Midrasch zu Tehillim 66:3

Another interpretation (of Exod. 13:17): [NOW IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN PHARAOH HAD LET <THE PEOPLE> GO.] This text is related (to Ps. 66:3): SAY TO GOD: HOW AWESOME ARE YOUR WORKS.¹Exod. R. 20:10; PR 19:2; PRK 11:2; M. Pss. 22:15. R. Eleazar the son of R. Jose the Galilean said: What is the meaning of SAY TO GOD? Say to your good worker (i.e., your creator): [Well done!]

(Ps. 66:3, cont.:) AT YOUR GREAT STRENGTH <YOUR ENEMIES> SHALL DWINDLE AWAY (or BE DECEITFUL) (yekhahashu, rt. KHSh)²The Hebrew verb can have either meaning. BEFORE YOU. R. Berekhyah and R. Judah b. R. Shallum the Levite differed. One said: THEY DWINDLE AWAY (yekhahashu) BEFORE YOU, <i.e.,> they shall be broken, just as it is stated (in Deut. 33:29): YOUR ENEMIES SHALL DWINDLE AWAY (yekhahashu) BEFORE YOU. But the other said: THEY ARE DECEITFUL (rt.: KHSh) BEFORE YOU, <i.e.,> your enemies shall lie and act deceitfully (rt.: KHSh). Nebuchadnezzar said (in Dan. 3:28): BLESSED BE THE GOD OF SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABED-NEGO, <WHO SENT HIS ANGEL TO DELIVER HIS SERVANTS THAT TRUSTED IN HIM AND FLOUTED THE KING'S DECREE>…. Ergo (in Ps. 66:3): <YOUR ENEMIES> SHALL BE DECEITFUL BEFORE YOU. Sennacherib said (in II Kings 18:35): WHO AMONG ALL THE GODS OF <THOSE> LANDS <HAVE DELIVERED THEIR LAND FROM MY HAND>…? He did not move from there until he had dwindled away, as stated (in II Chron. 32:21): <THEN THE LORD SENT AN ANGEL, WHO DESTROYED EVERY MIGHTY WARRIOR, COMMANDER, AND OFFICER IN THE CAMP OF THE KING OF ASSYRIA. > SO HE RETURNED SHAME [FACED TO HIS OWN LAND]. Pharaoh said (in Exod. 5:2): I DO NOT KNOW THE LORD, <AND MOREOVER I WILL NOT LET ISRAEL GO>. <That statement> became a lie (KHSh) for them, when <Pharaoh> said (in Exod. 9:27): THE LORD IS RIGHT, AND I AND MY PEOPLE ARE IN THE WRONG. So he himself sent them away, as stated (in Exod. 13:17): NOW IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN PHARAOH HAD LET < THE PEOPLE > GO….

That is what is written: “Say to God: How awesome are Your works” (Psalms 66:3). How terrifying are Your wonders. [Those slated to be] killed, kill those who would be their killers, and [those slated to be] hanged, hang those who would hang them. [Those who would be] drowned in the sea, drown those who would have drowned them. So it is, “In the greatness of Your power Your enemies cringe before You” (Psalms 66:3).
You find the benevolent qualities of the Holy One blessed be He are abundant, lasting, and of superior quality.¹⁵The translation of these terms is in accordance with the interpretation of the Etz Yosef. The term abundance in the continuation of the midrash refers to all of the characteristics mentioned here. Benevolence in abundance, kindness in abundance, mercy in abundance, righteousness in abundance, faithfulness in abundance, redemption in abundance, blessing in abundance, praise in abundance, peace in abundance. Benevolence in abundance, as it says: “How abundant is Your benevolence that You have set aside for those who revere You” (Psalms 31:20). Kindness in abundance, as it says: “And abundant in kindness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Mercy in abundance, as it says: “Your mercy is abundant, O Lord” (Psalms 119:156). Righteousness in abundance, as it says: “And justice and abundant righteousness” (Job 37:23). Faithfulness in abundance, as it says: “New every morning, Your faithfulness is abundant” (Lamentations 3:23). Your redemption is abundant, as it says: “Israel will implore the Lord, for kindness is with the Lord and His redemption is abundant” (Psalms 130:7). Blessing in abundance, as it says: “I will pour out upon you blessing without limit [beli dai]” (Malachi 3:10). What is “without limit” [beli dai]? Until your lips will wear out [yivlu] from saying enough [dai]. Praise in abundance [raba] as it says: “A God dreaded in the great [raba] council of the holy, awesome to all around Him” (Psalms 89:8). And it is written: “How abundant are your works O Lord, You perform them all with wisdom, the earth is full of Your creations” (Psalms 104:24). Peace in abundance, as it says: “All your children will be disciples of the Lord and abundant will be your children’s peace” (Isaiah 54:13). Do not read “your children” [banayikh] but rather “your builders” [bonayikh].¹⁶ “Builders” is understood to refer Torah scholars who build up the world through their teachings. “May there be peace within your walls and tranquility in your palaces. For the sake of my brothers and companions I will say: Peace be with you. For the sake of the house of Lord our God, I will seek your good” (Psalms 122:7–9). “May you see children of your children, peace upon Israel” (Psalms 129:6). “Abundant peace to those who love Your Torah and may they not falter” (Psalms 119:165). May the Lord give might to His people; May the Lord bless his people with peace” (Psalms 29:11).
Midrash Esther is complete.
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