga bi,"
and (Ibid. 27:17) "Yifgu na ('Let them now pray') to the L–rd of hosts that the vessels which remain in the house of the L–rd, etc." And thus is it written (Isaiah 41:14) "Fear not, O worm of Jacob, men of Israel." Just as a worm smites a cedar only with its mouth, so, Israel has recourse only to prayer.
And it is written (Genesis 48:22) "And I (Jacob) have given to you an additional portion over your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Emori with my sword and with my bow." Now did he take it with his sword and his bow? — "my sword" is prayer. My bow ("bekashti") is (my) supplication ("bakashati").
And thus is it written (Genesis 49:9) "A lion's whelp is Judah" (Just as a lion's power is in his mouth, so, the power of Judah [i.e., prayer].) And it is written (Devarim 33:7) "And this is for Judah … Hear, O L–rd, the voice (i.e., the prayers) of Judah."
And thus did Jeremiah say (Jeremiah 17:5) "Cursed is the man who trusts in man." And what is said of prayer? (Ibid. 7) "Blessed is the man who trusts in the L–rd, and the L–rd will be his trust" — when they pray to Him and he is close to them, viz. (Psalms 145:18) "Close is the L–rd to all who call upon Him."
And thus did David say to Goliath (I Samuel 17:45) "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin — but I come to you with the name of the L–rd of hosts, the G–d of Israel." And it is written (Psalms 20:8-10) "These with chariots and these with horses; but we, in the name of the L–rd our G–d will call. They knelt and they fell, but we rose and gained courage. O L–rd, save! The King will answer us on the day that we call."
And thus is it written (II Chronicles 14:10) "And Assa called to the L–rd his G–d and he said: 'O L–rd, there is none but You to help both the many and the powerless. Heed, O L–rd our G–d, for upon You did we rely and in Your name have we come against this great throng. O L–rd our G–d, let no man be throned with You.'"
What is written of Moses? (Numbers 20:14-16) "And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom … And our fathers went down to Egypt … and He hearkened to our voice." He (the king of Edom) said to them (the messengers): You take pride in what your father Isaac bequeathed to you — (Genesis 27:22) "The voice is the voice of Jacob", (Numbers 21:3) "And the L–rd hearkened to the voice of Israel" — and we take pride in what our father Isaac bequeathed to us — (Genesis, Ibid.) "and the hands are the hands of Esav", (Ibid. 40) "and by your sword will you live." As it is written (Numbers 20:18) "And Edom said to him: Do not pass through me, lest I go out against you with the sword," their trust being only in the sword. But Israel embraced the "trade" (prayer) of their fathers, the trade of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
(Exodus 14:11) "And they said to Moses: Is it for lack of graves in Egypt that you have taken us to die in the desert!" After they had placed "leavening in the dough" (i.e., after the evil inclination began to overcome them), they came to Moses and said (Ibid. 12) "Is not this the thing that we spoke to you in Egypt?" Now what did Israel say to Moses in Egypt? — (Ibid. 5:19-21) "And they met Moses and Aaron … and they said to them: May the L–rd reveal Himself to you and judge, etc." We were aggrieved over the subjugation of Egypt. The death of our brothers in the (plague of) darkness was more grievous to us than our subjugation to Egypt. We were aggrieved over the death of our brothers in the darkness. "Our death in the desert" is more grievous to us than the death of our brothers in the darkness. For our brothers (who died in the darkness) were mourned and buried, whereas for us — our corpses will be cast to the heat of day and to the cold of night! —
whereupon Moses said to them (Exodus 14:13) "Do not fear, etc." Moses inspirited them. We are hereby apprised of Moses' wisdom, Moses standing before them and appeasing all those thousands and ten thousands — who listened to him! Of him it is written in the tradition (Koheleth 7:19) "Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers who are in the city."
(Exodus, Ibid.) "Stand ready (hithyatzvu) to see the salvation of the L–rd": Moses said to them: Today the Shechinah will repose the Holy Spirit upon you; for "yetzivah" in all places refers to the Holy Spirit, viz. (Amos 9:1) "I saw the L–rd nitzav on the altar", and (I Samuel 3:10): "And the L–rd came vayithyatzev, and He called as before 'Samuel, Samuel'", and (Devarim 31:14) "Call Joshua vehithyatzvu in the tent of meeting and I will command him", and (Exodus 2:4) "Vatethatzav his sister from afar to know what would be done with him," the Holy Spirit reposing itself upon her.
At that time, Israel were like a dove fleeing the hawk and seeking refuge in the cleft of the rock, where the serpent hissed. If she enters within — the serpent; if she goes out — the rising sun. So, were Israel at that time, the sea raging (before them); the foe pursuing (behind them) — whereupon they raised their eyes in prayer. Of them it is written in the Tradition (Song of Songs 2:14) "My dove in the clefts of the rock, let Me see your face; let Me hear your voice. For your voice is sweet and your face is fair."
Variantly: "Stand ready to see the salvation of the L–rd": They: When? Moses: Tomorrow. They: Moses our teacher we do not have the strength to wait. At that time Moses prayed and the Holy One Blessed be He showed them squadrons upon squadrons of ministering angels standing over them. Similarly, (II Kings 6:15-17) "And the attendant of the man of G–d … saw a force surrounding the city, with horses and chariots. And his youth said to him: O, my master, what shall we do? … And Elisha prayed and he said: O L–rd, open his eyes and let him see. And the L–rd opened the eyes of the youth and he saw. And, behold, the mountain filled with horses and fiery chariots around Elisha." Thus did Moses pray at that time and the L–rd showed them squadrons upon squadrons of ministering angels standing over them. And thus is it written (Psalms 18:13) "From the brilliance, opposing him": Opposed to what they presented, "His clouds, came forward, hail and coals of fire": Clouds opposed to their squadrons; hail opposed to their projectiles; coals opposed to their catapults; fire opposed to their naphtha. (14) "He shall thunder from the heavens", opposed to the clattering of their armor and the thumping of their boots. "And He shall raise His voice on high", opposed to the blasting of their trumpets. (15) "And He shall let fly his shafts and scatter them", opposed to their arrows. "and many lightnings and He shall rout them", opposed to the brandishing of their swords.
Variantly: "And He shall let fly His shafts and scatter them": His shafts scattered them and His lightnings "huddled" them. "and they were confounded (vayehumam)": He took their greaves and they did not know what they were doing.
"For as you see Egypt": In three places the L–rd exhorted Israel not to return to Egypt: (Here:) "for as you see Egypt this day, you shall see them no more, forever", (Devarim 17:16) "You must not go back this way again", (Ibid. 28:68) "… by the way which I told you, you shall not see it again."
Three times they returned and three times they fell. The first, in the days of Sancheriv, viz. (Isaiah 31:1) "Woe unto those who go down to Egypt for help!" The second, in the days of Yochanan ben Kareach, (Jeremiah 42:16-17) "And it shall be, the sword which you fear will overtake you there in the land of Egypt and the famine which you worry over will follow after you in Egypt, and there will you die." The third, in the days of Trajanus. Three times they returned and three times they fell. As it is written, (Hoshea 7:11) "Ephraim is a silly dove, without a heart. They have called to Egypt, etc.
Israel were four factions at the sea: One was for lunging into the sea; another, for returning to Egypt; another for warring against them; another, for crying out against them. Those who were for lunging into the sea — it was said to them: "Stand ready to see the salvation of the L–rd. Those who were for returning to Egypt — it was said to them: "For as you see Egypt this day, you shall see them no more, forever." Those who were for warring against it" — it was said to them: "the L–rd will war for you." Those who were for crying out against them — it was said to them: "And you be still."
R. Meir says: "the L–rd will war for you": He will perform for you miracles and (acts of) strength, and you will stand still. Israel asked Moses our teacher: "What can we do?" He answered: You exalt Him and accord song, praise, grandeur and glory to the Master of wars, viz. (Psalms 149:6) "The praises of G–d in their throats", and (Ibid. 57:6) "Be exalted over the heavens, O G–d; over all the earth, Your glory", and (Isaiah 25:1) "O L–rd, You are my G–d. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name for You wrought wondrously. Counsels from afar, enduring in faith."
(שמות יד,ט) ["וַיִּרְדְּפוּ מִצְרַיִם אַחֲרֵיהֶם, וַיַּשִּׂיגוּ אוֹתָם חֹנִים עַל הַיָּם, כָּל סוּס רֶכֶב פַּרְעֹה וּפָרָשָׁיו וְחֵילוֹ, עַל פִּי הַחִירֹת, לִפְנֵי בַּעַל צְפֹן."] "וַיִּרְדְּפוּ מִצְרַיִם אַחֲרֵיהֶם". מַגִּיד שֶׁלֹּא נִכְשַׁל אֶחָד מֵהֶן, שֶׁלֹּא יְנַחֲשׁוּ וְיַחְזְרוּ לָהֶן לַאֲחוֹרֵיהֶן.
(Exodus 14:9) "And Egypt pursued them" (This is ostensibly redundant.) We are hereby apprised that not one of them stumbled on the way, lest they resort to divination and turn back.
וְכֵן מָצִינוּ בְכָל מָקוֹם שֶׁהַגּוֹיִם מְנַחֲשִׁים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (דברים יח,יד) "כִּי הַגּוֹיִם הָאֵלֶּה, אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה יוֹרֵשׁ אוֹתָם, אֶל מְעֹנְנִים וְאֶל קֹסְמִים יִשְׁמָעוּ".*מְעֹנְנִים: מנחשים את העתיד. (במדבר כב,ז) "וַיֵּלְכוּ זִקְנֵי מוֹאָב וְזִקְנֵי מִדְיָן, וּקְסָמִים בְּיָדָם". (במדבר לא,י) "וְאֶת בִּלְעָם בֶּן בְּעוֹר הַקּוֹסֵם הָרְגוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בַּחֶרֶב". מַגִּיד שֶׁלֹּא נִכְשַׁל אֶחָד מֵהֶן, שֶׁלֹּא יְנַחֲשׁוּ וְיַחְזְרוּ לָהֶן לַאֲחוֹרֵיהֶן.
For thus do we find, that these nations resorted to divination, viz. (Devarim 18:14) "For these nations that you are to inherit resort to soothsayers and diviners, etc.", and (Numbers 22:7) "And the elders of Moav and the elders of Midian went, with (instruments of) divination in their hands," and (Joshua 13:22) "And Bilaam the son of Beor the augur they slew by the sword," and the elders of Midian divined and turned back.
(שמות יד,י) ["וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב, וַיִּשְׂאוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת עֵינֵיהֶם, וְהִנֵּה מִצְרַיִם נֹסֵעַ אַחֲרֵיהֶם, וַיִּירְאוּ מְאֹד, וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל יי."] (שמות יד,ט-י) "וַיַּשִּׂיגוּ אוֹתָם חֹנִים עַל הַיָּם, כָּל סוּס רֶכֶב פַּרְעֹה וּפָרָשָׁיו וְחֵילוֹ, עַל פִּי הַחִירֹת לִפְנֵי בַּעַל צְפֹן. וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב". הוּא הִקְרִיב אֶת הַפֻּרְעָנוּת לָבֹא עָלָיו. כֵּיוָן שֶׁרָאָה פַּרְעֹה, אָמַר, בַּעַל צְפוֹן הִסְכִּים עַל גְּזֵרָתִי. אֲנִי חָשַׁבְתִּי לְאַבְּדָן בַּמַּיִם, וּבַעַל צְפוֹן הִסְכִּים עַל גְּזֵרָתִי. הִתְחִיל מְזַבֵּחַ וּמְקַטֵּר וּמְנַסֵּךְ וּמִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לָעֲבוֹדָה זָרָה שֶׁלּוֹ. לְכָךְ נֶאֱמַר: (שמות יד,י) "וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב", לְזַבֵּחַ וּלְקַטֵּר.
"and they overtook them camping by the sea … (Ibid. 10) And Pharaoh pressed ahead": He "pressed" the disaster to come upon him. When Pharaoh saw that (the idol) Ba'al Tzefon had remained, he said: Ba'al Tzefon has concurred with my decree. I thought to destroy them by water, and Ba'al Tzefon has concurred — whereupon he began slaughtering, offering incense, and bowing down to his idol. Thus, "and Pharaoh drew near" — to slaughter and to offer incense.
דָּבָר אַחֵר: "וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב". מַה שֶּׁהָלְכוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה יָמִים, הָלְכוּ הָאַקְטוֹרִים בְּיוֹם וּמַחְצָה.*אַקְטוֹר. actor publicus: ממונה על העבדים של המדינה. וּמַה שֶּׁהָלְכוּ הָאַקְטוֹרִים בְּיוֹם וּמַחְצָה, הָלַךְ פַּרְעֹה בְּיוֹם אֶחָד, לְכָךְ נֶאֱמַר "וּפַרְעֹה הִקְרִיב".
Variantly: "and Pharaoh pressed ahead": He pressed himself forward to pursue them. The distance that Israel covered in three days, his emissaries covered in a day and a half. And what they covered in a day and a half Pharaoh covered in one day. Thus, "and Pharaoh pressed ahead."
"וַיִּשְׂאוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת עֵינֵיהֶם". כֵּיוָן שֶׁהִכּוּ אֶת הָאַקְטוֹרִין, הָיוּ יוֹדְעִין שֶׁסּוֹפָן לִרְדֹּף אַחֲרֵיהֶן.
"and the children of Israel lifted their eyes": Since Israel had smitten the emissaries, they knew that in the end they would be pursued.
"וְהִנֵּה מִצְרַיִם נֹסֵעַ אַחֲרֵיהֶם". 'נוֹסְעִים' אֵין כָּתוּב כָּן, אֶלָּא "נֹסֵעַ". מַגִּיד שֶׁנֶּעֱשׂוּ כֻלָּן טוּרְמָיוֹת טוּרְמָיוֹת כְּאִישׁ אֶחָד. מִכָּן לָמְדָה מַלְכוּת לִהְיוֹת מַנְהֶגֶת טוּרְמָיוֹת טוּרְמָיוֹת.*טוּרְמָיוֹת. turma: יחידה צבאית רומית של שלושים פרשים.
"and, behold, Egypt coming (nose'a) after them": It is not written "nosim" (plural), but "nose'a" (singular), all forming squadrons, like one man — whence the kingdoms learned to lead their men in squadrons.
"וַיִּירְאוּ מְאֹד, וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל יי." תָּפְסוּ לָהֶם אֻמָּנוּת אֲבוֹתָם, אֻמָּנוּת אַבְרָהָם, יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב. בְּאַבְרָהָם מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (בראשית יב,י) "בֵּית אֵל מִיָּם וְהָעַי מִקֶּדֶם, וַיִּבֶן שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לַיי, וַיִּקְרָא בְּשֵׁם יי."*הָעַי: עיר כנענית בנחלת בנימין. (בראשית כא,לג) "וַיִּטַּע אֶשֶׁל בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע, וַיִּקְרָא שָׁם בְּשֵׁם יי אֵל עוֹלָם."
"And they were exceedingly afraid, etc.": whereupon they "embraced the trade" (prayer) of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham — (Genesis 12:8) "… Beth-el on the west and Ai on the east, and he built there an altar to the L–rd, and he called in the name of the L–rd."
בְּיִצְחָק מַהוּ אוֹמֵר: (בראשית כד,סב-סג) "וְיִצְחָק בָּא מִבּוֹא בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי וְהוּא יוֹשֵׁב בְּאֶרֶץ הַנֶּגֶב. וַיֵּצֵא יִצְחָק לָשׂוּחַ בַּשָּׂדֶה לִפְנוֹת עָרֶב". אֵין שִׂיחָה אֶלָּא תְּפִלָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (תהלים נה,יח) "עֶרֶב וָבֹקֶר וְצָהֳרַיִם, אָשִׂיחָה וְאֶהֱמֶה, וַיִּשְׁמַע קוֹלִי." (תהלים קמב,ג) "אֶשְׁפֹּךְ לְפָנָיו שִׂיחִי, צָרָתִי לְפָנָיו אַגִּיד." (תהלים קב,א) "תְּפִלָּה לְעָנִי כִי יַעֲטֹף, וְלִפְנֵי יי יִשְׁפֹּךְ שִׂיחוֹ."
Isaac — (Ibid. 24:63) "And Isaac went out lasuach in the field," "sichah" being prayer, as in (Psalms 55:18) "Evening, morning, and noon asichah and moan, and He has heard my voice," and (Ibid. 14:2-3) "With my voice I cry out to the L–rd. I pour out before Him sichi. I tell my trouble before Him, etc.", and (Ibid. 102:1) "A prayer of the afflicted one when he faints, and before the L–rd pours forth sicho."
בְּיַעֲקֹב מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (בראשית כח,יא) "וַיִּפְגַּע בַּמָּקוֹם וַיָּלֶן שָׁם כִּי בָא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ", וְאֵין פְּגִיעָה אֶלָּא תְּפִלָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ירמיה טז,יז) "וְאַתָּה אַל תִּתְפַּלֵּל בְּעַד הָעָם הַזֶּה, וְאַל תִּשָּׂא בַעֲדָם רִנָּה וּתְפִלָּה, וְאַל תִּפְגַּע בִּי".
Jacob — (Genesis 28:11) "Vayifga in the place and he spent the night there, for the sun had set, "pegiyah" being prayer, as in (Jeremiah 7:16) "And you (Jeremiah), do not pray for this people, and do not raise for them song and prayer, and (do) not tifga bi,"
וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר: (ירמיה כז,יח) "יִפְגְּעוּ נָא בַּיי צְבָאוֹת לְבִלְתִּי בֹאוּ הַכֵּלִים הַנּוֹתָרִים בְּבֵית יי". וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר: (ישעיה מא,יד) "אַל תִּירְאִי תּוֹלַעַת יַעֲקֹב, מְתֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל". מַה תּוֹלַעַת זוֹ, אֵינָהּ מַכָּה אֶת הָאֶרֶז אֶלָּא בַּפֶּה, כָּךְ אֵין לָהֶן לְיִשְׂרָאֵל אֶלָּא תְּפִלָּה.
and (Ibid. 27:17) "Yifgu na ('Let them now pray') to the L–rd of hosts that the vessels which remain in the house of the L–rd, etc." And thus is it written (Isaiah 41:14) "Fear not, O worm of Jacob, men of Israel." Just as a worm smites a cedar only with its mouth, so, Israel has recourse only to prayer.
וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר: (בראשית מח,כב) "וַאֲנִי נָתַתִּי לְךָ שְׁכֶם אַחַד עַל אַחֶיךָ, אֲשֶׁר לָקַחְתִּי מִיַּד הָאֱמֹרִי בְּחַרְבִּי וּבְקַשְׁתִּי." וְכִי בְּחַרְבּוֹ וּבְקַשְׁתּוֹ לְקָחָהּ? אֶלָּא לוֹמַר לָךְ: "בְּחַרְבִּי", זוֹ תְּפִלָּה, "וּבְקַשְׁתִּי", זוֹ בַּקָּשָׁה.
And it is written (Genesis 48:22) "And I (Jacob) have given to you an additional portion over your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Emori with my sword and with my bow." Now did he take it with his sword and his bow? — "my sword" is prayer. My bow ("bekashti") is (my) supplication ("bakashati").
וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר: (בראשית מט,ט) "גּוּר אַרְיֵה יְהוּדָה, מִטֶּרֶף בְּנִי עָלִיתָ, כָּרַע רָבַץ כְּאַרְיֵה, וּכְלָבִיא מִי יְקִימֶנּוּ?" (דברים לג,ז) "וְזֹאת לִיהוּדָה, וַיֹּאמַר: שְׁמַע יי קוֹל יְהוּדָה!"
And thus is it written (Genesis 49:9) "A lion's whelp is Judah" (Just as a lion's power is in his mouth, so, the power of Judah [i.e., prayer].) And it is written (Devarim 33:7) "And this is for Judah … Hear, O L–rd, the voice (i.e., the prayers) of Judah."
וְכֵן יִרְמְיָה אוֹמֵר: (ירמיה יז,ה) "אָרוּר הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בָּאָדָם". וּבַתְּפִלָּה מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (ירמיה יז,ז) "בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּיי, וְהָיָה יי מִבְטַחוֹ."
And thus did Jeremiah say (Jeremiah 17:5) "Cursed is the man who trusts in man." And what is said of prayer? (Ibid. 7) "Blessed is the man who trusts in the L–rd, and the L–rd will be his trust" — when they pray to Him and he is close to them, viz. (Psalms 145:18) "Close is the L–rd to all who call upon Him."
וְכֵן דָּוִד אוֹמֵר: (שמואל א יז,מה) "אַתָּה בָּא אֵלַי בְּחֶרֶב וּבַחֲנִית וּבְכִידוֹן, וְאָנֹכִי בָא אֵלֶיךָ בְּשֵׁם יי צְבָאוֹת אֱלֹהֵי מַעַרְכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל". וְאוֹמֵר: (תהלים כ,ח-י) "אֵלֶּה בָרֶכֶב וְאֵלֶּה בַסּוּסִים, וַאֲנַחְנוּ בְּשֵׁם יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ נַזְכִּיר. הֵמָּה כָּרְעוּ וְנָפָלוּ, וַאֲנַחְנוּ קַּמְנוּ וַנִּתְעוֹדָד. יי הוֹשִׁיעָה! הַמֶּלֶךְ יַעֲנֵנוּ בְיוֹם קָרְאֵנוּ."
And thus did David say to Goliath (I Samuel 17:45) "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin — but I come to you with the name of the L–rd of hosts, the G–d of Israel." And it is written (Psalms 20:8-10) "These with chariots and these with horses; but we, in the name of the L–rd our G–d will call. They knelt and they fell, but we rose and gained courage. O L–rd, save! The King will answer us on the day that we call."
וְכֵן אָסָא אוֹמֵר: (דברי הימים ב יד,יד) "וַיִּקְרָא אָסָא אֶל יי אֱלֹהָיו וַיֹּאמַר: יי! אֵין עִמְּךָ לַעְזֹר בֵּין רַב לְאֵין כֹּחַ, עָזְרֵנוּ יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ! כִּי עָלֶיךָ נִשְׁעַנּוּ, וּבְשִׁמְךָ בָאנוּ עַל הֶהָמוֹן הַזֶּה, יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ, אַתָּה, אַל יַעְצֹר עִמְּךָ אֱנוֹשׁ!"
And thus is it written (II Chronicles 14:10) "And Assa called to the L–rd his G–d and he said: 'O L–rd, there is none but You to help both the many and the powerless. Heed, O L–rd our G–d, for upon You did we rely and in Your name have we come against this great throng. O L–rd our G–d, let no man be throned with You.'"
בְּמֹשֶׁה מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (במדבר כ,יד-טז) "וַיִּשְׁלַח מֹשֶׁה מַלְאָכִים מִקָּדֵשׁ אֶל מֶלֶךְ אֱדוֹם: כֹּה אָמַר אָחִיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל: אַתָּה יָדַעְתָּ אֵת כָּל הַתְּלָאָה אֲשֶׁר מְצָאָתְנוּ. וַיֵּרְדוּ אֲבֹתֵינוּ מִצְרַיְמָה, וַנֵּשֶׁב בְּמִצְרַיִם יָמִים רַבִּים, וַיָּרֵעוּ לָנוּ מִצְרַיִם וְלַאֲבֹתֵינוּ. וַנִּצְעַק אֶל יי וַיִּשְׁמַע קֹלֵנוּ". אָמְרוּ לָהֶם: אַתֶּם מִתְגָּאִין עַל מַה שֶּׁהוֹרִישׁ לָכֶם אֲבִיכֶם, (בראשית כז,כב) "הַקֹּל קוֹל יַעֲקֹב", (דברים כו,ז) "וַיִּשְׁמַע יי אֶת קֹלֵנוּ". וְאָנוּ מִתְגָּאִים עַל מַה שֶּׁהוֹרִישׁ לָנוּ אָבִינוּ, (בראשית כז,כב) "וְהַיָּדַיִם יְדֵי עֵשָׂו." (בראשית כז,מ) "וְעַל חַרְבְּךָ תִחְיֶה". מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (במדבר כ,יח) "וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֱדוֹם: לֹא תַעֲבֹר בִּי! פֶּן בַּחֶרֶב אֵצֵא לִקְרָאתֶךָ." וְאַף כָּן אַתָּה אוֹמֵר: "וַיִּירְאוּ מְאֹד, וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל יי." תָּפְשׂוּ לָהֶם אֻמָּנוּת אֲבוֹתֵיהֶן, אֻמָּנוּת אַבְרָהָם, יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב.
What is written of Moses? (Numbers 20:14-16) "And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom … And our fathers went down to Egypt … and He hearkened to our voice." He (the king of Edom) said to them (the messengers): You take pride in what your father Isaac bequeathed to you — (Genesis 27:22) "The voice is the voice of Jacob", (Numbers 21:3) "And the L–rd hearkened to the voice of Israel" — and we take pride in what our father Isaac bequeathed to us — (Genesis, Ibid.) "and the hands are the hands of Esav", (Ibid. 40) "and by your sword will you live." As it is written (Numbers 20:18) "And Edom said to him: Do not pass through me, lest I go out against you with the sword," their trust being only in the sword. But Israel embraced the "trade" (prayer) of their fathers, the trade of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
(שמות יד,יא-יב) ["וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֶל מֹשֶׁה: הֲמִבְּלִי אֵין קְבָרִים בְּמִצְרַיִם לְקַחְתָּנוּ לָמוּת בַּמִּדְבָּר? מַה זֹּאת עָשִׂיתָ לָּנוּ, לְהוֹצִיאָנוּ מִמִּצְרָיִם? הֲלֹא זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְנוּ אֵלֶיךָ בְמִצְרַיִם לֵאמֹר: חֲדַל מִמֶּנּוּ, וְנַעַבְדָה אֶת מִצְרָיִם! כִּי טוֹב לָנוּ עֲבֹד אֶת מִצְרַיִם מִמֻּתֵנוּ בַּמִּדְבָּר."] "וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֶל מֹשֶׁה: הֲמִבְּלִי אֵין קְבָרִים בְּמִצְרַיִם?" מֵאַחַר שֶׁנָּתְנוּ שְׂאוֹר בָּעִסָּה, בָּאוּ לָהֶן אֵצֶל מֹשֶׁה, אָמְרוּ לוֹ: "הֲלֹא זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְנוּ אֵלֶיךָ בְמִצְרַיִם?" וְכִי מָה אָמְרוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְמֹשֶׁה בְּמִצְרַיִם? הֲרֵי הוּא אוֹמֵר: (שמות ה,כ-כא) "וַיִּפְגְּעוּ אֶת מֹשֶׁה וְאֶת אַהֲרֹן נִצָּבִים לִקְרָאתָם, בְּצֵאתָם מֵאֵת פַּרְעֹה. וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֲלֵהֶם: יֵרֶא יי עֲלֵיכֶם וְיִשְׁפֹּט!" הָיִינוּ מִצְטַעֲרִין עַל שִׁעְבּוּדֵנוּ בְמִצְרָיִם, מִיתַת אַחֵינוּ בָּאֲפֵלָה קָשָׁה לָנוּ מִשִּׁעְבּוּדֵנוּ בְמִצְרָיִם. הָיִינוּ מִצְטַעֲרִין עַל מִיתַת אַחֵינוּ בָּאֲפֵלָה, מִיתָתֵנוּ בַּמִּדְבָּר הָזֶה קָשָׁה לָנוּ מִמִּיתַת אַחֵינוּ בָּאֲפֵלָה, שֶׁאַחֵינוּ נִסְפְּדוּ וְנִקְבָּרוּ, וְאָנוּ, תְּהֵי נִבְלָתֵנוּ מֻשְׁלֶכֶת לְַחֹרֶב בַּיּוֹם וְלַקֶּרַח בַּלַּיְלָה!
(Exodus 14:11) "And they said to Moses: Is it for lack of graves in Egypt that you have taken us to die in the desert!" After they had placed "leavening in the dough" (i.e., after the evil inclination began to overcome them), they came to Moses and said (Ibid. 12) "Is not this the thing that we spoke to you in Egypt?" Now what did Israel say to Moses in Egypt? — (Ibid. 5:19-21) "And they met Moses and Aaron … and they said to them: May the L–rd reveal Himself to you and judge, etc." We were aggrieved over the subjugation of Egypt. The death of our brothers in the (plague of) darkness was more grievous to us than our subjugation to Egypt. We were aggrieved over the death of our brothers in the darkness. "Our death in the desert" is more grievous to us than the death of our brothers in the darkness. For our brothers (who died in the darkness) were mourned and buried, whereas for us — our corpses will be cast to the heat of day and to the cold of night! —
(שמות יד,יג) ["וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל הָעָם: אַל תִּירָאוּ! הִתְיַצְּבוּ וּרְאוּ אֶת יְשׁוּעַת יי אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה לָכֶם הַיּוֹם! כִּי אֲשֶׁר רְאִיתֶם אֶת מִצְרַיִם הַיּוֹם, לֹא תֹסִפוּ לִרְאֹתָם עוֹד עַד עוֹלָם."] "וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל הָעָם: אַל תִּירָאוּ! הִתְיַצְּבוּ וּרְאוּ אֶת יְשׁוּעַת יי!" הֲרֵי מֹשֶׁה מְזָרְזָן. לְהוֹדִיעַ חָכְמָתוֹ שֶׁלְּמֹשֶׁה, הֵיאָךְ הָיָה עוֹמֵד וּמְפַיֵּס לְכָל אוֹתָם הָאֲלָפִים וְהָרְבָבוֹת. עָלָיו מְפֹרָשׁ בַּקַּבָּלָה: (קהלת ז,יט) "הַחָכְמָה תָּעֹז לֶחָכָם מֵעֲשָׂרָה שַׁלִּיטִים אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ בָּעִיר."
whereupon Moses said to them (Exodus 14:13) "Do not fear, etc." Moses inspirited them. We are hereby apprised of Moses' wisdom, Moses standing before them and appeasing all those thousands and ten thousands — who listened to him! Of him it is written in the tradition (Koheleth 7:19) "Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers who are in the city."
"הִתְיַצְּבוּ וּרְאוּ אֶת יְשׁוּעַת יי!" אָמְרוּ לוֹ: אֵימָתַי? אָמַר לָהֶם: הַיּוֹם שָׁרַת עֲלֵיכֶם רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ. שֶׁאֵין יְצִיבָה בְּכָל מָקוֹם אֶלָּא רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (עמוס ט,א) "רָאִיתִי אֶת אֲדֹנָי נִצָּב עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וַיֹּאמֶר: הַךְ הַכַּפְתּוֹר וְיִרְעֲשׁוּ הַסִּפִּים וּבְצַעַם בְּרֹאשׁ כֻּלָּם וְאַחֲרִיתָם בַּחֶרֶב אֶהֱרֹג" (שמואל א ג,י) "וַיָּבֹא יי וַיִּתְיַצַּב וַיִּקְרָא כְפַעַם בְּפַעַם: שְׁמוּאֵל, שְׁמוּאֵל!" (דברים לא,יד) "קְרָא אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁעַ וְהִתְיַצְּבוּ בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וַאֲצַוֶּנּוּ". (שמות ב,ד) "וַתֵּתַצַּב אֲחֹתוֹ מֵרָחֹק",
(Exodus, Ibid.) "Stand ready (hithyatzvu) to see the salvation of the L–rd": Moses said to them: Today the Shechinah will repose the Holy Spirit upon you; for "yetzivah" in all places refers to the Holy Spirit, viz. (Amos 9:1) "I saw the L–rd nitzav on the altar", and (I Samuel 3:10): "And the L–rd came vayithyatzev, and He called as before 'Samuel, Samuel'", and (Devarim 31:14) "Call Joshua vehithyatzvu in the tent of meeting and I will command him", and (Exodus 2:4) "Vatethatzav his sister from afar to know what would be done with him," the Holy Spirit reposing itself upon her.
לְמָה הָיוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל דּוֹמִין בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה? לְיוֹנָה שֶׁבָּרְחָה מִפְּנֵי הָנֵץ, וְנִכְנְסָה לִנְקִיק הַסֶּלַע,*נְקִיק: סדק, בקע. וְהָיָה נָחָשׁ נוֹשֵׁף בָּהּ. תִּכָּנֵס לִפְנִים, הֲרֵי הַנָּחָשׁ, תֵּצֵא לַחוּץ, הֲרֵי הָנֵץ! כָּךְ הָיוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה: הַיָּם סוֹגֵר, וְשׂוֹנֵא רוֹדֵף. מִיָּד נָתְנוּ עֵינֵיהֶם בִּתְפִלָּה. עֲלֵיהֶם מְפֹרָשׁ בַּקַּבָּלָה: (שיר השירים ב,יד) "יוֹנָתִי בְּחַגְוֵי הַסֶּלַע, בְּסֵתֶר הַמַּדְרֵגָה, הַרְאִינִי אֶת מַרְאַיִךְ, הַשְׁמִיעִנִי אֶת קוֹלֵךְ, כִּי קוֹלֵךְ עָרֵב, וּמַרְאֵיךְ נָאוֶה." "כִּי קוֹלֵךְ עָרֵב", בַּתְּפִלָּה, "וּמַרְאֵיךְ נָאוֶה", בְּתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה.
At that time, Israel were like a dove fleeing the hawk and seeking refuge in the cleft of the rock, where the serpent hissed. If she enters within — the serpent; if she goes out — the rising sun. So, were Israel at that time, the sea raging (before them); the foe pursuing (behind them) — whereupon they raised their eyes in prayer. Of them it is written in the Tradition (Song of Songs 2:14) "My dove in the clefts of the rock, let Me see your face; let Me hear your voice. For your voice is sweet and your face is fair."
דָּבָר אַחֵר: (שיר השירים ב,יד) "כִּי קוֹלֵךְ עָרֵב", בַּתְּפִלָּה, "וּמַרְאֵיךְ נָאוֶה", בַּמַּעֲשֶׂה הַטּוֹב.
"your voice is sweet" — in prayer.
דָּבָר אַחֵר: "הִתְיַצְּבוּ וּרְאוּ אֶת יְשׁוּעַת יי!" אָמְרוּ לוֹ: אֵימָתַי? אָמַר לָהֶם: לְמָחָר! אָמְרוּ לוֹ: רַבֵּנוּ מֹשֶׁה! אֵין בָּנוּ כֹּחַ לִסְבֹּל! נִתְפַּלַּל מֹשֶׁה בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה, וְהֶרְאָה לָהֶם הַמָּקוֹם טוּרְמָיוֹת טוּרְמָיוֹת*טוּרְמָיוֹת. turma: יחידה צבאית רומית של שלושים פרשים. שֶׁלְּמַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת עוֹמְדִים עֲלֵיהֶם, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (מלכים ב ו,טו-יז) "וַיַּשְׁכֵּם מְשָׁרֵת אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים לָקוּם, וַיֵּצֵא, וְהִנֵּה חַיִל סוֹבֵב אֶת הָעִיר וְסוּס וָרָכֶב, וַיֹּאמֶר נַעֲרוֹ אֵלָיו: אֲהָהּ אֲדֹנִי, אֵיכָה נַעֲשֶׂה? וַיֹּאמֶר: אַל תִּירָא! כִּי רַבִּים אֲשֶׁר אִתָּנוּ מֵאֲשֶׁר אוֹתָם. וַיִּתְפַּלֵּל אֱלִישָׁע וַיֹּאמַר: יי! פְּקַח נָא אֶת עֵינָיו, וְיִרְאֶה! וַיִּפְקַח יי אֶת עֵינֵי הַנַּעַר, וַיַּרְא, וְהִנֵּה הָהָר מָלֵא סוּסִים וְרֶכֶב אֵשׁ סְבִיבֹת אֱלִישָׁע." כָּךְ נִתְפַּלַּל מֹשֶׁה בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה, וְהֶרְאָה לָהֶם הַמָּקוֹם טוּרְמָיוֹת טוּרְמָיוֹת שֶׁלְּמַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת עוֹמְדִים עֲלֵיהֶם. וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר: (תהלים יח,יג) "מִנֹּגַהּ נֶגְדּוֹ עָבָיו עָבְרוּ, בָּרָד וְגַחֲלֵי אֵשׁ." "עָבָיו", כְּנֶגֶד טוּרְמָיוֹת שֶׁלָּהֵן, "בָּרָד", כְּנֶגֶד בַּלִּסְטְרָאוֹת שֶׁלָּהֵן,*בַּלִּסְטְרָאוֹת. ballístra: מכונה בצורת קשת לזריקת אבנים או חִצִּים כבדים. "גַחֲלֵי", כְּנֶגֶד טוֹרְמֶנְטָה שֶׁלָּהֵן,*טוֹרְמֶנְטָה. tormentum: מכונה לזריקת חיצים. tormenta: החיצים. "אֵשׁ", כְּנֶגֶד הַנַּפְטָה שֶׁלָּהֵן,*נַפְטָה. naphta: חומר דלק שהיו טובלים בו חיצים בוערים. (תהלים יח,יד) "וַיַּרְעֵם בַּשָּׁמַיִם יי", כְּנֶגֶד אַגָּפַת תְּרִיסִין וְשִיפַת קָלֵגָסִין שֶׁלָּהֵם.*שִיפַת קָלֵגָסִין. חיכוך נעלי החיילים, caliga. "וְעֶלְיוֹן יִתֵּן קֹלוֹ", כְּנֶגֶד צִחְצוּחַ חֲרָבוֹת שֶׁלָּהֵם, (תהלים יח,טו) "וַיִּשְׁלַח חִצָּיו וַיְפִיצֵם", כְּנֶגֶד חִצִּים שֶׁלָּהֵם, "וּבְרָקִים רָב וַיְהֻמֵּם", כְּנֶגֶד צְוָחָה שֶׁלָּהֵם.
Variantly: "Stand ready to see the salvation of the L–rd": They: When? Moses: Tomorrow. They: Moses our teacher we do not have the strength to wait. At that time Moses prayed and the Holy One Blessed be He showed them squadrons upon squadrons of ministering angels standing over them. Similarly, (II Kings 6:15-17) "And the attendant of the man of G–d … saw a force surrounding the city, with horses and chariots. And his youth said to him: O, my master, what shall we do? … And Elisha prayed and he said: O L–rd, open his eyes and let him see. And the L–rd opened the eyes of the youth and he saw. And, behold, the mountain filled with horses and fiery chariots around Elisha." Thus did Moses pray at that time and the L–rd showed them squadrons upon squadrons of ministering angels standing over them. And thus is it written (Psalms 18:13) "From the brilliance, opposing him": Opposed to what they presented, "His clouds, came forward, hail and coals of fire": Clouds opposed to their squadrons; hail opposed to their projectiles; coals opposed to their catapults; fire opposed to their naphtha. (14) "He shall thunder from the heavens", opposed to the clattering of their armor and the thumping of their boots. "And He shall raise His voice on high", opposed to the blasting of their trumpets. (15) "And He shall let fly his shafts and scatter them", opposed to their arrows. "and many lightnings and He shall rout them", opposed to the brandishing of their swords.
דָּבָר אַחֵר: (תהלים יח,טו) "וַיִּשְׁלַח חִצָּיו וַיְפִיצֵם", שֶׁהָיוּ חִצִּים מְפַזְּרִים אוֹתָם, וּבְרָקִים מְכַנְּסִין אוֹתָן. "וַיְהֻמֵּם", הֲמָמָם וְעִרְבְּבָם. נָטַל סִגְנָיוֹת שֶׁלָּהֵם,*סִגְנָיוֹת. signa: דגלים להעברת פקודות בקרב. וְלֹא הָיוּ יוֹדְעִים מַה הָיוּ עוֹשִׂים.
Variantly: "And He shall let fly His shafts and scatter them": His shafts scattered them and His lightnings "huddled" them. "and they were confounded (vayehumam)": He took their greaves and they did not know what they were doing.
דָּבָר אַחֵר: (תהלים יח,טו) "וַיְהֻמֵּם". אֵין הֲמָמָה אֶלָּא מַגֵּפָה, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (דברים ז,כג) "וּנְתָנָם יי אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְפָנֶיךָ, וְהָמָם מְהוּמָה גְדֹלָה עַד הִשָּׁמְדָם."
Variantly (on "vayehumam"): "hamamah" is pestilence as in (Devarim 3:23) "vehamam mehumah gedolah until they perished."
"כִּי אֲשֶׁר רְאִיתֶם אֶת מִצְרַיִם". בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה מְקוֹמוֹת הִזְהִיר הַמָּקוֹם לְיִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁלֹּא לַחְזֹר לְמִצְרַיִם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: "כִּי אֲשֶׁר רְאִיתֶם אֶת מִצְרַיִם הַיּוֹם, לֹא תֹסִפוּ לִרְאֹתָם עוֹד עַד עוֹלָם." (דברים יז,טז) "וַיי אָמַר לָכֶם: לֹא תֹסִפוּן לָשׁוּב בַּדֶּרֶךְ הַזֶּה עוֹד." (דברים כח,סח) "וֶהֱשִׁיבְךָ יי מִצְרַיִם בָּאֳנִיּוֹת, בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר אָמַרְתִּי לְךָ: לֹא תֹסִיף עוֹד לִרְאֹתָהּ".
"For as you see Egypt": In three places the L–rd exhorted Israel not to return to Egypt: (Here:) "for as you see Egypt this day, you shall see them no more, forever", (Devarim 17:16) "You must not go back this way again", (Ibid. 28:68) "… by the way which I told you, you shall not see it again."
הָא בִשְׁלָשְׁתָּן חָזְרוּ, וּבִשְׁלָשְׁתָּם נָפָלוּ. הָרִאשׁוֹנָה בִּימֵי סַנְחֵרִיב, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ישעיה לא,א) "הוֹי הַיֹּרְדִים מִצְרַיִם לְעֶזְרָה! עַל סוּסִים יִשָּׁעֵנוּ, וַיִּבְטְחוּ עַל רֶכֶב כִּי רָב, וְעַל פָּרָשִׁים כִּי עָצְמוּ מְאֹד, וְלֹא שָׁעוּ עַל קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאֶת יְהֹוָה לֹא דָרָשׁוּ." הַשֵּׁנִית בִּימֵי יוֹחָנָן בֶּן קָרֵחַ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ירמיה מב,טז) "וְהָיְתָה הַחֶרֶב אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם יְרֵאִים מִמֶּנָּה, שָׁם תַּשִּׂיג אֶתְכֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם, וְהָרָעָב אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם דֹּאֲגִים מִמֶּנּוּ, שָׁם יִדְבַּק אַחֲרֵיכֶם מִצְרַיִם, וְשָׁם תָּמֻתוּ." וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁית בִּימֵי טְרָיָאנוּס.*טְרָיָאנוּס. Traianus קיסר רומי. בימי מרד התפוצות, בשנת 116. בִּשְׁלָשְׁתָּן חָזְרוּ וּבִשְׁלָשְׁתָּן נָפָלוּ.
Three times they returned and three times they fell. The first, in the days of Sancheriv, viz. (Isaiah 31:1) "Woe unto those who go down to Egypt for help!" The second, in the days of Yochanan ben Kareach, (Jeremiah 42:16-17) "And it shall be, the sword which you fear will overtake you there in the land of Egypt and the famine which you worry over will follow after you in Egypt, and there will you die." The third, in the days of Trajanus. Three times they returned and three times they fell. As it is written, (Hoshea 7:11) "Ephraim is a silly dove, without a heart. They have called to Egypt, etc.
אַרְבַּע כִּתּוֹת נֶעֱשׂוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל עַל הַיָּם: אַחַת אוֹמֶרֶת: נִפֹּל לַיָּם! וְאַחַת אוֹמֶרֶת: נַחְזֹר לְמִצְרַיִם! וְאַחַת אוֹמֶרֶת: נַעֲשֶׁה מִלְחָמָה כְּנֶגְדָּן! וְאַחַת אוֹמֶרֶת: נִצְטַוַּח כְּנֶגְדָּן!*נִצְטַוַּח: נצעק. זֹאת שֶׁאָמְרָה 'נִפֹּל לַיָּם', נֶאֱמַר לָהֶם: "הִתְיַצְבוּ וּרְאוּ אֶת יְשׁוּעַת יי אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה לָכֶם הַיּוֹם"; זוֹ שֶׁאָמְרָה 'נַחְזֹר לְמִצְרַיִם', נֶאֱמַר לָהֶם: "כִּי אֲשֶׁר רְאִיתֶם אֶת מִצְרַיִם הַיּוֹם, לֹא תֹסִפוּ לִרְאֹתָם עוֹד עַד עוֹלָם"; זוֹ שֶׁאָמְרָה 'נַעֲשֶׂה מִלְחָמָה כְּנֶגְדָּן', נֶאֱמַר לָהֶם: "יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם"; זוֹ שֶׁאָמְרָה 'נִצְטַוַּח כְּנֶגְדָּן', נֶאֱמַר לָהֶם: "וְאַתֶּם תַּחֲרִשׁוּן."
Israel were four factions at the sea: One was for lunging into the sea; another, for returning to Egypt; another for warring against them; another, for crying out against them. Those who were for lunging into the sea — it was said to them: "Stand ready to see the salvation of the L–rd. Those who were for returning to Egypt — it was said to them: "For as you see Egypt this day, you shall see them no more, forever." Those who were for warring against it" — it was said to them: "the L–rd will war for you." Those who were for crying out against them — it was said to them: "And you be still."
(שמות יד,יד) ["יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם, וְאַתֶּם תַּחֲרִשׁוּן."] "יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם". לֹא לְשָׁעָה, אֶלָּא עַד עוֹלָם יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם.
"the L–rd will war for you": Not only now, but He will always war for you against your enemies.
רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: "יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם, וְאַתֶּם תַּחֲרִשׁוּן." אִם כְּשֶׁתִּהְיוּ עוֹמְדִים וְשׁוֹתְקִין, "יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם", קַל וָחֹמֶר יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם כְּשֶׁתִּהְיוּ נוֹתְנִין לוֹ שֶׁבַח וְהוֹדָיָה!
R. Meir says: The L–rd will war for you when you stand still. How much more so when you accord praise to Him!
רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: "יי יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם", הַמָּקוֹם יַעֲשֶׂה לָכֶם נִסִּים וּגְבוּרוֹת, וְאַתֶּם עוֹמְדִין וּשְׁתוּקִין.*וּשְׁתוּקִין=ושותקים. בלשון חכמים הבינוני הפעול משמש לפעמים במשמעות של בינוני פועל. אָמְרוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְמֹשֶׁה: רַבֵּנוּ מֹשֶׁה! וּמָה עָלֵינוּ לַעֲשׁוֹת? אָמַר לָהֶם: אַתֶּם תְּהוּ מְרוֹמְמִין וּמְפָאֲרִין וּמְשַׁבְּחִין, וְנוֹתְנִין שִׁיר שֶׁבַח וּגְדֻלָּה וְתִפְאֶרֶת וְנֶצַח וְהַהוֹד לְמִי שֶׁהַמִּלְחָמוֹת שֶׁלּוֹ! כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (תהלים קמט,ו) "רוֹמְמוֹת אֵל בִּגְרוֹנָם וְחֶרֶב פִּיפִיּוֹת בְּיָדָם." (תהלים נז,ו) "רוּמָה עַל הַשָּׁמַיִם אֱלֹהִים, עַל כָּל הָאָרֶץ כְּבוֹדֶךָ!" (ישעיה כה,א) "יי אֱלֹהַי אַתָּה! אֲרוֹמִמְךָ, אוֹדֶה שִׁמְךָ, כִּי עָשִׂיתָ פֶּלֶא, עֵצוֹת מֵרָחֹק, אֱמוּנָה אֹמֶן."
R. Meir says: "the L–rd will war for you": He will perform for you miracles and (acts of) strength, and you will stand still. Israel asked Moses our teacher: "What can we do?" He answered: You exalt Him and accord song, praise, grandeur and glory to the Master of wars, viz. (Psalms 149:6) "The praises of G–d in their throats", and (Ibid. 57:6) "Be exalted over the heavens, O G–d; over all the earth, Your glory", and (Isaiah 25:1) "O L–rd, You are my G–d. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name for You wrought wondrously. Counsels from afar, enduring in faith."
בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה, פָּתְחוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל פִּיהֶם, וְאָמְרוּ שִׁירָה: (שמות טו,א) "אָשִׁירָה לַיי, כִּי גָאֹה גָּאָה!"
At that time Israel opened their mouths in song, viz. (Exodus 15:1) "I shall sing to the L–rd for He is exalted (over all the) exalted."