(Exodus 13 — 17) "And it was, when G–d sent ("shalach") the

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Vayehi Beshalach 1:1

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 9, 2025

(Exodus 13:17) "And it was, when G–d sent ("shalach") the people": "sending" in all places is accompaniment, viz. (Genesis 18:16) "And Abraham went with them to send them," (Ibid. 26:31) "And Israel sent them." The mouth (of Pharaoh) that said (Exodus 5:2) "Israel, too, I will not send," it is that (mouth) which said (Ibid. 10:10) "I will send you and your children." How was he rewarded for this? (Devarim 23:8) "You shall not abominate an Egyptian." The mouth which said (Exodus 5:2) "I do not know the L–rd," it is that (mouth) which said (Ibid. 14:25) "I will flee from before Israel, for the L–rd wars for them against the Egyptians." How was he rewarded for this? (Isaiah 19:19) "On that day there will be an altar to the L–rd in the midst of the land of Egypt and a pillar at its border to the L–rd." The mouth which said (Exodus 5:2) "Who is the L–rd that I should hearken to His voice," it is that mouth which said (Ibid. 9:27) "the L–rd is the Tzaddik, and I and my people are the wicked"—wherefore He gave them a place for burial, as it is written (Ibid. 15:12) "You inclined Your right hand—the earth swallowed them up."

Themes

Patriarchs Moses Prophecy Divine justice Temple

Biblical References

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