1)

How were the two Pillars placed?

1.

Rashi, Rashbam, Hadar Zekenim and Targum Onkelos: When the evening arrived, the Pillar of Fire came down in front of Yisrael as usual, whilst the Pillar of Cloud, instead of leaving, moved to the back of Yisrael, to make it dark for the Egyptians, and to intercept the arrows and slingshot that the Egyptians were firing at Yisrael. 1

2.

Ramban (citing the Mechilta) and Seforno: The angel together with the Pillar of Fire went to the back of Yisrael 2 and the Pillar of Cloud 3 positioned itself in between it and the Egyptians. 4

3.

Targum Yonasan: The Pillar of Cloud moved to the back of Yisrael, where it became half Cloud - to make it dark for the Egyptians) and half fire - to light up for Yisrael.


1

This can be compared to a father walking along the road, his son walking in front of him, when robbers attacked them and tried to take the son captive. What did the father do? He picked up his son and placed him behind him. When a wolf approached from behind, he picked him up and placed him on his shoulders. And when subsequently, robbers attacked from the front and wolves from behind, he placed him on his shoulders and fought them off, as the Pasuk hints in Hoshe'a (11:3 Rashi citing the Mechilta).

2

This was necessary in order to enable the Egyptians, who were able, through the Pillar of Cloud, to see the Camp of Yisrael moving forward and follow them into the sea (Ramban).

3

Refer to 14:19:1:3.

4

Both of which were led by the angel (Seforno).

2)

If the Pillar of Cloud made it dark, what does the Pasuk mean when it adds that it lit up the night?

1.

Rashi #1, Rashbam and and Targum Onkelos 1 : It means that the former made it dark for the Egyptians and the Pillar of Fire (referred to earlier in the Pasuk) lit up the night for Yisrael.

2.

Rashi #2 (in Yirmiyah, 32:20): The same Mazal made it dark for the Egyptians and light for Yisrael.

3.

Rashi #3 (in Tehilim, 139:11): "Va'ya'er" means 'It made it dark. 2


1

Refer to 14:20:1,1-3.

2

Like we find in Iyov, 37:11, and in Tehilim, 148:3 [Rashi in Tehilim]).

3)

What is the Torah referring to when it writes "ve'Lo Karav Zeh el Zeh (singular) Kol ha'Laylah"?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: It is referring to the two camps (of Yisrael and of Egypt).

2.

Hadar Zekenim (citing Seifer ha'Gan): The Pillar of Fire in front of Egypt did not approach the Pillar of Cloud in front of Yisrael at night, but in the morning they drew close to and confounded the Egyptians (verse 24). Then, Yisrael did not need the fire for light, not the cloud to lead the way, for the water was on both sides (there was only one way to go).

3.

Moshav Zekenim (citing Sh'mos Rabah 22:7): It refers to the angels, about whom it is written "Vekara Zeh el Zeh" 1 (exchanging the 'Beis' of "Karav" for an 'Alef') - the angels did not sing Shirah that night, because Hashem's creations (the Egyptians) were being destroyed. 2


1

Moshav Zekenim, citing Vayikra Rabah 2:8: "Vekara Zeh el Zeh... Kadosh..." is only during the day! At night, the angels say "Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuso..."! This requires investigation.

2

Mishnas R. Aharon 3, p.4: B'nei Yisrael sang Shirah [with Ru'ach ha'Kodesh]! Shirah of the angels merely praises Hashem, since they are "Omdim" (they remain static), and Hashem did not desire such Shirah at this time. Shirah of people for a miracle, on the other hand, which strengthens their Emunah and perception of Hashgachah, and fixes it in the Nefesh, and is a remembrance for all generations, is obligatory!

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