We all know the story of the Exodus, of course. Moses, the pillar of cloud, the parting waters… But who was brave enough to actually take the first step into the unknown?
According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating and often imaginative collection of stories filling in the gaps of the biblical narrative, it was none other than the tribe of Judah.
Rabbi Akiva, a towering figure in Jewish tradition, tells us that as the Israelites stood at the edge of the Yam Suf (the Reed Sea), they hesitated. Can you blame them? Imagine the roar of the water, the sheer terror of the unknown. Fear gripped them. They started to back away.
But then, something extraordinary happened.
The tribe of Judah, known for their courage and leadership, stepped forward. They kiddush Hashem—sanctified God's name—and plunged into the sea. And under their leadership, the rest of Israel followed. As the verse says, "Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion" (Psalm 114:2). Judah led the way, becoming a sanctuary, a safe space to begin to trust in the miraculous.
Now, what about the Egyptians? They were hot on Israel’s heels, ready to recapture their former slaves. They wanted to follow the Israelites into the sea, but they were also afraid. The text tells us that they, too, hesitated, fearing the waters would close in on them.
And here’s where the story gets really interesting. The Holy One, blessed be He, appeared to the Egyptians in a rather unexpected form.
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer describes God appearing as a man riding on the back of a mare. "To a steed in Pharaoh's chariots" (Song of Songs 1:9) is the verse that hints at this. Imagine the scene. Pharaoh’s horse saw this “mare” and, well, it did what horses do. It neighed, it charged, and it plunged headlong into the sea. The rest of the Egyptian army, compelled by their horses, followed suit, straight into the trap. The image of God, not as a fearsome warrior, but as a rider on a mare, leading the enemy to their doom. It's a reminder that God works in mysterious ways, using even the most unexpected means to achieve His purposes. It is also a reminder that sometimes, our animal nature takes over. That passion, for good or ill, can lead us into places we might not otherwise go.
And isn't that what makes these ancient stories so compelling? They're not just historical accounts; they're explorations of human nature, of faith, and of the enduring power of the divine. They're a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming fear, courage and faith can lead us to unexpected salvation. And sometimes, even a horse can play a role in the unfolding of history.