The Wilderness Shut Israel In With Wild Beasts

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 230:9

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Another interpretation: Pharaoh spoke, yet did not know what he was saying. He saw that Israel were destined to fall in the wilderness, as it is said, "In this wilderness they shall fall" (Numbers 14:29). "The wilderness has shut them in" (Exodus 14:3). When Israel saw the sea raging and the enemy pursuing, they turned their faces toward the wilderness, but the Holy One, blessed be He, set against them savage beasts that would not let them pass through, as it is said, "the wilderness has shut them in." And "shutting in" means nothing other than a savage beast, as in the matter that is said (Daniel 6:23), "My God sent His angel and shut the mouth of the lions."

Themes

Divine JusticeExileMiracles

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