“Birds of prey descended upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away” (Genesis 15:11). “Birds of prey descended upon the carcasses [and Abram drove them away]” – Rabbi Asi said: Abraham took a stick and was striking them, but they would not yield to his blows. Nevertheless, “Abram drove them away [vayashev]” – by means of repentance [teshuva].67Although Israel will be set upon by its enemies, ultimately, it will be redeemed through repentance, not through physical force. Rabbi Azarya said: [God said:] When your descendants will become like carcasses without sinews and bones,68Through all their persecutions. your merit will stand them in good stead.69And bring about salvation for them in the end.