1)

What does the Pasuk mean when it writes "Hashem Ish Milchamah"?

1.

Rashi #1, Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: It means that Hashem is the Master 1 of war 2 (victory belongs to Him [Targum Onkelos]) or the Mighty man of war. 3

2.

Rashi #2 (in 12:5): When Hashem goes to war, He goes alone, and when He goes to make peace, He goes with a retinue. 4

3.

Hadar Zekenim: It means that Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu is the Master of war 5 - that even a mighty warrior must request [help from Him] and acknowledge that He is the Master, and "Hashem Sh'mo" - His name is 'Hashem'.

4.

Avodah Zarah, 2b: In the time of Mashi'ach, when the nations of the world will claim that everything they did, including the wars that they fought, were for the sake of Yisrael, Hashem will reply that He is the one who fought the wars 6 - as the Pasuk writes "Hashem Ish Milchamah".


1

Because "Ish" means master (See for example Megilas Rus, 1:3 [Rashi]).

2

In all generations Hashem demonstrates His Might on behalf of Yisrael (Targum Yonasan).

3

See for example Melachim 1, 2:2 [Rashi]).

4

As opposed to a human king, who goes to war with an army, but alone, in order to make peace (Rashi).

5

To negate the opinion of the heretics, who try to prove from this Pasuk that Hashem is human.

6

See Torah Temimah, note 16.

2)

What is "Hashem Sh'mo" coming to teach us?

1.

Rashi #1 and Targum Yonasan: It teaches us that Hashem fights (not with weapons, but) with His Name alone.

2.

Rashi #2: It teaches us that even when Hashem goes to war, to take revenge against His enemies; He continues to feed the entire world with Midas ha'Rachamim. 1

3.

Hadar Zekenim #1: Refer to 15:3:1:3. And it is fitting to call Him by the Name 'Hashem'

4.

Hadar Zekenim #2 (citing Sefer ha'Gan): This is certinly His name. He is always with his servants (Hoveh) 2 in their distress.


1

Not like human kings who, when they wage war, place all their other activities on hold, since they cannot concentrate on both at the same time (Rashi).

2

Hashem's Name is the acronym of 'Hayah, Hoveh and Yihyeh' (He was, is and will be - PF).

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