Eliezer says — They journeyed by the word, for thus do we

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Vayassa 1:4

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 14, 2025

R. Eliezer says: They journeyed by the word, for thus do we find in two or three places. What, then, is the intent of "And Moses made Israel journey?" He did so against their will, with the rod. For when they saw the bodies of the men who had enslaved them with (back-) breaking labor, all lifeless corpses at the edge of the sea, they said: Apparently, not a man remains in Egypt (Numbers 14:4) "Let us make a leader and return to Egypt" and make an idolatry for ourselves to rule over us—and let us return to Egypt. One might think that they merely spoke thus, but did not do. It is, therefore, written (Nechemiah 9:17) "And they refused to hearken, and they did not remember Your wonders that You wrought for them. And they stiffened their necks, and they appointed a leader to return to their work. But You are the G–d of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, withholding wrath and abundant in lovingkindness, and You did not forsake them." And it is written (Ibid. 18) "And even when they made a golden calf, etc."

Themes

Moses Repentance Miracles Holy Land

Biblical References

Numbers 14:4

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