(Exodus 14:15) "And the L–rd said to Moses: Why do you cry out to Me?" R. Yehoshua says: The Holy One Blessed be He said to Moses: Moses, all that Israel has to do is to go forward.
R. Eliezer says: The Holy One Blessed be He said to Moses: Moses, My children are in trouble. The sea is raging and the foe is pursuing and you stand and prolong your prayers? For R. Eliezer was wont to say: There is a time to prolong (prayer) and a time to shorten. (Numbers 12:13) "G–d, I pray You, heal her" — to shorten. (Devarim 9:18) "And I fell down before the L–rd (in prayer) as at first, forty days and forty nights" — to prolong.
R. Yishmael says: In the merit of Jerusalem I will split the sea for them, as it is written (Isaiah 52:1) "Awake, awake, clothe yourself in splendor, O Zion. Don your robes of glory, O Jerusalem, holy city. For there will not again enter you the uncircumcised and the unclean", and (Ibid. 51:9-10) "Awake, awake, clothe yourself in splendor, O arm of the L–rd. Awake as in days of old, as in generations of yore … Is it not You that dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, a road for the redeemed to cross?"
Variantly: Because of My promise to their father Abraham I will split the sea for them, viz. (Genesis 28:14) "And your seed shall be as the dust of the earth, ufaratzta yamah vakedma", "ufaratzta yamah" intimating the splitting of the sea.
R. Yehudah b. Betheirah says: The Holy One Blessed be He said to him: I have already fulfilled My promise to your father Abraham, viz. (Exodus, Ibid. 21) "and He made the sea into the dry land" (that He had promised to Abraham) (Ibid. 29) "and the children of Israel walked in the dry land (that had already been made) in the midst of the sea."
R. Shimon b. Yochai says: The sun and the moon testify that I have already split the sea for them, viz. (Jeremiah 31:35) "Thus said the L–rd who gives the sun for light by day, the laws of moon and stars for light by night, who splits the sea and stuns its waves — the L–rd of hosts is His name."
R. Bana'ah says: In the merit of the mitzvoth performed by Abraham I will split the sea for them, viz. (Genesis 22:3) "and he split the wood for the burnt-offering" — and here (Exodus 14:21) "and the waters were split."
R. Shimon Hatemani says: In the merit of circumcision I will split the sea for them, viz. (Jeremiah 33:25) "If not for My covenant, day and night, I would not have made the statutes of heaven and earth." Which covenant obtains both day and night? Circumcision.
10
רַבִּי אַבְטוֹלָס הַזָּקֵן אוֹמֵר: מוֹשְׁלוֹ מָשָׁל, לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה? לְמֶלֶךְ שֶׁכָּעַס עַל בְּנוֹ, וּטְרָדוֹ.*טְרָדוֹ: גרש אותו מביתו. נִכְנַס אֶפִּיטְרוֹפְּסוֹ לְבַקֵּשׁ הֵימֶנּוּ.*אֶפִּיטְרוֹפּוֹס. epítropos: ממונה על רכוש, או על חינוכו של ילד. אָמַר לוֹ: כְּלוּם אַתְּ מְבַקֵּשׁ מִמֶּנִּי, לֹא מִפְּנֵי בְּנִי? כְּבַר נִרְצֵיתִי לִבְנִי! "דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!"
R. Avshalom the elder says: An analogy: A man gets angry with his son and drives him from the house. His lover comes in to beseech him to restore him to his house. He responds: Are you beseeching me for my son? I have already come to terms with my son.
Rebbi says: Last night you said (i.e., you complained to Me) (Exodus 5:23) "And from the time I came to Pharaoh, etc." And now you stand and wax long in prayer? "Why do you cry out to Me?" Rebbi says (Exodus 14:15) "Speak to the children of Israel and have them go forward ('veyisa'u')." Have them retract ('yasiu') the things that they said. Last night they said (Ibid. 11) "Is it for lack of graves, etc.?" and now you stand and wax long in prayer (for them)? "Why do you cry out to Me?" Let them retract what they have said.
The sages say: He wrought with them for His name's sake, viz. (Isaiah 48:11) "For My sake, for My sake shall I do, etc." And (Ibid. 63:12) "He split the sea before them." Why? (Ibid.) "To make Himself an eternal name."
R. Elazar b. Azaryah says: In the merit of their father Abraham I will split the sea for them, viz. (Psalms 105:42) "For He remembered His holy word to Abraham His servant. (43) And He led out His people with joy, etc."
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רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר אִישׁ כְּפַר תּוּתָא אוֹמֵר: בִּזְכוּת הַשְּׁבָטִים אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (חבקוק ג,יד) "נָקַבְתָּ בְמַטָּיו רֹאשׁ פְּרָזָו,*נָקַבְתָּ בְמַטָּיו רֹאשׁ פְּרָזָו: דקרת בחניתותיהם את ראשי שליטיו. אבל רבי אלעזר דורש מטיו, שבטים. יִסְעֲרוּ לַהֲפִיצֵנִי, עֲלִיצֻתָם כְּמוֹ לֶאֱכֹל עָנִי בַּמִּסְתָּר."*יִסְעֲרוּ לַהֲפִיצֵנִי, עֲלִיצֻתָם כְּמוֹ לֶאֱכֹל עָנִי בַּמִּסְתָּר: האיבים מסתערים להפיץ את ישראל ושמחים כמו שודד הגוזל עני בלי שיראו אותו. מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (תהלים קלו,יג) "לְגֹזֵר יַם סוּף לִגְזָרִים".
R. Eliezer b. Yehudah of Bortutha says: In the merit of the tribes I will split the sea for them, viz. (Habakkuk 3:14) "You have split (the sea) for his tribes, the heads of his scattered ones, etc." And it is written (Psalms 136:13) "who split the sea into sections."
Shmayah says: The faith that Abraham their father had in Me suffices for Me to split the sea for them, viz. (Exodus 4:31) "And the people believed when they heard, etc."
Shimon of Kitron says: In the merit of the bones of Joseph I will split the sea for them, viz. (Genesis 39:12) "And he left his garment in her hand and he fled." And it is written (Psalms 114:3) "The sea saw and it fled, etc."
R. Nathan says in the name of Abba Yossi Hamechuzi: ("Why do you cry out to Me?") Have I not had it written (Numbers 12:7) "In all of My house he (Moses) is trusted"? You (Moses) are in My dominion and the sea is in My dominion, and I have appointed you a keeper over it. (Therefore, [Exodus 14:16] "Raise your staff, etc.")
R. Chanina b. Chachinai says: Have I not had it written (Mishlei 17:17) "A brother is born for (times of) trouble"? I am a brother to Israel in their time of trouble. "Brother" (here) signifies Israel, viz. (Psalms 122:8) "For the sake of My brothers and My friends I will speak for peace in you (Jerusalem)."
R. Shimon b. Yehudah says: "Why do you cry out to Me?" Their cries have already preceded yours, viz. (Exodus 14:10) "and the children of Israel cried out to the L–rd, etc."
R. Acha says: The Holy One Blessed be He said: If not for your outcry, I would have destroyed them for the idolatry in their midst, viz. (Zechariah 10:11) "And tzarah crossed the sea," tzarah (here) being idolatry, as in (Isaiah 28:20) "and the molten image, tzarah, etc." and as in (Leviticus 18:18) "And a woman to her sister do not take litzror" (to be a rival). And because of your outcry I have withdrawn My wrath, as it is written (Psalms 106:22-23) ("… awesome deeds at the Red Sea) and he thought to destroy them if Moses His chosen one had not stood in the breach before Him, to turn His wrath from destruction."
R. Eliezer Hamodai says: "Why do you cry out to Me?" I do not have to be commanded for the children of Israel, (Isaiah 45:11) "For My children and the work of My hands would you command Me?" Are they not "readied" before Me from the six days of creation? (Jeremiah 31:36) "Just as these laws (of nature) will not depart from before Me, says the L–rd, so the children of Israel will not cease from being a nation before me for all time."
Others say: The faith that they had in Me suffices for Me to split the sea for them. They did not say to Moses: How can we go out to the desert without food? But they believed in Moses and followed him. Of this it is written in the Tradition (Jeremiah 2:2) "Go and call out in the ears of Jerusalem, saying … I have remembered for you the lovingkindness of your youth, the love of your espousals, your following Me in the desert, in a land unsown." How were they rewarded for this? (Ibid. 3) "Holy is Israel unto the L–rd, the first of His harvest. All of its eaters will be blamed. Evil will come upon them, says the L–rd."
R. Yossi Haglili says: When Israel entered the sea, Mount Moriah was uprooted from its place, with the altar of Israel built upon it, and its woodpile upon it, and Isaac bound upon it upon the altar, and Abraham stretching out his hand and taking the knife to slaughter his son — whereupon the L–rd said to Moses: Moses, My children are in trouble, the sea raging and the foe pursuing them, and you stand and indulge in prayer? Moses: But what can I do? The L–rd: "Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea, etc." And you — exalt and praise and accord song and praise and thanks and grandeur and glory and splendor and hallel to the Master of wars!
(שמות יד,טו) "וַיֹּאמֶר יי אֶל מֹשֶׁה: מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי? דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!" רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אוֹמֵר: אֵין לָהֶם לְיִשְׂרָאֵל אֶלָּא לִסַּע בִּלְבַד.
(Exodus 14:15) "And the L–rd said to Moses: Why do you cry out to Me?" R. Yehoshua says: The Holy One Blessed be He said to Moses: Moses, all that Israel has to do is to go forward.
רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר אוֹמֵר: בָּנַי נְתוּנִים בַּצָּרָה! הַיָּם סוֹגֵר, וְשׂוֹנֵא רוֹדֵף, וְאַתָּה עוֹמֵד וּמַרְבֶּה בִתְפִלָּה! "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי?" שֶׁהָיָה אוֹמֵר: יֵשׁ שָׁעָה לְקַצֵּר, וְיֵשׁ שָׁעָה לְהַאֲרִיךְ. (במדבר יב,יג) "אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ", הֲרֵי זֶה לְקַצֵּר. (דברים ט,יח) "וָאֶתְנַפַּל לִפְנֵי יי כָּרִאשֹׁנָה אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם", הֲרֵי זֶה לְהַאֲרִיךְ.
R. Eliezer says: The Holy One Blessed be He said to Moses: Moses, My children are in trouble. The sea is raging and the foe is pursuing and you stand and prolong your prayers? For R. Eliezer was wont to say: There is a time to prolong (prayer) and a time to shorten. (Numbers 12:13) "G–d, I pray You, heal her" — to shorten. (Devarim 9:18) "And I fell down before the L–rd (in prayer) as at first, forty days and forty nights" — to prolong.
רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: אִם לְאָדָם יָחִיד עָשִׂיתִי לוֹ יָם יַבָּשָׁה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית א,ט) "וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים: יִקָּווּ הַמַּיִם!"*יִקָּווּ: יתכנסו. לַעֲדַת קְדוֹשִׁים אֵלּוּ, אֵינִי עוֹשֶׂה לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם יַבָּשָׁה? "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי? דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!"
R. Meir says: If for Adam, who was alone, I made dry land (viz. Genesis 1:9), for this assembly of holy ones shall I not make dry land?
רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל אוֹמֵר: "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי", בִּזְכוּת יְרוּשָׁלַיִם אֲנִי אֶקְרַע לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ישעיה נא,ט-י) "עוּרִי, עוּרִי! לִבְשִׁי עֹז זְרוֹעַ יי! עוּרִי כִּימֵי קֶדֶם, דֹּרוֹת עוֹלָמִים! הֲלוֹא אַתְּ הִיא הַמַּחְצֶבֶת רַהַב, מְחוֹלֶלֶת תַּנִּין?*אַתְּ הִיא הַמַּחְצֶבֶת רַהַב: את, זרוע ה', הורגת את רהב, שר של ים שרצה להציף את הארץ. הֲלוֹא אַתְּ הִיא הַמַּחֲרֶבֶת יָם, מֵי תְּהוֹם רַבָּה,*הַמַּחֲרֶבֶת יָם: מייבשת את הים. הַשָּׂמָה מַעֲמַקֵּי יָם דֶּרֶךְ לַעֲבֹר גְּאוּלִים?" דָּבָר אַחֵר: עוֹשֶׂה אֲנִי הַבְטָחָה שֶׁהִבְטַחְתִּי אֶת אֲבוֹתֵיהֶן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית מח,כא) "וְהָיָה אֱלֹהִים עִמָּכֶם וְהֵשִׁיב אֶתְכֶם אֶל אֶרֶץ אֲבֹתֵיכֶם."
R. Yishmael says: In the merit of Jerusalem I will split the sea for them, as it is written (Isaiah 52:1) "Awake, awake, clothe yourself in splendor, O Zion. Don your robes of glory, O Jerusalem, holy city. For there will not again enter you the uncircumcised and the unclean", and (Ibid. 51:9-10) "Awake, awake, clothe yourself in splendor, O arm of the L–rd. Awake as in days of old, as in generations of yore … Is it not You that dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, a road for the redeemed to cross?"
רַבִּי עֲקִיבָה אוֹמֵר: בִּזְכוּת יַעֲקֹב אֲבִיהֶן אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית כח,יד) "וְהָיָה זַרְעֲךָ כַּעֲפַר הָאָרֶץ, וּפָרַצְתָּ יָמָּה וָקֵדְמָה".
Variantly: Because of My promise to their father Abraham I will split the sea for them, viz. (Genesis 28:14) "And your seed shall be as the dust of the earth, ufaratzta yamah vakedma", "ufaratzta yamah" intimating the splitting of the sea.
רַבִּי יְהוּדָה בֶּן בְּתֵירָה אוֹמֵר: כְּבַר עָשִׂיתִי הַבְטָחָה שֶׁהִבְטַחְתִּי אֶת אֲבוֹתֵיהֶן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (שמות יד,כא) "וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת הַיָּם לֶחָרָבָה וַיִּבָּקְעוּ הַמָּיִם." (שמות יד,כט) "וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָלְכוּ בַיַּבָּשָׁה בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם"
R. Yehudah b. Betheirah says: The Holy One Blessed be He said to him: I have already fulfilled My promise to your father Abraham, viz. (Exodus, Ibid. 21) "and He made the sea into the dry land" (that He had promised to Abraham) (Ibid. 29) "and the children of Israel walked in the dry land (that had already been made) in the midst of the sea."
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחַי אוֹמֵר: כְּבַר חַמָּה וּלְבָנָה מְעִידִין עֲלֵיהֶן, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ירמיה לא,לד) "כִּי כֹּה אָמַר יי, נֹתֵן שֶׁמֶשׁ לְאוֹר יוֹמָם, חֻקֹּת יָרֵחַ וְכוֹכָבִים לְאוֹר לָיְלָה, רֹגַע הַיָּם וַיֶּהֱמוּ גַלָּיו, יי צְבָאוֹת שְׁמוֹ."
R. Shimon b. Yochai says: The sun and the moon testify that I have already split the sea for them, viz. (Jeremiah 31:35) "Thus said the L–rd who gives the sun for light by day, the laws of moon and stars for light by night, who splits the sea and stuns its waves — the L–rd of hosts is His name."
רַבִּי בְּנָיָה אוֹמֵר: בִּזְכוּת מִצְוָה שֶׁעָשָׂה אֲבִיהֶם אַבְרָהָם אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית כב,ג) "וַיְבַקַּע עֲצֵי עֹלָה וַיָּקָם וַיֵּלֶךְ אֶל הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אָמַר לוֹ הָאֱלֹהִים." וְנֶאֱמַר (שמות יד,כא) "וַיִּבָּקְעוּ הַמָּיִם".
R. Bana'ah says: In the merit of the mitzvoth performed by Abraham I will split the sea for them, viz. (Genesis 22:3) "and he split the wood for the burnt-offering" — and here (Exodus 14:21) "and the waters were split."
שִׁמְעוֹן הַתֵּימָנִי אוֹמֵר: "בִּזְכוּת הַמִּילָה אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ירמיה לג,כה) "כֹּה אָמַר יי: אִם לֹא בְרִיתִי יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה, חֻקּוֹת שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ לֹא שָׂמְתִּי." אֵי זוֹ הִיא בְרִית שֶׁהִיא נוֹהֶגֶת בַּיּוֹם וּבַלַּיְלָה? אֵין אַתְּ מוֹצֵא אֶלָּא מִילָה.
R. Shimon Hatemani says: In the merit of circumcision I will split the sea for them, viz. (Jeremiah 33:25) "If not for My covenant, day and night, I would not have made the statutes of heaven and earth." Which covenant obtains both day and night? Circumcision.
רַבִּי אַבְטוֹלָס הַזָּקֵן אוֹמֵר: מוֹשְׁלוֹ מָשָׁל, לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה? לְמֶלֶךְ שֶׁכָּעַס עַל בְּנוֹ, וּטְרָדוֹ.*טְרָדוֹ: גרש אותו מביתו. נִכְנַס אֶפִּיטְרוֹפְּסוֹ לְבַקֵּשׁ הֵימֶנּוּ.*אֶפִּיטְרוֹפּוֹס. epítropos: ממונה על רכוש, או על חינוכו של ילד. אָמַר לוֹ: כְּלוּם אַתְּ מְבַקֵּשׁ מִמֶּנִּי, לֹא מִפְּנֵי בְּנִי? כְּבַר נִרְצֵיתִי לִבְנִי! "דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!"
R. Avshalom the elder says: An analogy: A man gets angry with his son and drives him from the house. His lover comes in to beseech him to restore him to his house. He responds: Are you beseeching me for my son? I have already come to terms with my son.
"דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!" אֶמֶשׁ הָיָה אוֹמֵר: (שמות ה,כג) "וּמֵאָז בָּאתִי אֶל פַּרְעֹה לְדַבֵּר בִּשְׁמֶךָ, הֵרַע לָעָם הַזֶּה", וְעַכְשָׁו אַתְּ עוֹמֵד וּמַרְבֶּה בִתְפִלָּה! "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי? דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!"
Thus, the L–rd: "Why do you cry out to Me?" I have already come to terms with them."
רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: "דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ", יַסִּיעוּ דְבָרִים מִלִּבָּן! אֶמֶשׁ הָיוּ אוֹמְרִים: (שמות יד,יא) "הֲמִבְּלִי אֵין קְבָרִים בְּמִצְרַיִם", וְעַכְשָׁו אַתָּה עוֹמֵד וּמַרְבֶּה בִתְפִלָּה! "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי? דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִסָּעוּ!" יַסִּיעוּ דְּבָרִים מִלִּבָּן!
Rebbi says: Last night you said (i.e., you complained to Me) (Exodus 5:23) "And from the time I came to Pharaoh, etc." And now you stand and wax long in prayer? "Why do you cry out to Me?" Rebbi says (Exodus 14:15) "Speak to the children of Israel and have them go forward ('veyisa'u')." Have them retract ('yasiu') the things that they said. Last night they said (Ibid. 11) "Is it for lack of graves, etc.?" and now you stand and wax long in prayer (for them)? "Why do you cry out to Me?" Let them retract what they have said.
וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: לְמַעַן שְׁמוֹ עָשָׂה עִמָּהֶם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ישעיה מח,יא) "לְמַעֲנִי לְמַעֲנִי אֶעֱשֶׂה, כִּי אֵיךְ יֵחָל? וּכְבוֹדִי לְאַחֵר לֹא אֶתֵּן." (ישעיה סג,יב) "בּוֹקֵעַ מַיִם מִפְּנֵיהֶם", מִפְּנֵי מָה? כְּדֵי "לַעֲשׁוֹת לוֹ שֵׁם עוֹלָם".
The sages say: He wrought with them for His name's sake, viz. (Isaiah 48:11) "For My sake, for My sake shall I do, etc." And (Ibid. 63:12) "He split the sea before them." Why? (Ibid.) "To make Himself an eternal name."
רַבִּי אוֹמֵר: כְּדַי הִיא הָאֲמָנָה שֶׁהֶאֱמִינוּ בִּי, שֶׁאֶקְרַע לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (שמות יד,ב) "וְיָשֻׁבוּ וְיַחֲנוּ לִפְנֵי פִּי הַחִירֹת".
Rebbi says: Their faith in Me suffices Me to split the sea for them. As it is written (Exodus 14:2) "Let them return and encamp, etc."
רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר בֶּן עֲזַרְיָה אוֹמֵר: בִּזְכוּת אַבְרָהָם אֲבִיהֶם אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (תהלים קה,מב-מג) "כִּי זָכַר אֶת דְּבַר קָדְשׁוֹ אֶת אַבְרָהָם עַבְדּוֹ. וַיּוֹצִא עַמּוֹ בְשָׂשׂוֹן, בְּרִנָּה אֶת בְּחִירָיו."
R. Elazar b. Azaryah says: In the merit of their father Abraham I will split the sea for them, viz. (Psalms 105:42) "For He remembered His holy word to Abraham His servant. (43) And He led out His people with joy, etc."
רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר אִישׁ כְּפַר תּוּתָא אוֹמֵר: בִּזְכוּת הַשְּׁבָטִים אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (חבקוק ג,יד) "נָקַבְתָּ בְמַטָּיו רֹאשׁ פְּרָזָו,*נָקַבְתָּ בְמַטָּיו רֹאשׁ פְּרָזָו: דקרת בחניתותיהם את ראשי שליטיו. אבל רבי אלעזר דורש מטיו, שבטים. יִסְעֲרוּ לַהֲפִיצֵנִי, עֲלִיצֻתָם כְּמוֹ לֶאֱכֹל עָנִי בַּמִּסְתָּר."*יִסְעֲרוּ לַהֲפִיצֵנִי, עֲלִיצֻתָם כְּמוֹ לֶאֱכֹל עָנִי בַּמִּסְתָּר: האיבים מסתערים להפיץ את ישראל ושמחים כמו שודד הגוזל עני בלי שיראו אותו. מַהוּ אוֹמֵר? (תהלים קלו,יג) "לְגֹזֵר יַם סוּף לִגְזָרִים".
R. Eliezer b. Yehudah of Bortutha says: In the merit of the tribes I will split the sea for them, viz. (Habakkuk 3:14) "You have split (the sea) for his tribes, the heads of his scattered ones, etc." And it is written (Psalms 136:13) "who split the sea into sections."
שְׁמַעְיָה אוֹמֵר: כְּדַי הִיא הָאֲמָנָה שֶׁהֶאֱמִין בִּי אַבְרָהָם אֲבִיהֶם, שֶׁאֶקְרַע לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית טו,ו) "וְהֶאֱמִן בַּיי, וַיַּחְשְׁבֶהָ לּוֹ צְדָקָה."
Shmayah says: The faith that Abraham their father had in Me suffices for Me to split the sea for them, viz. (Exodus 4:31) "And the people believed when they heard, etc."
אַבְטַלְיוֹן אוֹמֵר: כְּדַי הִיא הָאֲמָנָה שֶׁהֶאֱמִינוּ בִי, שֶׁאֶקְרַע לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (שמות ד,לא) "וַיַּאֲמֵן הָעָם, וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ כִּי פָקַד יי אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְכִי רָאָה אֶת עָנְיָם, וַיִּקְּדוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ."
שִׁמְעוֹן אִישׁ קֶטְרוֹן אוֹמֵר: בִּזְכוּת עַצְמוֹת יוֹסֵף אֲנִי קוֹרֵעַ לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית לט,יב) "וַיַּעֲזֹב בִּגְדוֹ בְּיָדָהּ, וַיָּנָס וַיֵּצֵא הַחוּצָה." וְאוֹמֵר (תהלים קיד,ג) "הַיָּם רָאָה וַיָּנֹס".
Shimon of Kitron says: In the merit of the bones of Joseph I will split the sea for them, viz. (Genesis 39:12) "And he left his garment in her hand and he fled." And it is written (Psalms 114:3) "The sea saw and it fled, etc."
רַבִּי נָתָן אוֹמֵר מִשּׁוּם אַבָּא יוֹסֵה הַמָּחוֹזִי: וַהֲלֹא כְבָר הִכְתַּבְתִּי: (במדבר יב,ז) "בְּכָל בֵּיתִי נֶאֱמָן הוּא"! אַתְּ בִּרְשׁוּתִי, וְהַיָּם בִּרְשׁוּתִי, וַאֲנִי עֲשִׂיתִיךָ גִּזְבָּר עָלָיו.*גִּזְבָּר. מן הפרסית ganzabara: נושא האוצר. ממונה.
R. Nathan says in the name of Abba Yossi Hamechuzi: ("Why do you cry out to Me?") Have I not had it written (Numbers 12:7) "In all of My house he (Moses) is trusted"? You (Moses) are in My dominion and the sea is in My dominion, and I have appointed you a keeper over it. (Therefore, [Exodus 14:16] "Raise your staff, etc.")
רַבִּי חֲנַנְיָה בֶּן חַלְכִּיסִי אוֹמֵר:*במכילתא דרבי שמעון בן יוחי: בֶּן נָכוֹסָא. וַהֲלֹא כְבָר הִכְתַּבְתִּי: (משלי יז,יז) "אָח לְצָרָה יִוָּלֵד"! אָח אֲנִי לְיִשְׂרָאֵל בְּשָׁעַת צָרָתָן. אַחִים, אֵלּוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (תהלים קכב,י) "לְמַעַן אַחַי וְרֵעָי, אֲדַבְּרָה נָּא שָׁלוֹם בָּךְ."
R. Chanina b. Chachinai says: Have I not had it written (Mishlei 17:17) "A brother is born for (times of) trouble"? I am a brother to Israel in their time of trouble. "Brother" (here) signifies Israel, viz. (Psalms 122:8) "For the sake of My brothers and My friends I will speak for peace in you (Jerusalem)."
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר: "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי?" כְּבַר צַעֲקָתָם קָדְמָה לְצַעֲקָתָךְ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (שמות יד,י) "וַיִּירְאוּ מְאֹד וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל יי."
R. Shimon b. Yehudah says: "Why do you cry out to Me?" Their cries have already preceded yours, viz. (Exodus 14:10) "and the children of Israel cried out to the L–rd, etc."
רַבִּי אַחָא אוֹמֵר: אִלּוּלֵי צַעֲקָתָךְ, כְּבַר אִבַּדְתִּי אוֹתָם מִן הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (תהלים קו,כג) "וַיֹּאמֶר לְהַשְׁמִידָם, לוּלֵי מֹשֶׁה בְחִירוֹ עָמַד בַּפֶּרֶץ לְפָנָיו, לְהָשִׁיב חֲמָתוֹ מֵהַשְׁחִית."
R. Acha says: The Holy One Blessed be He said: If not for your outcry, I would have destroyed them for the idolatry in their midst, viz. (Zechariah 10:11) "And tzarah crossed the sea," tzarah (here) being idolatry, as in (Isaiah 28:20) "and the molten image, tzarah, etc." and as in (Leviticus 18:18) "And a woman to her sister do not take litzror" (to be a rival). And because of your outcry I have withdrawn My wrath, as it is written (Psalms 106:22-23) ("… awesome deeds at the Red Sea) and he thought to destroy them if Moses His chosen one had not stood in the breach before Him, to turn His wrath from destruction."
רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר הַמּוֹדָעִי אוֹמֵר: "מַה תִּצְעַק אֵלָי?" עַל בָּנַי אֲנִי צָרִיךְ צִוּוּי? (ישעיה מה,יא) "עַל בָּנַי וְעַל פֹּעַל יָדַי תְּצַוֻּנִי." וַהֲלֹא כְבָר מוּכָנִים הֵם לְפָנַי מִשֵּׁשֶׁת יְמֵי בְרֵאשִׁית, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (ירמיה לא,לה) "אִם יָמֻשׁוּ הַחֻקִּים הָאֵלֶּה מִלְּפָנַי, נְאֻם יי, גַּם זֶרַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יִשְׁבְּתוּ מִהְיוֹת גּוֹי לְפָנַי כָּל הַיָּמִים."
R. Eliezer Hamodai says: "Why do you cry out to Me?" I do not have to be commanded for the children of Israel, (Isaiah 45:11) "For My children and the work of My hands would you command Me?" Are they not "readied" before Me from the six days of creation? (Jeremiah 31:36) "Just as these laws (of nature) will not depart from before Me, says the L–rd, so the children of Israel will not cease from being a nation before me for all time."
אֲחֵרִים אוֹמְרִים: כְּדַי הִיא הָאֲמָנָה שֶׁהֶאֱמִינוּ בִּי שֶׁאֶקְרַע לָהֶם אֶת הַיָּם, שֶׁלֹּא אָמְרוּ לְמֹשֶׁה: הֵיאָךְ אָנוּ יוֹצְאִים לַמִּדְבָּר וְאֵין בְּיָדֵינוּ מִחְיָה לַדֶּרֶךְ? אֶלָּא הֶאֱמִינוּ וְהָלְכוּ אַחֲרֵי מֹשֶׁה. עֲלֵיהֶם מְפֹרָשׁ בַּקַּבָּלָה: (ירמיה ב,ב) "הָלֹךְ וְקָרָאתָ בְאָזְנֵי יְרוּשָׁלִַם לֵאמֹר: כֹּה אָמַר יי: זָכַרְתִּי לָךְ חֶסֶד נְעוּרַיִךְ, אַהֲבַת כְּלוּלֹתָיִךְ, לֶכְתֵּךְ אַחֲרַי בַּמִּדְבָּר, בְּאֶרֶץ לֹא זְרוּעָה." מַה שָּׁכָר נָטְלוּ עַל כָּךְ ? (ירמיה ב,ג) "קֹדֶשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל לַיי, רֵאשִׁית תְּבוּאָתֹה, כָּל אֹכְלָיו יֶאְשָׁמוּ, רָעָה תָּבֹא אֲלֵיהֶם, נְאֻם יי."
Others say: The faith that they had in Me suffices for Me to split the sea for them. They did not say to Moses: How can we go out to the desert without food? But they believed in Moses and followed him. Of this it is written in the Tradition (Jeremiah 2:2) "Go and call out in the ears of Jerusalem, saying … I have remembered for you the lovingkindness of your youth, the love of your espousals, your following Me in the desert, in a land unsown." How were they rewarded for this? (Ibid. 3) "Holy is Israel unto the L–rd, the first of His harvest. All of its eaters will be blamed. Evil will come upon them, says the L–rd."
רַבִּי יוֹסֵה הַגָּלִילִי אוֹמֵר: כְּבַר הַר הַמּוֹרִיָּה נֶעְקַר מִמְּקוֹמוֹ, וּמִזְבְּחוֹ שֶׁלְּיִצְחָק מְכֻוָּן הַבָּנוּי עָלָיו, וּמַעֲרַכְתּוֹ הָעֲרוּכָה עָלָיו, וְיִצְחָק כְּאִלּוּ עָקוּד וְנָתוּן עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, וְאַבְרָהָם כְּאִלּוּ פָשַׁט יָדוֹ וְלָקַח אֶת הַמַּאֲכֶלֶת לִשְׁחֹט אֶת בְּנוֹ,*הַמַּאֲכֶלֶת: סכין השחיטה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: (בראשית כב,י) "וַיִּשְׁלַח אַבְרָהָם אֶת יָדוֹ, וַיִּקַּח אֶת הַמַּאֲכֶלֶת לִשְׁחֹט אֶת בְּנוֹ." אָמַר הַמָּקוֹם לְמֹשֶׁה: מֹשֶׁה! בָּנַי נְתוּנִים בַּצָּרָה, וְהַיָּם סוֹגֵר, וְשׂוֹנֵא רוֹדֵף, וְאַתָּה עוֹמֵד וּמַאֲרִיךְ בִּתְפִלָּה! אָמַר לְפָנָיו: וּמַה עָלַי לַעֲשׁוֹת? אָמַר לוֹ: (שמות יד,טז) "וְאַתָּה, הָרֵם אֶת מַטְּךָ, וּנְטֵה אֶת יָדְךָ עַל הַיָּם, וּבְקָעֵהוּ! וְיָבֹאוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם בַּיַּבָּשָׁה." וְאַתָּה תְּהֵי מְרוֹמֵם וּמְשַׁבֵּחַ, וְנוֹתֵן שִׁיר וְשֶׁבַח וְהוֹדָאָה, וּגְדֻלָּה וְתִפְאֶרֶת וְהוֹד וְהַלֵּל לְמִי שֶׁהַמִּלְחָמוֹת שֶׁלּוֹ.
R. Yossi Haglili says: When Israel entered the sea, Mount Moriah was uprooted from its place, with the altar of Israel built upon it, and its woodpile upon it, and Isaac bound upon it upon the altar, and Abraham stretching out his hand and taking the knife to slaughter his son — whereupon the L–rd said to Moses: Moses, My children are in trouble, the sea raging and the foe pursuing them, and you stand and indulge in prayer? Moses: But what can I do? The L–rd: "Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea, etc." And you — exalt and praise and accord song and praise and thanks and grandeur and glory and splendor and hallel to the Master of wars!