Events Leading to the Splitting of the Sea (based on Midrash) (1) Pharaoh sent agents to make sure that the Jews would return to Egypt after 3 days. When the time expired and it was clear the Jews had no intention of returning, the agents go back to inform Pharaoh. This all took 6 days. On the 7th day, Pharaoh realized that the riches the Jews took on loan from the Egyptians (really the treasure amassed by Joseph) would never come back. No deposit, no return! (2) Pharaoh requests volunteers to supply horses for chariots. (The only animals left in Egypt after the plagues, belonged to Egyptians who feared God and had their property spared.) 600 choice chariots later, Pharaoh is on his way. He saddles his own chariot out of his hatred for the Jews, and promises his people to divide the loot with them (Exodus 14:6). (3) The Jews stop at the shrine of Baal Tzafon (the only idol still standing, not in Egypt proper, but by the sea) in order to fool the Egyptians. How could we have forgotten the power of Baal Tzafon?? (4) The rebels Datan and Aviram complain to Moses: Are there no graves in Egypt, that you have to take us to die in the desert? (Exodus 14:11) (They still had a sense of humor!) Replies Moses, God will fight for you and you be silent (Exodus 14:13). In other words, say goodbye to the Egyptians forever! (5) When the Egyptians catch up to the Jews, night arrives. The pillar of fire comes before the Israelite camp, and the pillar of cloud separates between them and the Egyptians -- blocking out the light and absorbing all the missiles shot their way. Moses spreads his staff over the waters and the easterly wind begins to blow. All night long, the wind blows until the sea dries up. But not before Nachshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, jumps into the sea up until his nose (Midrash). (6) By morning, the sea is fully split. The bottom layer has solidified so the people dont have to descend to the sea bottom. The top layer is dry land in the midst of the sea(Exodus 14:16) (Malbim). (7) According to the Midrash, each of the 12 tribes had their own pathway, and the walls of the sea provided fresh water, fruits, and sweets for the children. (8) The Revelation at the Sea was so great that even the servants saw what Ezekiel the prophet never saw. And Ezekiel saw a lot! The Heavens opened up and I saw visions of the Almighty on His throne (Ezekiel 1:1) (Talmud). (9) The greatest miracle of all: The Egyptians follow the Jews into the sea! How could they be so foolish? Dont you know a miracle when you see one?? The answer is that when someone has a predetermined conception (i.e. it must be a quirk of nature), he doesnt change by just observing a few miracles. (10) At sunrise, the pillar of cloud returns to the front of the camp, and the pillar of fire comes down on the Egyptians, making them very hot! The wheels of the Egyptian chariots melt, and the horses - seeing visions of female mares - continue racing into the sea, making the Egyptians stomachs feel like milk shakes (Exodus 14:25) (Midrash). (11) The Egyptians finally proclaim: It is God who is fighting for them [the Jews] in Egypt (Exodus 14:25). The Egyptians now feel the full power of God and are able to comprehend retroactively that it wasnt nature or magic, but the Divine Power all along. Its worthwhile to get this realization even a few minutes before death! (Rabbi Avigdor Miller) (12) God instructs Moses to wave his staff over the sea, and the waters return to cover the Egyptians (Exodus 14:26).
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:30:01 +0000
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