The Great Sea

Rabbi Hiyya bar Abba said: And it is weighed as equal to the resurrection of the dead. Rabbi Abba and Rabbi Hiyya in the name of Rabbi Abba said: The Sages too set it within the blessing of the resurrection of the dead. In this one a hand is mentioned and in that one a hand is mentioned; in this one an opening and in that one an opening. In this one a hand, as it is stated: "The hand of the LORD was upon me" and so forth (Ezekiel 37:1); and in that one a hand: "You open Your hand" (Psalms 145:16). In this one an opening: "The LORD will open for you" (Deuteronomy 28:12); and in that one an opening: "Behold, I am opening your graves" and so forth (Ezekiel 37:12). Rabbi Yudan in the name of Rabbi Elazar bar Avina said: In this one song and in that one song. In this one song: "Let the inhabitants of the rock sing aloud" (Isaiah 42:11); and in that one song: "They shout for joy, they also sing" (Psalms 65:14). Rabbi Hiyya bar Abba said: And it is greater than the resurrection of the dead, for the resurrection of the dead is for man, whereas this is for man and for beast. The resurrection of the dead is for Israel, whereas this is for Israel and for the worshippers of stars. A worshipper of stars once asked Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korha. He said to him: You have festivals and we have festivals; when you rejoice we do not rejoice, and when we rejoice you do not rejoice. And when do we and you rejoice together? At the falling of the rains. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: When the rain falls the beast seeks its appointed need. What is the reason? "The meadows are clothed with flocks" (Psalms 65:14), meaning, the rams clothe the flock, in refined language.