R. Meir stated: “When the Israelites stood on the brink of the sea the tribes contended with one another.  One said: “I will go down first into the sea”. The other said: “I will go down first into the sea”.  Whilst they were standing and shouting the tribe of Benjamin took the plunge and went down first into the sea…For this reason Benjamin the righteous one was granted the privilege of playing host to the Divine presence (i.e. the Sanctuary was built in his territory as it is stated (in the Mosaic blessing): “and He dwelleth between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 22, 12).

Said R. Judah to him: It did not happen this way, but one said: “I will not be the first to go down into the sea”.  The other said: “I will not be the first to go down into the sea”. Whilst they were debating with each other Nachshon be Aminadab (of the tribe of Judah) plunged with his tribe after him into the waves of the sea.  For this reason Judah was granted dominion in Israel, as it is stated: “Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion” (Psalms 114,2).  Said the Holy One blessed be He to them: “He who sanctified My name at the sea let him come and have dominion over Israel.”

A word:

It is said that while others were fighting, Nachshon, from the tribe of Judah, walked into the Sea of Reeds until its waters nearly engulfed him.   Nachshon teaches us that we are partners with God in working toward our own freedom.

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