All the Faint and the Whisperers Behind You

"All the faint ones behind you" (Deuteronomy 25:18). Rabbi Yudah, Rabbi Nehemiah, and the Rabbis [each explained]. Rabbi Yudah said: whoever grew lax was cast out. And Rabbi Nehemiah said: whoever the cloud expelled was cast out. And the Rabbis said: this refers to the tribe of Dan, whom the cloud expelled, for they were all worshipping idols. Another interpretation: "all the faint ones [ha-nehshalim] behind you" (Deuteronomy 25:18) — Rabbi Yitzhak said: all those who whispered [ha-melahashim] behind you. Rabbi Yudah, Rabbi Nehemiah, and the Rabbis [each explained]. Rabbi Yudah said: they said, "If He is master over all His works as He is master over us, we will serve Him; and if not, we will rebel against Him." And Rabbi Nehemiah said: they said, "If He supplies our food as a king who dwells in a province and the province lacks for nothing, 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 hearts they spoke, and the Holy One granted their request. What is the proof? "And they tested God in their heart by asking food for their craving" (Psalms 78:18). What is written there [afterward]? "So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them what they craved" (Psalms 78:29).