As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shira

On Shabbat Parshat Beshalach we read the Shirat Hayam from the Torah, which tells of the stupendous miracle of the splitting of the Sea of Suf. We also read this portion each year on the Seventh Day of Pesach and we say it every day in our morning prayers. This repetition means that it is very important for us to understand and feel the many teachings of this open Miracle.

“And Hashem on that day saved Israel from the hand of Egypt.” (14:30) The rescue of Israel from the power of Egypt was not completed until the day of the splitting of the Sea of Suf. From “that day” onward Egypt no longer interfered in the affairs of Israel. The remarkable fact that for the following 500 years nothing is mentioned of any intervention by Egypt in the affairs of Israel is a tremendous demonstration that testifies to the truth of the total devastation of Egypt by the Plagues and by the episode of the Sea.

“And Israel saw Egypt die on the shore of the Sea.” (14:30) Not only did Hashem rescue Israel, but He also granted them the exultation of seeing the destruction of their pursuers, while standing safely on the shore. When we see the downfall of the wicked, we gain more Awareness of Hashem’s power and His kindliness: “Be elevated, O Judge of the world! Turn back recompense (revenge) upon the arrogant.” (Tehillim 94:2) “Then would sing Moshe and Bnei Yisrael.” (15:1) Did the Jews rejoice at the destruction of the Egyptians? Hashem does not rejoice at the destruction of any of His creatures, and it is stated that Hashem did not permit the angels to sing at the drowning of Paro’s host (Megilah 10B).

But here we see that Moshe and the Bnei Yisrael sang, and even rejoiced in every detail of the destruction of their enemy. We understand therefrom that men, unlike angels, must utilize such opportunities to gain more Awareness of Hashem, and more Gratitude to Him. Angels cannot make any progress, but Moshe and Yisrael can gain understanding of Hashem and thereby improve themselves greatly. And that is our function in this life, to improve ourselves.

Quoted from “A Nation is Born” by Rabbi Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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