Let’s dive into a fascinating interpretation of a familiar story – the Song at the Sea, from Exodus 15. You know, the one that starts, "Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord...".

Now, pay close attention to that little word, "Then" – in Hebrew, az. "Az Moses sang..." That tiny word holds a universe of meaning, according to Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus.

Shemot Rabbah 23 draws a profound connection between that moment of song and a verse from Psalms: "Your throne is established of old [me’az]; [You have existed from eternity]" (Psalms 93:2).

Rabbi Berekhya, quoting Rabbi Abahu, offers a stunning idea: Even though God has existed eternally, His throne wasn't truly settled, He wasn't fully known in the world, until His children sang that song. It was only then, with that az, that things shifted. Mind-blowing, right?

Think of it like this, and this analogy comes straight from Shemot Rabbah: Imagine a king who goes to war and wins. Before the victory, he’s still a king, sure. But afterward? They make him an emperor.

What's the difference? Well, a king is often depicted standing, ready for battle. But an emperor? He's shown seated, having already conquered his enemies, at rest upon his throne. He's established.

The text contrasts the Hebrew words me’az (from then) and az (then). Before creation, before the splitting of the sea, God was. But there’s a distinction. The text implies God was, “as it were, standing,” as it says in Habakkuk 3:6, "He stood and measured the earth."

But when the Israelites stood at the sea and sang that song, with that powerful word "az," then God's kingdom was settled. Then His throne was established. "Your throne is established of old [me’az]," because "az Moses sang."

What does this all mean? It suggests that our praise, our acknowledgment of God's power and presence in the world, isn't just a one-way street. It actually establishes God's reign in a new way. Our song, our gratitude, our very recognition of the Divine, solidifies the throne. As Ginzberg retells it in Legends of the Jews, the song elevated God's status in the eyes of the world.

It's a participatory relationship. It's not just about God acting upon us, but about us, through our actions and especially through our expressions of faith, creating a space for the Divine to be fully realized.

Food for thought, isn't it? Next time you sing a prayer, or express gratitude, remember the Song at the Sea. Remember az. You're not just reciting words; you're helping to establish the very throne of God in the world.