yah

At the East, AL, El; At the West, IH, Yah; At the South, AGLA, Agla; And at the North ADNI, Adonaï.

I conjure ye, and I command ye absolutely, O Demons, in whatsoever part of the Universe ye may be, by the virtue of all these Holy names:— ADONAI, YAH, HOA, EL, ELOHA, ELOHINU, ELOHIM, EHEIEH, MARON, KAPHU, ESCH, INNON, AVEN, AGLA, HAZOR, EMETH, YAII, ARARITHA, YOVA, HA-KABIR, MESSIACH, IONAH, MAL-KA, EREL, KUZU, MATZPATZ, EL SHADDAI; and by all the Holy names of God which have been written with blood in the sign of an eternal alliance.

I exorcise ye anew, and powerfully conjure ye, commanding ye with strength and violence by him who spake and it was done; and by all these names: EL SHADDAI, ELOHIM, ELOHI, TZABAOTH, ELIM, ASHER EHEIEH, YAH, TETRAGRAMMATON, SHADDAI, which signify God the high and almighty, the God of Israel, through whom undertaking all our operations we shall prosper in all the works of our hands, seeing that the Lord is now, always, and for ever with us, in our heart and in our lips; and by his holy names, and by the virtue of the sovereign God, we shall accomplish all our work.

Then are the letters inverted, and become one. (If, namely, in the word VIHI, Vayehi, the letters I, Yod, and H, He, be placed in front so that it may read IHVI, Yahevi, it maketh one Tetragrammaton, which exhausteth the whole Divinity. But since these belong to the mother, from whom arise the judgments, hence this tetragrammaton is here written in retrograde order, which mode of writing is referred by qabalists to the judgments, on account of the nature of averse things; whence this ought to be written in this way: IHVI, Yahevi, IHV, Yeho, IH, Yah, I, Yod. But since in the path of understanding those judgments themselves do not exist, but only their roots, while in itself this path is only pure mercy; hence the retrograde order is inverted, in order that it may be posited entire in this manner as at first): I, Yod, IH, Yah, IHV, Yeho, IHVI, Yahevi. (But it is not written in the usual manner, IHVH, Yod, He, Vau, He; because the word is derived from VIHI, Vayehi, whose metathesis is here discussed. And nevertheless the letter) which is last (namely, I, Yod, which is put in the place of the last H, He, in the ordinary form of the Tetragrammaton, denoteth), the Schechinah (or the queenly presence) which is below (that is, a path of the kingdom, namely, MLKVTh, Malkuth, the tenth and last Sephira); like as (in the other instance) the letter H, He, is found to be the Schechinah.

Then are the letters inverted, and become one. (If, namely, in the word VIHI, Vayehi, the letters I, Yod, and H, He, be placed in front so that it may read IHVI, Yahevi, it maketh one Tetragrammaton, which exhausteth the whole Divinity. But since these belong to the mother, from whom arise the judgments, hence this tetragrammaton is here written in retrograde order, which mode of writing is referred by qabalists to the judgments, on account of the nature of averse things; whence this ought to be written in this way: IHVI, Yahevi, IHV, Yeho, IH, Yah, I, Yod. But since in the path of understanding those judgments themselves do not exist, but only their roots, while in itself this path is only pure mercy; hence the retrograde order is inverted, in order that it may be posited entire in this manner as at first): I, Yod, IH, Yah, IHV, Yeho, IHVI, Yahevi. (But it is not written in the usual manner, IHVH, Yod, He, Vau, He; because the word is derived from VIHI, Vayehi, whose metathesis is here discussed. And nevertheless the letter) which is last (namely, I, Yod, which is put in the place of the last H, He, in the ordinary form of the Tetragrammaton, denoteth), the Schechinah (or the queenly presence) which is below (that is, a path of the kingdom, namely, MLKVTh, Malkuth, the tenth and last Sephira); like as (in the other instance) the letter H, He, is found to be the Schechinah.

It is written, Ps. cxviii. 4: “I called upon Yah, IH, in distress.” (In this place) David commemorateth (these) nine (conformations) even unto (those words) “all nations compassed me about,” in order that they (the nine above mentioned) might surround and protect him.

Like as it is said IH, Yah (Ch-IH, Ch-iah, the corrected Mantuan Codex hath it, so that it may explain the word ChIH, Chiah, living creature, out of the eighth path of the understanding, which is that water of the name Yah, which denoteth father and mother. For when) the light of the former is extended unto the latter (which is the moving of the water) all things reproduce their kind at one and the same time—the waters of good and the waters of evil. (That is, there is reproduction as well in divinity and sanctity as among terrestrial living creatures and man; for by the reptile form souls are symbolized.)

Like as it is said IH, Yah (Ch-IH, Ch-iah, the corrected Mantuan Codex hath it, so that it may explain the word ChIH, Chiah, living creature, out of the eighth path of the understanding, which is that water of the name Yah, which denoteth father and mother. For when) the light of the former is extended unto the latter (which is the moving of the water) all things reproduce their kind at one and the same time—the waters of good and the waters of evil. (That is, there is reproduction as well in divinity and sanctity as among terrestrial living creatures and man; for by the reptile form souls are symbolized.)

But if (these) judgments are to be mitigated, necessarily the Ancient One is required (that is, the first letters of the Tetragrammaton, denoting, IH Yah, the father together with the crown, which is the apex of the primal letter, and is called Macroprosopus.)

ANNOTATION. (Belonging to § 19, foregoing.) 1. Another explanation. “Let waters bring forth abundantly.” In this place, in the Chaldee paraphrase, it is said IRChShVN, which hath a general meaning of movement. As if it should be said: “When his lips, by moving themselves and murmuring, produced the words, like a prayer from a righteous heart and pure mind, the water produced the living soul.” (The meaning is concerning the act of generating life.) 2. And when a man wisheth to utter his prayers rightly before his Lord, and his lips move themselves in this manner, (his invocations) rising upward from him, for the purpose of magnifying the majesty of his Lord unto the place of abundance of the water where the depth of that fountain riseth and floweth forth (that is, understanding emanating from wisdom); then (that fountain floweth forth plentifully, and) spreadeth abroad so as to send down the influx from the Highest, downwards from that place of abundance of water, into the paths singly and conjointly, even unto the last path; in order that her bountiful grace may be derived into all from the highest downwards. 3. Then indeed is such a man held to intertwine the connecting links of (them) all, namely, those connecting links of true and righteous meditation; and all his petitions shall come to pass, whether his petition be made in a place of worship, whether in private prayer. 4. But the petition which a man wisheth to make unto his Lord can ordinarily be propounded in nine ways. 5. Either (1) by the alphabet, or (2) by commemorating the attributes of the most holy and blessed God, merciful and gracious, &c. (according to the passage in Exodus xxxiv. 6, &c.); or (3) by the venerable names of the most holy and blessed God; such are these: AHIH, Eheieh (in respect of the Crown), and IH, Yah (in respect of the Wisdom); IHV, Yod He Vau (in respect of the Understanding); AL, El (in respect of the Majesty); ALHIM, Elohim (in respect of the Severity); IHVH, Yod He Vau He (in respect of the Beauty); TzBAVTh, Tzabaoth (in respect of the Victory and the Glory); ShDI, Shaddai (in respect of the Foundation); and ADNI, Adonaï (in respect of the Kingdom). Or (4) by the ten Sephiroth or numerations, which are: MLKVTh, Malkuth, the Kingdom; ISVD, Yesod, the Foundation; HVD, Hod, the Glory; NTzCh, Netzach, the Victory; ThPARTh, Tiphereth, the Beauty; GBVRH, Geburah, the Severity; ChSD, Chesed, the Benignity; BINH, Binah, the Understanding; ChKMH, Chokhmah, the Wisdom; and KThR, Kether, the Crown. Or (5) by the commemoration of just men, such as are patriarchs, prophets, and kings. Or (6) by those canticles and psalms wherein is the true Qabalah. And (7), above all these, if any one should know how to declare the conformations of his Lord, according as it is honourable to do. Or (8) if he may know how to ascend from that which is below to that which is above. Or (9) those who know also how to derive the influx from the highest downward. And in all these nine ways there is need of very great concentration of attention; because if he doeth not that, it is written concerning him, 1 Sam. ii. 30: “And they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” 6. Hereto also pertaineth the meditation of the word Amen, AMN! which in itself containeth the two names, IHVH, ADNI, Yod He Vau He Adonaï (the numeration of the former alone, and of these two together yielding the same, 91); of which the one concealeth its goodness and benediction in that treasury which is called HIKL, Ha-yekal, the palace. (Which word by equality of numeration is the same as ADNI, Adonaï; but this name is said to be the palace of Tetragrammaton, because, in the first place it is pronounced by its aid; also, in the second place, it is mingled with it alternately, letter by letter, in this way—IAHDVNHI.) 7. And this is pointed out in that saying, Hab. ii. 20: “But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (HIKL, Ha-yekal, “the temple, or palace;” HS, Hes, “keep silence;” and ADNI, Adonai, “Lord;” all have the same numeration—namely, 65.) 8. For which reason our wise men of pious memory have said mystically, that every good thing of a man is in his house; according to that which is written, Num. xii. 7: “He is faithful in all Mine house.” Which is the same as if it were said “in all which is with Me.” 9. But if any man attentively meditateth on the nine divisions of these forms (see § 5, ante), like as it is meet to do; that man is one who honoureth the Name of his Lord, even the Holy Name. And hereunto belongeth that which is written, 1 Sam. ii. 30: “Since those who honour Me will I honour; and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” I will honour him in this world, that I may preserve him, and provide him with all things of which he hath need, in order that all nations of the earth may see that the Name of the Lord is called upon by him; and that they may fear him. And in the world to come he shall be found worthy to stand in the tabernacle of the righteous. 10. Wherefore such an one seeketh nothing of which he hath need, because he is kept under the special providence of his Lord, and can meditate concerning Him, as it is right to do. 11. But what is to be understood by that passage—“And they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed?” Such an one is that man who can neither institute the union of the Holy Name, nor bind together the links of truth, nor derive the supernals into the position required, nor honour the Name of his Lord. Better were it for that man had he never been created, and much more for that man who doth not attentively meditate when he saith Amen! 12. For which reason, concerning that man especially who moveth his lips (in prayer), with a pure heart (meditating) on those purifying waters, in that passage expressly and clearly written, Gen. i. 26: “And the Elohim said, Let us make man.” As if it were said concerning such a man who knew how to unite image and likeness, as it is right: “And they shall have dominion over the fish of the sea,” &c. Hereunto is the annotation.

For the name (Tetragrammaton) IHVH, Yod, He, Vau, He, includeth the name IH, Yah (which is of the father, and the name) ALHIM, Elohim (which here followeth in the text, and pertaineth unto the mother).

Like as it is written, Num. xix. 17: “And shall pour upon him living waters in a vessel.” (But the life looketh towards the mother; and it) is (understood to be that path which is called) ALHIM ChIIM, Elohim Chiim, “the Elohim of life;” and the king of the universe (that is, the understanding. Whereunto belong also the following sayings:—) Ps. cxvi. v. 9: “I will walk before the Lord in the lands of life.” Also 1 Sam. 29: “And the soul of my Lord shall be bound in the quiver of life.” Also Gen. ii. 9: “And the tree of life in the midst of the garden.” (All these, I say, refer unto the understanding, from which the six members receive the influx. And to it also pertain the following names, namely, the name) IH, Yah (whensoever it is written in full with A in this manner:) IVD HA, Yod Ha (and containeth the number of the numeral powers of the letters of the Tetragrammaton, namely, 26; unto which also is referred that form of the name belonging unto the intelligence), AHII, Eheii (where in the place of the final He, Yod is put, as in a former instance. (See Chap. I. § 32.)

Rabbi Eleazar arose, and commenced and said, Ps. cxviii. 5: “‘I called upon IH, Yah, in my distress; Yah heard me at large. Tetragrammaton is on my side, I will not fear; what can man do unto me? Tetragrammaton taketh my part with them that help me, and I shall see my desire upon mine enemies. It is better to trust in Tetragrammaton than to put any confidence in man; it is better to trust in Tetragrammaton than to put any confidence in princes.’

Rabbi Eleazar arose, and commenced and said, Ps. cxviii. 5: “‘I called upon IH, Yah, in my distress; Yah heard me at large. Tetragrammaton is on my side, I will not fear; what can man do unto me? Tetragrammaton taketh my part with them that help me, and I shall see my desire upon mine enemies. It is better to trust in Tetragrammaton than to put any confidence in man; it is better to trust in Tetragrammaton than to put any confidence in princes.’

“This have we learned. These are the six names, because it is thus written: ‘I called upon Yah in my distress.’ The first.

“‘Yah heard me at large.’ The second.

“Also we have learned this. It is written: ‘I called upon IH, Yah, in my distress; IH, Yah, heard me at large.’ IH is here twice repeated, IH, IH, in reference to the two jaws unto which the hairs (of the beard) adhere, and from which it is seen that the hairs issue and depend.

“Also we have learned this. It is written: ‘I called upon IH, Yah, in my distress; IH, Yah, heard me at large.’ IH is here twice repeated, IH, IH, in reference to the two jaws unto which the hairs (of the beard) adhere, and from which it is seen that the hairs issue and depend.

“But he in reckoning it proceedeth in a duplex manner—once as we have given it; and next thus, when he saith: ‘I called upon Yah in my distress.’ The first.

“‘Yah heard me at large.’ The second.

“‘I called upon Yah in my distress.’ What is this which he saith? Assuredly doth David say all these things which are here said concerning the form of the beard.”

Rabbi Yehudah answered and said: “‘I called upon Yah in my distress.’ From the part where the beard beginneth to extend, which is from the more remote part (is one), before the ears, beneath the hair (is the second). And therefore is it twice said, IH, IH.

Rabbi Schimeon covered himself and sat down; and he commenced, and said Ps. cxv. 17: “‘The dead shall not praise IH, Yah, nor all they who go down into silence!

“‘The dead shall not praise Yah;’ so it is certain that it is assuredly those who are called dead; for He, God, the most Holy One—may He be blessed!—is called the Living One, and is Himself commemorated among those who are called living, and not with those who are called dead.

And therefore is it called BINH, as if (it were a transposition of) BN IH, Ben Yah, Son of IH (or I, Yod, H, He, and BN, the Son).

And therefore is it written, Psalm xciv. 7: “IH, Yah, shall not behold.” And shortly after verse 9: “He that planteth the ear, shall He not hear? He that formeth the eye, shall He not see?”

When it is written thus, Ps. cxviii. 5: “I invoked IH, Yah, in my trouble: IH, Yah, heard me at large: Tetragrammaton is with me, therefore I will not fear.”

When it is written thus, Ps. cxviii. 5: “I invoked IH, Yah, in my trouble: IH, Yah, heard me at large: Tetragrammaton is with me, therefore I will not fear.”

But that which we have already laid down in the Conclave of the Assembly concerning these words, “In my trouble I invoked IH, Yah,” that this is to be referred to that place where the beard beginneth to be extended, which place is more remote, and before the ears, is also correct.

And in the days of Hiram the purple-[coloured] apparel worn by kings [first] appeared. As a dog was running along the sea-shore [at Tyre] he saw a purple shell-fish (i.e. the murex) coming up out of the water, and he bit it, and straightway his mouth was filled with the blood of that shell-fish. And a certain shepherd who saw the dog brought a piece of woollen cloth and wiped the dog’s mouth with it. And he made that piece of woollen cloth into a crown (i.e. a kaféyah or head-cloth), and set it upon his head, and as he walked along in the sun, those who saw him thought that rays of fire were coming forth from his head, and when Hiram heard [of this] he sent for the man. And when he saw the woollen cloth he marvelled, and was astonished. And all the dyers gathered together and marvelled at it, and they set out to enquire into the matter; and they found some of these shell-fish and rejoiced greatly.

HALAKHAH: Rav and Samuel. One said hallelu yah, and the other one said hallēluja. For him who said hallelu yah it is split but cannot be erased. For him who said hallelujah it may be erased but cannot be split. We do not know who said what. Since Rav said, I heard from my uncle, if somebody would give me a book of Psalms written by Rebbi Meïr I could erase all hallelujah in it since he did not intend to sanctify them. This implies that he said hallelujah. The words of the rabbis disagree, as Rebbi Simon said in the name of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi, the book of Psalms was said with ten expressions of praise, with “hail”, with “excellence”, with melody, with song, with chant, with instruction, with shout, with thanksgiving, with prayer, with blessing. The most beatific of all of them is hallelujah since both the Name and praise are contained in it.

HALAKHAH: Rav and Samuel. One said hallelu yah, and the other one said hallēluja. For him who said hallelu yah it is split but cannot be erased. For him who said hallelujah it may be erased but cannot be split. We do not know who said what. Since Rav said, I heard from my uncle, if somebody would give me a book of Psalms written by Rebbi Meïr I could erase all hallelujah in it since he did not intend to sanctify them. This implies that he said hallelujah. The words of the rabbis disagree, as Rebbi Simon said in the name of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi, the book of Psalms was said with ten expressions of praise, with “hail”, with “excellence”, with melody, with song, with chant, with instruction, with shout, with thanksgiving, with prayer, with blessing. The most beatific of all of them is hallelujah since both the Name and praise are contained in it.

MISHNAH: Two Cohanim were standing in the upper gate which leads from the courtyard of Israel to the courtyard of women with two trumpets in their hands. At the rooster’s call they blew straight, modulated, and straight. When they arrived at the tenth step they blew straight, modulated, and straight. When they arrived in the courtyard they blew straight, modulated, and straight. They continued blowing until they arrived at the gate which was the exit to the East. When they arrived at the gate which was the exit to the East they turned their faces to the West and said, our forefathers who were at this place, their backs to the Eternal’s Temple and their faces to the East,prostrating themselves eastwards to the sun, but we, to Yah are our eyes. Rebbi Jehudah says, they were repeating and saying, “we are to Yah; and to Yah are our eyes.”

MISHNAH: Two Cohanim were standing in the upper gate which leads from the courtyard of Israel to the courtyard of women with two trumpets in their hands. At the rooster’s call they blew straight, modulated, and straight. When they arrived at the tenth step they blew straight, modulated, and straight. When they arrived in the courtyard they blew straight, modulated, and straight. They continued blowing until they arrived at the gate which was the exit to the East. When they arrived at the gate which was the exit to the East they turned their faces to the West and said, our forefathers who were at this place, their backs to the Eternal’s Temple and their faces to the East,prostrating themselves eastwards to the sun, but we, to Yah are our eyes. Rebbi Jehudah says, they were repeating and saying, “we are to Yah; and to Yah are our eyes.”

MISHNAH: Two Cohanim were standing in the upper gate which leads from the courtyard of Israel to the courtyard of women with two trumpets in their hands. At the rooster’s call they blew straight, modulated, and straight. When they arrived at the tenth step they blew straight, modulated, and straight. When they arrived in the courtyard they blew straight, modulated, and straight. They continued blowing until they arrived at the gate which was the exit to the East. When they arrived at the gate which was the exit to the East they turned their faces to the West and said, our forefathers who were at this place, their backs to the Eternal’s Temple and their faces to the East,prostrating themselves eastwards to the sun, but we, to Yah are our eyes. Rebbi Jehudah says, they were repeating and saying, “we are to Yah; and to Yah are our eyes.”

Rebbi Levi said, Yehoyariv, a person. Meron, a town. Mesarbei. He delivered His House to the enemies. Rebbi Berekhia said, [Yehoyariv], Yah quarrelled with His children since they rebelled and rejected Him. Yeda`ya Amoq Sipporim. Yah knew the deep counsel in their hearts and exiled them to Sepphoris.

Rebbi Levi said, Yehoyariv, a person. Meron, a town. Mesarbei. He delivered His House to the enemies. Rebbi Berekhia said, [Yehoyariv], Yah quarrelled with His children since they rebelled and rejected Him. Yeda`ya Amoq Sipporim. Yah knew the deep counsel in their hearts and exiled them to Sepphoris.

Rav and Samuel. One said hallelu yah, and the other one said hallēluja. For him who said hallelu yah it is split but cannot be erased. For him who said hallelujah it may be erased but cannot be split. We do not know who said what. Since Rav said, I heard from my uncle, if somebody would give me a book of Psalms written by Rebbi Meïr I could erase all hallelujah in it since he did not intend to sanctify them. This implies that he said hallelujah. The words of the rabbis disagree, as Rebbi Simon said in the name of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi, the book of Psalms was said with ten expressions of praise, with “hail”, with “excellence”, with melody, with song, with chant, with instruction, with shout, [with thanksgiving,] with prayer, with blessing. The most beatific of all of them is hallelujah since both the Name and praise are contained in it.

Rav and Samuel. One said hallelu yah, and the other one said hallēluja. For him who said hallelu yah it is split but cannot be erased. For him who said hallelujah it may be erased but cannot be split. We do not know who said what. Since Rav said, I heard from my uncle, if somebody would give me a book of Psalms written by Rebbi Meïr I could erase all hallelujah in it since he did not intend to sanctify them. This implies that he said hallelujah. The words of the rabbis disagree, as Rebbi Simon said in the name of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi, the book of Psalms was said with ten expressions of praise, with “hail”, with “excellence”, with melody, with song, with chant, with instruction, with shout, [with thanksgiving,] with prayer, with blessing. The most beatific of all of them is hallelujah since both the Name and praise are contained in it.

Rebbi Abbahu in the name of Rebbi Johanan: With two letters two worlds were created, this world and the Future World. [One by He and one by Yud.] What is the reason? For in Yah, the Eternal is the Rock of Worlds. However, we did not know which one was created by He and which one by Yud. But from what is written, these are the outcomes of Heaven and Earth in their being created, He created them by He. This implies that this world was created by He, and the Future World was created by Yud. Since He is (missing) [open] below, it is a hint for all creatures that they will descend to the pit. Since He has a point on top, from the moment they descend they ascend. Since He is open from all sides, so He opens a door to all who repent. Since Yud is curved, so all creatures should be bent. All faces turned yellow. When David saw this, he started to acclaim by two letters, praise Yah, praise, the servants of the Eternal, praise the Name of the Eternal.

Rebbi Abbahu in the name of Rebbi Johanan: With two letters two worlds were created, this world and the Future World. [One by He and one by Yud.] What is the reason? For in Yah, the Eternal is the Rock of Worlds. However, we did not know which one was created by He and which one by Yud. But from what is written, these are the outcomes of Heaven and Earth in their being created, He created them by He. This implies that this world was created by He, and the Future World was created by Yud. Since He is (missing) [open] below, it is a hint for all creatures that they will descend to the pit. Since He has a point on top, from the moment they descend they ascend. Since He is open from all sides, so He opens a door to all who repent. Since Yud is curved, so all creatures should be bent. All faces turned yellow. When David saw this, he started to acclaim by two letters, praise Yah, praise, the servants of the Eternal, praise the Name of the Eternal.

How many letters have to be written unnecessarily for him to be guilty? Rebbi Ḥanin stated: The House of Shammai say, one; the House of Hillel say, two. Rebbi Hilai said, the reason of the House of Hillel: That he could have written Yah. Rebbi Yudan asked, if he wrote from memory, or rubbed it off with dust, or wrote one word and wiped it off immediately? It was stated: Rebbi Eleazar ben Shamua said, one does not write on leather from an unclean animal. Rebbi Simeon said, since you said it is written to be erased, why can he not write? It was stated: Rebbi Eleazar ben Simeon said, I prefer the words of Eleazar ben Shamua over my father’s words. Maybe she will say: I will not drink. Then the Name would be hidden on leather from an unclean animal.

“If she said ‘I shall not drink’ after the scroll was erased, one makes her gargle and forces her to drink against her will.” How many letters have to be erased? Rebbi Ḥanin stated: The House of Shammai say, one; the House of Hillel say, two. Rebbi Hilai said, the reason of the House of Hillel: That he could have written Yah. Rebbi Aqiba said to him: But why does one make her drink? If it is to check her out, she already is completely checked out! But Rebbi Aqiba must hold that the one who says “I shall not drink” is as the one who says “I am impure for you”. But does Rebbi Aqiba not agree that “one makes her gargle until her face turned yellow and forces her to drink against her will”? He does, if she started to drink.

Why does the verse say, “to tell”? To tell to [future] generations. Rebbi Abbahu in the name of Rebbi Yose ben Rebbi Ḥanina, the entire verse. Moses said, “I shall sing”, and they recite after his lead: “I shall sing to the Eternal for He is very highly high; horse and rider He cast into the sea.” Moses said: “strength and growth”, and they recite after his lead: “strength and growth is Yah”. It is written: “When retribution is retributed for Israel, when the people volunteers;” the heads of the people volunteered. When the Holy One, praise to Him, does wonders for Israel, they should sing a song. They objected: There is the redemption from Egypt! That is something else since it was the beginning of their redemption. They objected. There is redemption of Mardocai and Esther! That is something else since they were outside the Land; some want to say that Mardocai and Esther were freed of their enemies, they were not freed from [Gentile] government.