Why David Rose at Midnight to Praise God

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 7:1

"And it came to pass at midnight" (Exodus 12:29). Rabbi Tanchum of Jaffa in the name of Rabbi Nunya of Caesarea opened: "When I sought to know this, it was too wearisome in my eyes" (Psalms 73:16). David said: No creature is able to fix the exact midpoint of the night except the Holy One, blessed be He; but as for me, it is too wearisome in my eyes. And since no creature is able to fix the exact midpoint of the night except Him, therefore it says, "And it came to pass at midnight" (Exodus 12:29).

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