Why Amalek Struck the Stragglers Who Doubted God's Rule

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Ki Teitzei 15:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of (Deuteronomy 25:18) "all who were lagging behind you": Rabbi Judah and Rabbi Nehemiah and the Rabbis differed. Rabbi Judah said: They said, "If He is master over all deeds the way that He is master over us, we will serve Him; and if not, we will not serve Him." And Rabbi Nehemiah said: They said, "If He supplies enough of our food for us, like a king who dwells in a province and the province lacks nothing at all, we will serve Him; and if not, we will rebel against Him." And the Rabbis said: They said, "If we speak in our hearts and He knows what we are speaking, we will serve Him; and if not, we will rebel against Him." Rabbi Berekhiah said, in the name of Rabbi Levi: In their heart they were speaking, and the Holy One, blessed be He, gives them their request. And what is the reason? "And they tested God in their heart" etc. (Psalms 78:18). See what is written there (Psalms 78:29): "And they ate and were exceedingly sated."

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