Moses — Yitro and the Fires of Gehenna

Another matter, “Moses led Israel,” that is what is written: “He led His people like sheep” (Psalms 78:52). Like which sheep? Like the sheep of Yitro; just as the sheep of Yitro emerged from the settlement to the wilderness,8See Exodus 3:1. so, too, Israel emerged from Egypt to the wilderness, as it is stated: “He guided them like a flock in the wilderness” (Psalms 78:52). Another matter, just as sheep do not enter the shelter of a roof, so too, the Holy One blessed be He led Israel for forty years in the wilderness.

Another matter, just as one does not prepare stockpiles for sheep, but rather it grazes every day, so too, He did not prepare them a stockpile for Israel, but rather, [provided for them daily] in the wilderness, as it is stated: “The people will go out and gather [each day’s portion on its day]” (Exodus 16:4). Another matter, just as a sheep, even if it damages the trees, its owners do not charge it, so too, Israel, even though they sin, the Holy One blessed be He treats them like sheep.

If so, just as sheep do not receive reward, perhaps the same is true regarding Israel, as He called them sheep. The verse states: “Now you are My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are Man” (Ezekiel 34:31); sheep for punishment and man for the giving of reward. If so, just as a sheep is designated for slaughter, perhaps the same is true regarding Israel. The verse states: “Like consecrated sheep” (Ezekiel 36:38); just as anyone who touches consecrated items incurs liability, so too, Israel, as it is stated: “Israel is sacred to the Lord, the first of His crop, anyone who devours it will be guilty” (Jeremiah 2:3).

Just as a sheep, any place that the shepherd leads it, there it follows, so too, Israel, every place that Moses would lead them, they would follow him, as it is stated: “Draw me, after you we will run” (Song of Songs 1:4). That is why it is stated: “Moses led Israel from the Red Sea.” Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: He led them away from the sin of the Red Sea, for once they recited song, the song atoned for their having sinned at the sea.