Talk about pressure!
So, what do you do when you're stuck between a relentless enemy and a seemingly impassable sea? That's exactly the question Moses puts to the Holy One, blessed be He, according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early medieval text. "Sovereign of all worlds!" Moses cries out, "The enemy is behind them, and the sea is in front of them, which way shall they go forward?"
It’s a raw, desperate plea. And the response is… well, pretty awesome.
God sends Michael. Yes, the Michael, one of the most powerful archangels. And what does Michael do? He becomes a wall of fire between the Israelites and the pursuing Egyptians. Can you picture it? A blazing barrier, protecting the fleeing people. The Egyptians, eager for the kill, are thwarted, unable to penetrate the fiery defense. They want to follow Israel, but they simply cannot get close because of the fire.
It's more than just a physical barrier, though. It's a symbol of divine protection, a sign that even in the direst circumstances, hope – and help – can appear in unexpected forms.
But here's another layer to the story. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer tells us that the angels themselves were so overwhelmed by the plight of Israel that they remained silent all night. "The angels beheld the misfortune of Israel all the night, and they uttered neither praise nor sanctification to their Creator," the text says, citing Exodus 14:20: "And the one came not near the other all the night." These celestial beings, whose very purpose is to sing God’s praises, were so moved by the suffering of the Israelites that they couldn’t bring themselves to do it. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense suffering, empathy and solidarity can take precedence.
What does this ancient story tell us today? Maybe it’s a reminder that even when we feel trapped, when we can’t see a way out, help might be closer than we think. Maybe it’s a call to recognize and acknowledge the suffering of others, even when it’s difficult or overwhelming. And maybe, just maybe, it's a reminder that sometimes, even the angels are speechless.