"With great terror: This refers to the appearance of the Divine Presence, as it is written: Has God tried to take one nation (goy) out of another nation (goy)” (Deut. 4:34). In Bereshit Rabbah we learn, Rabbi Elazar interprets the verse, “Like a rose among the thorns.” (Song of Songs) refers to the redemption from Egypt. Just as it is difficult to pick a rose which is placed in the midst of the thorns, so was the redemption of Israel difficult, as it is it written, “Has God tried to take one nation (goy) out of another nation (goy).” It does not say a people (ahm) from among a nation. Rather the verse says a goy from the midst of a goy. These were goyim and these were goyim! These grew their hair in a gentile fashion and these grew their hair in a gentile fashion. These wore shatnez and these wore shatnez. According to the rules of justice, Israel was no more worthy of redemption had it not been for the promise of redemption which God had made to Abraham. As it says, “Therefore, say to the children of Israel.” The word lachen, “therefore,” implies a promise or an oath…