God Who Brought Them From Egypt and the Angels and Demons of Israel

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 23:22

"God who brings them out of Egypt." They make use neither of demons nor of angels, and they call to mind none but their God; and there is nothing upon their lips when they lie down and when they rise up except the name of God. And if so, how can any creature attach itself to them, if God is with them? Therefore it is said, "God who brings them out of Egypt." "He has as it were the strength of a wild ox (ke-to'afot re'em lo)." "To'afot" — these are the angels, as it is written, "and with two he flies" (Isaiah 6:2). "Re'em" — these are the demons, as it is said, "they fly upward" (Job 5:7), for they lift themselves up to fly. Another interpretation: When the weak is above and the strong is below, a man cannot join battle; how much more so when the strong is above and the weak is below. And their God has the might; therefore it is said, "He has as it were the strength of a wild ox." As you say, "and the heights of the mountains are His" (Psalms 95:4) — the strength of the mountains is His. And He sits above all the creatures, as it is said, "I dwell on high and holy" (Isaiah 57:15). And who can join battle with Him? Therefore it is said "re'em," denoting exaltation (romemut).

Themes

Biblical References