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Exodus 14:22 - Faith splits the sea

Exodus 14:22 - שמות 14:22

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹאוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם בַּיַּבָּשָׁה וְהַמַּיִם לָהֶם חֹמָה מִימִינָם וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָם׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground: and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Transliteration

Va'yavo'u v'nei Yisra'el b'toch ha'yam ba'yabasha v'ha'mayim lahem homa mi'yeminam u'mismolam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּ֖ם בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה וְהַמַּ֤יִם לָהֶם֙ חוֹמָ֔ה מִֽימִינָ֖ם וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם׃
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּ֖ם בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה וְהַמַּ֤יִם לָהֶם֙ חוֹמָ֔ה מִֽימִינָ֖ם וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Miracle of the Splitting of the Sea

The verse describes the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the event. According to Rashi (Shemot 14:22), the phrase "בַּיַּבָּשָׁה" (on dry ground) underscores that the sea floor was completely dry, unlike typical riverbeds which may retain some moisture. This detail highlights the completeness of the miracle.

The Walls of Water

The imagery of the waters forming a wall ("חֹמָה") is expounded upon in the Mechilta (Beshalach 4), which explains that the waters solidified like a brick wall, allowing the Israelites to pass safely. Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this was not merely a natural phenomenon but a deliberate act of divine intervention, demonstrating Hashem's absolute control over nature.

Right and Left: Symbolism and Protection

The mention of the walls being "מִימִינָם וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָם" (on their right and left) carries deeper meaning. Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 10) teaches that the right side symbolizes chesed (kindness), while the left represents gevurah (judgment). The miracle thus encompassed both attributes of Hashem—mercy for Israel and judgment for the Egyptians.

  • Talmudic Insight (Sotah 36b): The waters formed twelve separate paths, one for each tribe, illustrating the individualized divine care for each group within Israel.
  • Kli Yakar (Shemot 14:22): The walls of water also served as a spiritual barrier, protecting the Israelites from the idolatrous influences of Egypt as they transitioned to a holy nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the miracles performed during the Exodus, particularly the splitting of the Red Sea, emphasizing the divine protection over the Israelites.
📖 Megillah 10b
Referenced in a broader discussion about the miracles and wonders performed for Israel, highlighting the walls of water as a sign of God's power and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the waters were 'a wall' for the Israelites?
A: Rashi explains that the waters stood upright like solid walls on both sides of the Israelites as they crossed the sea. This was a miraculous protection, showing Hashem's complete control over nature to save His people.
Q: Why did the sea split specifically into walls of water?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:6) teaches that the sea split into twelve separate paths, one for each tribe, with clear walls of water between them. This showed both unity (all crossing together) and individuality (each tribe's distinct path).
Q: How did the Israelites have the courage to walk between walls of water?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 37a) describes how Nachshon ben Aminadav from the tribe of Judah demonstrated supreme faith by being the first to step into the sea before it fully split. His act of trust in Hashem inspired the rest of the nation to follow.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the 'dry ground' in the sea?
A: The Rambam teaches that this miracle demonstrates how Hashem can transform nature to provide salvation. Just as He made the seafloor completely dry for safe passage, He can remove all obstacles for those who trust in Him.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the walls were on 'their right and left' specifically?
A: Rashi notes this emphasizes complete protection - no water came from any direction. The Mechilta adds that this detail shows the miracle was perfectly designed for their needs, with no unnecessary hardship during their escape.