(Exodus 14 — 20) "And it (the cloud) came between the camp of

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Vayehi Beshalach 5:5

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 15, 2025

(Exodus 14:20) "And it (the cloud) came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel, and it was cloud and darkness"—cloud for Israel and darkness for Egypt; Israel in the light, and Egypt in the dark, as in (Ibid. 10:23) "One man did not see another, and no man rose from his place for three days." And thus do you find in time to come, viz. (Isaiah 60:1) "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the L–rd has shone upon you." Why? (Ibid. 2) "For, behold, the darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, and upon you the L–rd will shine, and His honor will be seen upon you." And, what is more, he who is enveloped in darkness will see him who is enveloped in light. For the Egyptians, steeped in darkness, saw Israel in the light, eating, drinking and rejoicing. And they shot arrows and projectiles upon them, and the cloud and the angel protected them. And it is written (II Samuel 22:3) "My Shield, the horn of my salvation, my fortress and my refuge, my savior—You will save me from violence." And it is written (Ibid. 31) "He is a Shield to all who take shelter in Him."

Themes

Redemption Moses Prophecy Angels Holy Land

Biblical References

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