Let's dive into a fascinating interpretation from Shir HaShirim Rabbah (Song of Songs Rabbah) that paints a vivid picture.
The Rabbis, in their insightful way, connect verses from different parts of the Bible to illuminate the Exodus story. They begin by focusing on the verse "Behold the bed [mitato]." Now, in this context, "bed" isn't just about a place to sleep. It's a symbol. And it leads to a deeper dive into the phrases "his tribes [matotav]" and "his clans." The Rabbis link "matot" to the phrase "The oaths of the tribes [matot]" found in Habakkuk 3:9, drawing a parallel between the tribes of Israel and their solemn commitments.
Then comes "of Solomon [Shlomo]," but it's not just about King Solomon, son of David. The Rabbis cleverly add, "of the king [of Whom it may be said] that peace [shalom] is His." This connects Solomon, whose name means "peace," to God himself, the ultimate source of peace. Pretty neat, huh?
Next, the text speaks of "sixty valiant men." But who are these men? According to Shir HaShirim Rabbah, these represent the six hundred thousand Israelites who left Egypt, all those twenty years of age and above. And what about "the valiant of Israel?" Those are the six hundred thousand who departed Egypt from twenty years of age and below. A whole nation, young and old, ready to start anew.
But here’s where it gets truly interesting. "Each armed with a sword, trained in war; each man, a sword on his thigh." This isn't just about physical weapons; it's about spiritual readiness. The text tells us that when Moses relayed God's commandment, "All uncircumcised shall not eat from it" (Exodus 12:48), every single man grabbed his sword and circumcised himself. Talk about dedication! Imagine that scene. A mass act of faith and obedience, right there in the desert.
But who performed all those circumcisions? The text presents two fascinating opinions. Rabbi Berekhya suggests that Moses was the circumciser, Aaron uncovered the skin (a necessary part of the ritual), and Joshua gave them something to drink afterward. A real team effort! Others say it was Joshua who performed the circumcisions, Aaron who uncovered the skin, and Moses who provided the drink. This alternative version links to Joshua 5:2, where God commands Joshua to "Make flint knives for yourself and circumcise the children of Israel again, a second time."
Why "a second time?" Because, according to this interpretation, they had already been circumcised once before! Immediately, "Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the children of Israel at the Hill of the Foreskins" (Joshua 5:3).
And what's the deal with this "Hill of the Foreskins?" Rabbi Levi offers a powerful image: that the hill was actually made from the foreskins themselves. Can you picture that? A physical testament to their commitment to God, a mountain of sacrifice rising from the desert floor.
So, what do we take away from this midrashic exploration? It's more than just a story about circumcision. It's about the unwavering faith and dedication of a people preparing to enter into a covenant with God. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound acts of faith require courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the covenant, even when it's challenging. And it makes you think – what "hills of foreskins" are we building in our own lives, what sacrifices are we making to live a life dedicated to the Divine?