Pisqa’ 331¹⁸³

1. **“When I sharpen it, My sword gleams”**¹⁸⁴ as a verb (“gleam”) and as a noun (“lightening) is foundational to this pun. (Dt. 32:41)— when retribution proceeds from Me, it is swift as lightning!

**“Yet my hand grasps justice” (Dt. 32:41).**¹⁸⁵ 4.

footnotes: ¹⁸³ H:341;JN2:378 ¹⁸⁴ baraq ¹⁸⁵ Cf. Mechilta Ishmael, shirah,

“I will return vengeance to My tormentors” (Dt. 32:41)— this is one [act of retribution]. “And will repay those who hate Me” (Dt. 32:41)— now, here’s a second!¹⁸⁶

footnotes: ¹⁸⁶ The text in smaller type is considered by F:381, n.1 to be an interpolation.

2. Another word: “I will return vengeance to My tormentors” (Dt. 32:41)— **this refers to the Samaritans,**¹⁸⁷ A second-temple religious-ethnic community, based in Samaria, with a long history of conflict with Judean-rabbinic Jews, who regarded them as practicing a debased form of quasi-Judaism (e.g., B. Qiddushin 75b). The first-century CE incorporation of Samaritan territories into the Roman province of Judea, exacerbated tensions between Judeans and Samaritans, which are reflected in rabbinic traditions such as the present one, as well as the gospel tradition (e.g., Luke 10:25-37).

“And the tormentors of Judah and Benjamin heard” (Ezra. 4:1).

footnotes: ¹⁸⁷ Heb: kutim.

“And I will repay those who hate Me” (Dt. 32:41)— this refers to the dissenters.

“Will I not hate those who hate You, HASHEM? And will I not struggle with those **who rebel against You?” (Ps. 139:21)**¹⁸⁸

footnotes: ¹⁸⁸ Cf. ADRNA.16.