Another matter, “see, I have begun” – this is what the verse said: “To bind their kings with fetters” (Psalms 149:8). Who are “their kings”? These are the kings of the idolaters. “And their nobles with iron chains” (Psalms 149:8) – these are their guardian angels on High, as the Holy One blessed be He does not exact retribution from a nation until He first exacts retribution from its guardian angel.
How so? The Holy One blessed be He did not submerge Pharaoh and all the Egyptians in the sea until He first submerged its guardian angel. From where do we derive this? The Rabbis said: “Horses and their riders” is not written here, but rather, “the horse and its rider” (Exodus 15:1) – this is their guardian angel.
When the Egyptians departed to pursue Israel, Israel lifted their eyes and they saw Egypt’s guardian angel floating in the air. From where is this derived? Rabbi Yitzḥak said: As it is written: “Behold, Egypt was traveling after them” (Exodus 14:10) – this is their guardian angel. That is, “to bind their kings with fetters…” (Psalms 149:8).
Siḥon and Og, too, when they sought to confront Israel, the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘See that I have toppled their guardian angel, as it is stated: “See, I have begun delivering before you.”’