Another matter, “Betzalel crafted” – that is what is written: “I will bring a remedy for you” (Jeremiah 30:17). The attributes of the Holy One blessed be He are not like the attributes of flesh and blood. The attribute of flesh and blood is to wound with a chisel and heal with a bandage. But the Holy One blessed be He heals with that with which He wounds, as it is stated: “They arrived in Mara and were unable to drink water from Mara” (Exodus 15:23).
Why? “Because it was bitter [marim]” (Exodus 15:23). Rabbi Levi said: That generation was bitter in its actions. “He cried out to the Lord and the Lord showed him a tree” (Exodus 15:25).
What was it? Some say it was an olive tree, some say it was a willow, some say it was oleander, and some say it was the roots of fig trees and the roots of pomegranate trees.2All of these materials are bitter. He took it and cast it into the water. Immediately, the water sweetened.
That is, “and from your wounds I will heal you” (Jeremiah 30:17). Likewise you find with the water of Elisha, what is written? “The water is bad and the land causes bereavement” (II Kings 2:19). He said to them: “Bring me a new flask and place salt in it, and they brought it to him” (II Kings 2:20).
What is written? “The water was cured to this day, in accordance with the word of Elisha that he spoke” (II Kings 2:22). Likewise you find regarding Israel; he rebuked them with [the word] ‘therefore,’ as it is stated: “Therefore, prostitute, hear the word of the Lord” (Ezekiel 16:35), and with [the word] ‘therefore’ He is destined to restore them. as it is stated: “Therefore, behold, I will seduce her” (Hosea 2:16), and one seduces only a virgin.
As it is stated: “If a man seduces a virgin” (Exodus 22:15).3Thus, although Israel is compared to a prostitute by Ezekiel, eventually they are compared to a virgin, who has not experienced sin. So, too, Israel sinned in Shittim. As it is stated: “Israel were residing in Shittim [and the people began to engage in licentiousness]” (Numbers 25:1), and they were healed with shittim, as it is stated: “Betzalel crafted the Ark of acacia wood [atzei shittim].”