Variantly — "and shalishim" — Three (Egyptians) against every

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Vayehi Beshalach 2:31

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 24, 2025

Variantly: "and shalishim": Three (Egyptians) against every one (Israelite). Others say: three hundred against one. And how did Pharaoh know how many Israelites died in the three days of darkness and how many left Egypt? He took out their registries and apportioned warriors accordingly. Similarly, R. Yirmiyah expounded (II Chronicles 14:8) "And Zerach the Cushite went out against them with an army of a thousand thousands and three hundred chariots." How did he know how many there were of them? According to the number of (their) chariots, he apportioned warriors. Variantly: "and shalishim 'upon all of them'": ('al kulo') in order to destroy them. In the past (he commanded [(Exodus 1:22)]) "Every son that is born, into the Nile shall you throw him," but here, "and "shalishim 'al kulo'" ("in order to destroy" [all of them]), viz. (Ibid. 15:9) "I shall draw forth my sword; my hand shall impoverish (i.e., eradicate) them."

Themes

Moses Death Holy Land

Biblical References

II Chronicles 14:8

Continue Reading

Book of Jasher Death of Magron We know the biblical account, but there are other traditions that fill in the gaps, offering a more detailed picture of ... Book of Jasher Jochebed's Legacy Today, we’re diving into Chapter 59, a chapter that, on the surface, seems like a simple list of names, but it’s so much... Book of Jasher God Tells Moses His Time Has Come and Joshua Rises The Sefer haYashar, or Book of Jasher, a collection of Jewish legends and lore, gives us a glimpse. Chapter 87 opens wit... Ginzberg Vol. 2 Joseph's Three Masters His story, a cornerstone of the Hebrew Bible, is filled with dramatic turns, betrayal, and ultimately, triumph. But let'... Ginzberg Vol. 2 The Wives Of The Sons Of Jacob The story, as told in Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, begins with Judah. After the sale of Joseph into slavery, Judah's ... Ginzberg Vol. 2 The Beginning Of The Egyptian Bondage There was a transition, a gradual dimming of the light. It’s almost like the Egyptians were waiting for something… or so... Ginzberg Moses and the Heavenly Realms of Angels Jewish tradition offers some truly fascinating perspectives. For instance, the idea that God's goodness should reign on ... Ginzberg Joseph Needed Pharaoh's Permission to Bury Jacob in Canaan You're not alone. Even Joseph, the powerful vizier of Egypt, had to navigate those tricky waters. Imagine the scene: Jac... Ginzberg Joseph and the Patriarchs of Egypt It wasn't a simple affair, that's for sure. The Bible tells us he died in Egypt, surrounded by his family. But getting h...