You Led in Kindness the People You Redeemed

"You led in Your kindness" (Exodus 15:13). The kindness You did with us, though we had no deeds [to merit it], as it is said, "I will make mention of the kindnesses of the LORD" (Isaiah 63:7), and it says, "The earth is full of Your kindness, O LORD" (Psalms 119:64). "This people" -- even though the whole world is Yours, You have no people but Israel, as it is said, "This people I formed for Myself" (Isaiah 43:21). "You redeemed." "You guided them in Your strength" (Exodus 15:13) -- in Your might, as it is said, "The LORD is my strength and my shield" (Psalms 28:7). Another interpretation: by the merit of the Torah, as it is said, "The LORD will give strength unto His people" (Psalms 29:11). Another interpretation: by the merit of the kingdom of the house of David, as it is said, "O LORD, in Your strength the king rejoices" (Psalms 21:2). "To Your holy habitation" (Exodus 15:13). By the merit of the Temple that they were destined to build it is written "to Your holy habitation," and it is written, "and they have laid waste His habitation" (Psalms 79:7).