was, in cisterns, in wells, in caves, in casks, in pitchers, in drinking
cups, and in glasses, and none of these waters returned to their
former estate until Israel has passed through the sea on dry land. [
33]

The angel Gabriel was eager to drown the Egyptians during the
same night, but God bade him wait until early the next day, until
the hour of the morning watch, when Abraham had made himself
ready to set out for the sacrifice of his son. Gabriel succeeded,
however, in holding back the turbulent water about to sweep over
Israel. To the wall of water on the right, he called, "Beware of
Israel, who will receive the law in time to come from the right
hand of the Lord," and turning to the wall of water on the left, he
said, "Beware of Israel, who will wind the phylacteries about their
left hand in time to come." The water behind he admonished,
"Beware of Israel, who will let the Zizit drop down upon their back
in time to come," and to the water towering in front of them, he
called, "Beware of Israel, who bear the sign of the covenant upon
their bodies." [34]

God caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind, the wind He
always makes use of when He chastises the nations. The same east
wind had brought the deluge; it had laid the tower of Babel in
ruins; it was to cause the destruction of Samaria, Jerusalem, and
Tyre; and it will, in future, be the instrument for castigating Rome
drunken with pleasure; and likewise the sinners in Gehenna are
punished by means of the east wind. All night long God made it to
blow over the sea. To prevent the enemy from inflicting harm
upon the Israelites, He enveloped the Egyptians in profound
darkness, so impenetrable it could be felt, and none could move or