Another interpretation: “This month shall be for you” (Exodus 12:2) – Solomon said: “Through me kings reign” (Proverbs 8:15). Rabbi Levi said: This is analogous to a duke to whom the legions cast a purple cloak [of royalty]. What did he do? He cancels tax debts, burns the promissory note, and brings out the legions [on parade or on leave], and that is called the beginning of his reign.
So did the Holy One blessed be He reign for twenty-six generations37Since Creation. in Egypt, and then He cancelled the debt, as it is stated: “And the children of Israel went out triumphantly” (Exodus 14:8); He burned the promissory note, as it is stated: “The residence of the children of Israel that they lived in Egypt [was four hundred and thirty years]” (Exodus 12:40);38In fact, God took them out of Egypt after only two hundred and ten years.
He took out the legions, and it was called the beginning of His reign, to realize what is stated: “Through me kings reign.”