The LORD Strengthens Pharaoh's Divided Heart to Pursue Israel

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 14:8

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And the LORD strengthened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued" (Exodus 14:8). For his heart was divided, whether to pursue or not to pursue. "And he pursued after the children of Israel." Scripture tells that had it been another nation, he would not have pursued after it. "And the children of Israel went out with a high hand." Scripture tells that when the Egyptians were pursuing after the children of Israel, they were reviling and reproaching and blaspheming, while Israel were glorifying and exalting and praising and acclaiming and lauding, and giving song, praise, greatness, glory, victory, and majesty to the One to whom the war belongs, as it is said, "the high praises of God are in their throat, and a two-edged sword in their hand" (Psalms 149:6); and it says, "Be exalted above the heavens, O God; let your glory be over all the earth" (Psalms 57:6); and it says, "O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, counsels of old, faithfulness and truth" (Isaiah 25:1). Another interpretation: "with a high hand" — that his hand [the hand of the Most High] was high over the Egyptians.

Themes

Divine JusticePrayerEgypt

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