1)

To whom does "Oyev" refer?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: It refers to Pharaoh, who was convincing his people to follow him into battle, by promising them to divide the spoils 1 equally with them. 2

2.

Rashbam, Seforno and Targum Onkelos: It refers to the people, 3 who had been convinced to follow Pharaoh into battle. 4


1

Targum Yonasan: Incorporating the taking of captives.

2

Refer also to 14:6:2:1.

3

Seforno: The civilians, who followed the army (refer to 15:8:1:1 ), for the sole purpose of sharing in the spoil.

4

Rashbam: And who made this declaration when they saw the sea turn into dry land.

2)

Why is this Pasuk written here and not at the beginning of the Shirah, since it refers to the enemy's initial thought in pursuing Yisrael?

1.

Ramban #1 (citing Midrash Chazis), Targum Onkelos) and Targum Yonasan: Because of the principle 'Ein Mukdam u'Me'uchar ba'Torah' (Torah is not always written in the chronological order).

2.

Ramban #2 and Rashbam 1 : Because the decision to chase after Yisrael to fight them and to capture the spoils was made when the Egyptians saw that the sea had split and the sea-bed had dried. 2


1

Refer to 15:9:1:2** .

2

Ramban: In fact, this was part of Hashem's strategy to lure the Egyptians into the sea to drown them, and was an intrinsic part of the miracle - and it explains why the Pasuk continues "Who is like You among the mighty ones Hashem!?" (15:11). Refer also to 14:21:3:1 .

3)

What is the meaning of "Torisheimo Yadi"?

1.

Rashi: It means, 'My hand will impoverish them.'

2.

Targum Onkelos: It means, 'My hand will destroy them.'

3.

Targum Yonasan: It means, 'I will destroy them with my right hand.'

4)

What idea is this verse adding?

1.

Maharal (Gevuros Hashem Ch. 47, p. 190): The Egyptians planned to strike with force and alacrity, saying "I will chase and overtake [them]!" When a swiftly-running warrior confronts an enemy, he is not an easy target; he will at the very least stand his ground. But here, Hashem sent the Egyptians sinking to the depths, as fast as lead (15:10) - showing them that human strength and speed amounts to nothing. 1


1

Thus, the progression of the verses is as follows - Hashem struck the Egyptians a mighty blow, and they descended like a rock (15:5); despite this being unnecessary, seeing as they were consumed like straw (15:7); because they were attacking Yisrael with alacrity, Hashem likewise responded swiftly.

5)

What are the implications of the phrase, "Achalek Shalal"?

1.

Rashi (to 14:6): It implies that Pharaoh would take an equal share of the booty with the people - as opposed to other kings, who take first, as much as they want.

2.

Mechilta: It implies that Pharaoh would open his treasury and distribute [to all those who would fight] silver, gold, precious stones and pearls.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

6)

Rashi writes: "'Arik Charbi' - Should you say that 'to empty' can relate only to the vessel and not to its contents; and [instead] give the forced explanation that 'Arik' means, 'I will arm Myself with My sword,' as in Bereishis 14:14...." Why would that be a forced explanation?

1.

Gur Aryeh: If that was the meaning, our verse would say 'Arik b'Charbi' - with the Beis prefix to mean "with." 1


1

Also see Mizrachi to Bereishis 14:14 .

7)

Rashi writes: "'Arik Charbi' - Should you say... the forced explanation, that 'Arik' means, 'I will arm Myself with My sword' ...." But Rashi himself, in his comments to Bereishis 14:14, gives that very explanation!

1.

Gur Aryeh (to Bereishis 14:14): Because the Torah chooses to write "Arik" (and not 'Eshlof'), the word carries both meanings - to empty, and to arm. We find that the Torah often uses terms that convey a double meaning.

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