Why Israel Merited the Song at the Sea Through Faith

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Beshalach 11:4

Another interpretation [of the continuation of Song of Songs 4:8: "Look from the top of Amanah"]: By what merit did Israel merit to recite the Song at the Sea? By the merit of the faith (amanah) with which they believed. What is written above concerning the matter? "And Israel saw the great hand [which the LORD wrought against the Egyptians, and the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in Moses His servant]" (Exodus 14:31). Rabbi Nehemiah said: By what merit did they recite the Song? By the merit of the faith with which they believed at the beginning, as it is said, "And the people believed" (ibid. 4:31). "Look from the top of Amanah" — by the merit of faith they merited to recite the Song, as it is said, "Then sang Moses [and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD]" (Exodus 15:1).

Themes

Biblical References