The Clouds of Glory Dripped the Dew of Life on Israel

Rabbi Judah son of Rabbi Ilai says: Because Israel was scorched from the heat of the fire from above, the Holy One, blessed be He, said to the clouds of glory, "Drip the dew of life upon My children," as it is said, "the clouds also dropped water" (Judges 5:4). And it says, "You poured down a generous rain" (Psalms 68:10). When was all this honor done? When she was lovely among the nations of the world and honored the Torah, as it is said, "and she who tarries at home divides the spoil" (Psalms 68:13). And "spoil" means nothing other than Torah, as it is said, "I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great spoil" (Psalms 119:162).