The Blossoms of Redemption and the Pruning of Egypt

"The blossoms have appeared in the land" (Song of Songs 2:12) — these are the redeemers. "And the time of pruning has arrived" — the time has arrived for the foreskin to be pruned, as it is said, "The LORD is my strength and my pruning-song" (Exodus 15:2). The time has arrived for song to be made to Me. The time has arrived for the Torah to be given, of which it is written, "Your statutes have been my songs" (Psalms 119:54). "And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land" (Song of Songs 2:12) — Rabbi Yochanan said: The voice of the turtledove, this is Moses, as it is said, "And Moses said, Thus says the LORD: About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt" (Exodus 11:4). "The fig tree has put forth its green figs" (Song of Songs 2:13) — these are the wicked of Israel who died during the three days of darkness. "And the vines in blossom give forth their fragrance" (ibid.) — these are the intermediate ones who repented and were accepted. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to them: Why do you sit? "Arise" (Song of Songs 2:10) — the wicked have died and the intermediate ones have repented. "Arise" — in this month you are being redeemed.