Song of Thanks

The Gemorah Megillah (10b) says that the angels wanted to sing shira after Bnei Yisroel made it safely to the other side. Hashem said my handwork is drowning in the sea and you feel its time to sing?  The question is asked (see Maharsha,) so then why did Bnei Yisroel sing shira?  The Briskor Rav (quoted in Rav Eliyahu Baruch,) answered that the recipients of the benefit must say shira as hakaros hatov for the benefit s/he received.

The Chanukas Hatorah has a different interpretation of the Gemorah.  He explains that the angels wanted to kill the Egyptians via their holy words of praise, just as what happened to the army of Sancherev.  Hashem responded the punishment must be meted out accordingly.  My handywork was drowned, meaning the Egyptians drowned the Jewish babies; they must be killed via drowning as well.  

The Gemorah (ibid 16a) records how Mordechai told Haman that only when it comes to Jewish enemies, we assume בנפול אויבך אל תשמח.  However, when it comes to gentiles, we rejoice over their downfall.  Possibly, this is also because of hakaros hatov (though I am aware that there are sources that may indicate it is a hate against evil.)

It is well known the Shibaley Haleket says the aforementioned Gemorah is the reason as to why there is no complete hallel on the seventh day of Pesach.  Why is it different than the shira of Bnei Yisroel?  It would seem that he holds our hallel is merely to give praise for the past, its not an expression of personal hakaros hatov, hence it would be akin to the shira of the angels.

The general rule is that we don’t sing the praises of Hashem because it will automatically be unfitting for one can’t finish praising Hashem.  The Maharal Ch. 1 of Gevuros Hashem asks if that’s the case, why is the rule of the haggadah המרבה לספר הר"ז משובח?  How can one continue to praise Hashem, it will diminish His honor?  The Maharal answers that such a rule is true in regard to listing praises, however when it comes to hakaros hatov, you must express your gratitude to the best of your ability. 

See more about the primacy of hakaros hatov in the Exodus on my mother’s blog here.