Why the Sea Split by the Merit of Circumcision in Az

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Beshalach 12:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of "Az" (then): Alef is one, zayin is seven, behold eight. Moses said: By the merit of circumcision, which was given for the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3), the sea was split, and let Him be praised with "Az." Rabbi Levi said: "To Him who split the Reed Sea into pieces (gezarim)" (Psalms 136:13), for so in the Aramaic tongue they call the circumcised "gezurim" (cut ones). By the merit of circumcision the sea was split.

Themes

CovenantMusicDavidPsalmsRed Sea

Biblical References

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