The Merits That Carried Israel Out of Egypt in a Single Day

It was taught: Rabbi Yose the Galilean says, from where do we know that the leaven prohibition of the Egyptian Passover applied for one day only? Scripture teaches, "Leaven shall not be eaten this day you are going out." Rabbi Benayah says: Had Israel merited even one more day, they would have entered the land, as it is said, "This day you are going out," and "It shall be when the LORD brings you in" - immediately. "This day you are going out in the month of spring": Scripture need not say "in the month of spring" except to teach a month that is fit for you - neither harsh heat nor rains. Rabbi Jonathan says: (Psalms 68:7) "He brings out prisoners in fit times (kosharot)" - these weep and these sing. The Egyptians weep, as it is said, "And the Egyptians were burying those whom He had struck." Israel sings, as it is said (Psalms 118:15), "A voice of glad song and salvation is in the tents of the righteous," for the Omnipresent exalts Himself over the Egyptians. Rabbi Nathan says: "in fit times (kosharot)" - by the worthy deeds (kesherot) that they did, and likewise it says (Exodus 38:8), "with the mirrors of the women who massed at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting." Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah says: By the merit of Abraham their father the Omnipresent brought Israel out of Egypt, as it is said (Psalms 105:42-43), "For He remembered His holy word to Abraham His servant, and He brought out His people in gladness." Rabbi Shimon ben Yohai says: By the merit of circumcision the Omnipresent brought Israel out of Egypt, as it is said (Ezekiel 16:6), "And I passed over you and saw you" and so forth. Rabbi [Judah the Prince] says: With haste Israel went out of Egypt, as it is said, "For with a strong hand the LORD brought out."