What was it that Judah did? [footnote states: "That he sanctified God's Name publicly."] -- As it has been taught: Rabbi Meir said: When the Israelites stood by the Red Sea, the tribes strove with one another, each wishing to descend into the sea first. Then sprang forward
the tribe of Benjamin and descended first into the sea; as it is said: There is little Benjamin their ruler [footnote states: "Ps. LXVIII, 28, E.V. 27."] -- read not rodem [their ruler] but rad yam [descended into the sea]. Thereupon the princes of Judah hurled stones at them; as it is said: The princes of Judah their council. [footnote states: "Ibid. The word for council has the same root as the verb 'to stone'; so it is here understood as 'their stoners'."] For that reason the righteous Benjamin was worthy to become the host of the All-Powerful, [footnote states: "The Temple was erected on the territory of Benjamin, v. Yoma 12a."] as it is said: He dwelleth between his shoulders. [footnote states: "Deut. XXXIII, 12, i.e., God dwells in the land of Benjamin."] Rabbi Judah said to [Rabbi Meir]: That is not what happened; but each tribe was unwilling to be the first to enter the sea. Then sprang forward Nahshon the son of Amminadab [footnote states: "He was the prince of the tribe of Judah (Num. VII, 12)."] and descended first into the sea; as it is said: Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God. [footnote states: "Hos. XII, 1. The last words are rod 'im el, which are interpreted: he descended (into the sea because his trust was) with God."] Concerning him it is stated in Scripture, [footnote states: "Kabbalah, lit., 'tradition', a term used for the Biblical canon other than the Pentateuch, v. B.K. (Sonc. ed) p. 3. n. 3."] Save me O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing etc. [footnote states: "Ps. LXIX, 2f."] Let not the waterflood overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up etc. [footnote states: "Ibid. 16."] At that time Moses was engaged for a long while in prayer; so the Holy One, blessed be He, said to him, 'My beloved ones are drowning in the sea and thou prolongest prayer before Me!' He spake before Him, 'Lord of the Universe, what is there in my power to do?' He replied to him, Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward. And lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand etc. [footnote states: "Ex. XIV, 15f."] For that reason Judah was worthy to be made the ruling power in Israel, as it is said: Judah became His sanctuary, Israel his dominion. [footnote states: "Ps. CXIV. 2. The Temple was in the kingdom of Judah. 'His dominion' is understood as Judah's rule over Israel."] Why did Judah become His sanctuary and Israel his dominion? Because the sea saw [him] and fled. [footnote states: "Ibid. 3."]