1)

What is the meaning of "Yimtza'eihu be'Eretz Midbar"?

1.

Rashi #! and Seforno: It means that Hashem found Yisrael faithful in the desert 1 (when they accepted His Torah, His Kingship and His yoke - Rashi). 2

2.

Rashi #2 (citing Targum Onkelos) and Da'as Zekenim #1: It means that Hashem provided all their needs in a desert land (the well, the quails, their lothes did not wear ot and their feet did not swell - Da'as Zekenim). 3

3.

Da'as Zekenim #2: It means that there in the desert, they found a 'great Metzi'ah' - the Torah.

4.

Targum Yonasan: It means that Hashem came across them encamped in a desert land'.


1

Seforno: As the Pasuk testifies in Yirmiyah, 2:2 "Lechtech Acharai ba'Midbar". See also Oznayim la'Torah, who explains that beforehsnd, whilst they were still in Egypt, Hashem did not consider them His people, since they worshipped Avodah Zarah.

2

Rashi: Which Yishmael and the inhabitants of Se'ir declined to do, as hinted in Devarim 33:2.

3

Refer to 32:7:3:3.

2)

What is the meaning of "ve'Sohu Yeleil Yeshimon"? What is it referring to?

1.

Rashi: 'The howling of the hayenas and the ostriches in a desolate land' - Even there Yisrael proved loyal; They followed Moshe into the desert and did not query the choice of location'. 1

2.

Targum Onkelos: ' ... in a place where there is thirst, because there is no water'.

3.

Targum Yonasan: ' ... in a place where demons and spirits howl'.

4.

Da'as Zekenim #1: Refer to 32:10:1:2. Even there, in the empty, desolate desert region, where only howling hayenas and ostriches are to be found.

5.

Da'as Zekenim #2: Refertto 32:10:1:3. Before the Torah waas given, the world was (spiritually) dark and desolate like night-time. 2


1

Rashi: As the Pasuk testifies in Yirmiyah, 2:2 "Lechtech Acharai ba'MIdbar".

2

Da'as Zskenim: And when the Torah was given, it lit-up - as the Pasuk writes in MIshlei, 7:23 "Ki Ner Mitzvah ve'Torah Or".

3)

What did Hashem surround them with?

1.

Rashi: He surrounded them with (the seven - Targum Yonasan) clouds of glory 1 (and with four camps in all four directions and underneath the Mountain, which He held above their heads [at the time of Matan Torah].

2.

Rashi (citing Targum Onkelos): He encamped them around His Shechinah' - the Ohel Mo'ed in the middle and the four camps on all four sides.

3.

Rashbam: He surrounded them with angels who protected them. 2 .

4.

Seforno: It refers to fencing off Har Sinai. 3


1

See Rashbam.

2

Rashbam: As in Tehilim, 34:8.

3

Seforno: As in Shemos 19:12.

4)

What is the meaning of "Yevoneneihu"?

1.

Rashi: It means that He gave them to understand Torah and knowledge.

2.

Seforno: It means that He gave them to understand Torah and Mitzvos. 1

3.

Da'as Zekenim, Hadar Zekenim and Rosh: It is an expression of Binyan (building) and understanding. He gave to them [understanding in] Torah, and built the Mishkan among them.


1

As in Devarim 24:12.

5)

What did He guard them against?

1.

Rashi: He guarded them against snakes, fiery serpents, scorpions and the nations.

2.

Rashbam: "Yitzrenhu" is a repetition of "Yesovevenhu" (He surrounded them)..

3.

Seforno: 'He guarded them against the subjection of Egypt and of the nations and against the Angel of Death. 1

4.

Da'as Zekenim: He guarded them from the nations and Amalek.


1

Seforno, citing Eruvin, 54a, commenting on the Pasuk in Sh'mos (32:16) "Charus al ha'Luchos".

6)

What is the definition of "Ishon Eino"?

1.

Rashi: It is the black of the eye 1 (the pupil) from which light emanates (from which one sees).

2.

Rashbam, Hadar Zekenim, Rosh and Seforno: It is the eyelid. 2


1

See Sifsei Chachamim.

2

Rashbam: It is called Ishon because it darkens it. Da'as Zekenim and Rosh: One also closes it in order to sleep (Liyshon).

7)

Whose eye is the Pasuk referring to?

1.

Ramban: With reference to the "hu" in "Yitzrenhu", it means that Hashem guards them like they guard their eyes. Alternatively, it is as if the Torah had added the word "ke'Ish" - 'Hashem guards them like a man guards the pupil of his eye.'

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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