ONE OF MANY GOLD NUGGETS
The splitting of the Red Sea was a seminal event in the development of Klal Yisroel. Our Sages teach us that even those who were least initiated in the realm of spirituality were exposed to revelations that even our prophet Yechezkel could not see. The Shira that was sung by our ancestors on the banks of the Sea was incorporated into the words of Torah. One cannot properly comprehend what great revelations were seen. We do know that there is much to learn and much to gain.
Using the insight of the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh, I would like to take out one nugget of understanding from which we may gain. The Ohr Hachaim learns the details of this event as follows.
HaShem took out His beloved people from Egypt under the leadership of Moshe Rabbeinu. Through Moshe’s direction HaShem ordered Bnei Yisrael to take a detour on their journey and encamp in front of the single surviv-ing idol of Baal Tzfon, which was by the banks of the Red Sea. The reason for this detour was to create a trap to cause Pharaoh to chase after them. Once he and all of his armed forces would come, HaShem would destroy them in full sight. Our ancestors would then have a complete sense of closure and finally cut their ties with Egypt and its culture. They would never see Egypt again.
The directions were followed and, as expected, Pharaoh and his army came chasing after them. As Pharaoh came near, the people looked up and saw that the angel of Egypt was leading the troops in hot pursuit of them.
They expected that the Egyptians would chase them and knew that HaShem would assist them in battling the Egyptians to a complete victory. However, once they saw how the spiritual forces of Egypt were unleashed, they cried to HaShem saying that they had never agreed to this! There was no way they would be able to defeat these forces.
Moshe turned to Bnei Yisrael and directed them: “It is not you who will fight this battle. You will be quiet and not raise a hand. HaShem is fighting your battle . For Him, even if the Egyptians harnessed all the spiritual forces available they would be no match to the strength of HaShem.
So often we face conflict and stress which we feel is so overwhelming. We know we cannot possibly overcome it. Even with HaShem’s assistance it may seem impossible. HaShem taught our ancestors that when the challenge reaches that point, He will be there. We need only to turn to Him. Of course, we must do our part, but ultimately rely upon Him; He will be there for us.
May HaShem grant us the strength and courage to harness the power of emunah which lies within the heart of every Jew.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind