The Treatise of Mark (Mimar Marqe Book I Chapter 11)

A continuation in our series from John MacDonald's (1963) translation of the most important book in the Samaritan tradition after the Pentateuch. The central 'revelation' - not merely a midrash but a revelation given around the beginning of the second century - from which 'Samaritanism' itself is derived.

And they moved on from Succoth, and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness (Ex. xii. 20; Targ.). On that day God called to Moses, "Prepare the people before Pihahiroth (Gen xlix. 22), between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-Zephon. I will fight for them there with great mercy for I desire to turn the heart of Pharaoh against them, so that he will pursue after them and his shame will be brought about. I know that he has been told in Egypt, 'They are entangled in the land; the wilderness has shut them in (Ex. xiv.3; Targ.). Come pursue after them, that we may bring them back to serve us.'"

When the Egyptians had finished burying their children, they roused themselves from the coma of their grief. They went to Pharaoh the king and said to him, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go? (Ex. xiv. 5; Targ.). Come, prepare your chariots and let us all pursue with you, that we may restore them to our service. They are our servants, as they were our fathers' before us. Why did we allow them to leave Egypt? Let us also get back goods they have with them, which they plundered from us. They have left us empty-handed!"

They went forth making proclamation throughout the land of Egypt. Those entering into battle gathered together. Pharaoh made ready his chariots; he took his people with him (Ex. xiv. 6), his heart bold now that it had returned to its former state. Six hundred picked chariots (Ex. xiv. 7; Targ.), supplied for him for war - all the chariots of the Egyptians and officers over them all. They pursued after Israel and caught up with them when they were encamped at the Red Sea (Ex. xiv. 9). Pharaoh the king stopped opposite Baal-Zephon and offered there a sacrifice to it, for Baal-Zephon was one of the gods in which he trusted.

Great was the terror in which the Israelites were, terror lest they might have to return to Egypt. They said to Moses in great fear, "Know that you are the murderer of Israel. How are we to act? What can we possibly plan to do? The enemy are behind us and the sea is in front of us. Is not this what we said to you in Egypt, 'Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians!' (Ex. xiv. 12; Targ.). What have you done to us, in bringing us out of Egypt? (Ex. xiv. 11; Targ.) We shall all be killed in a flash."

And Moses said to the people, "Fear not. Stand firm. You shall never see the Egyptians! And see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still (Ex. xiv. 13 - 14; Targ.).

After that Moses received the command from the Lord of the world, and he struck the sea with his rod. When the Red Sea opened up before them, they crossed over, with the cloud and the glory leading them (Ex. xiv. 21 - 22).

Exalted these favored young men before whom the sea was dried up!

They walked in it and the Egyptians entered in after them but they were engulfed and did not escape the sea.

Observe the difference between the two who entered!

The great prophet Moses entered and Pharaoh king of Egypt entered.
Moses entered and the glory was in front of him magnifying him.
Pharaoh entered and the Destroyer was before him to destroy him.
Moses entered and the Divine One was glorifying him.
Pharaoh entered and the Divine One was wreaking vengeance on him.
Moses entered and the angels ministered to him.
Pharaoh entered and the angels punished him.
None has arisen like Moses and none will ever rise!

Ten times the Egyptians were slain in the sea, because they did not believe in the ten miracles.
Pharaoh's chariots and his host, he cast into the sea (Ex. xv. 4; Targ.). Their blood was shed in it, just as in the river of Egypt.
The depths covered them, just as the frogs covered them.
They went down into the depths like a stone (Ex. xv. 5; Targ.), just as the gnats sank into their flesh.
Thou sendest forth thy fury, it consumes them like stubble (Ex. xv. 7; Targ.), just as the flies ate their bodies.
At the blast of thy nostrils the water piled up (Ex. xv. 8; Targ.), just as the power of the Lord plagued their cattle.
The floods stood up in a heap (ibid.), just as they stood up during the plague of boils.
The depths congealed in the heart of the sea (ibid.), just as the hail froze them in the field.
Thou didst blow thy wind, the sea covered them (Ex. xv. 10; Targ.), just as the cloud of locusts covered them.
They sank as lead in the mighty waters (Ex. xv. 10; Targ.), just as they sank into the gloomy darkness.
Thou didst stretch out thy right hand; the earth swallowed them (Ex. xv. 12; Targ.), just as the Destroyer swallowed up the spirits of their firstborn.

TEN TIMES they disbelieved in Egypt and ten times they were slain in the sea, while Israel went forth victoriously, passing through it on dry land.

The great prophet Moses and all Israel with him praised the God of gods, the Lord of all great ones (Ex. xv. 1), "Thou art to be glorified and magnified, O doer of wonders, who dost endure and lasts for ever."

Blessed is our God for ever. There is only one God! Blessed be his name for ever!

END OF BOOK ONE