Yekhahashu Lekha and the Enemies Who Cower Before God

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Beshalach 2:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Psalm 66:3, continued:) "Through the greatness of Your strength Your enemies shall cower before You" (yekhahashu lekha). Rabbi Berekhyah and Rabbi Yehudah ha-Levi son of Rabbi Shalom disagreed. One said: "yekhahashu lekha" means they shall be broken, just as it says, "And your enemies shall cower before you" (Deuteronomy 33:28). And the other said: "yekhahashu lekha" means they shall lie, and your enemies shall become deniers. Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego" etc. (Daniel 3:28) — this is "they shall cower before You." Sennacherib said, "Who among all the gods of the lands" etc. (II Kings 18:35), and he did not depart from there until he cowered, as it is said, "And he returned with shame [of face to his own land]." Pharaoh said, "I do not know the Lord" etc. (Exodus 5:2), and he became a denier, for he said, "The Lord is righteous, and I and my people are the wicked" (Exodus 9:27); and he himself sent them out, as it is said, "And it came to pass, when Pharaoh sent out" etc. (Exodus 13:17).

Themes

ExodusEgyptKingsMosesPassover

Biblical References

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