) "And they stood from afar" — outside of twelve mil (the

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 9:9

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 22, 2025

(Ibid.) "And they stood from afar": outside of twelve mil (the distance of the Israelite encampment). We are hereby apprised that Israel receded twelve mil and returned twelve mil for each pronouncement. So that on that day they are found to have walked two hundred and forty mil. At that time the Holy One Blessed be He said to the ministering angels: Go down and help your brothers, as it is written (Psalms 68:13) "The kings of legions will move, will move"—they will move in going and they will move in returning. And not the ministering angels alone, but the Holy One Blessed be He Himself. As it is written (Song of Songs 2:6) "His left hand under my head, and His right hand will embrace me."

Themes

Angels Charity Holy Land

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