The word “oso,” which usually means, “him,” is translated as “it,” referring to Klal Yisrael. Yisro rejoiced over the nation’s good fortune in being rescued from the dread hand of Pharaoh. The Maharil Diskin, zl, takes a novel approach towards explaining the word “oso,” which implies a timely lesson for us. He suggests that Yisro was, in fact, referring to himself. He realized that Hashem had actually also saved him from the same fate suffered by the Egyptians. Yisro remembered quite well that he was one of Pharaoh’s advisors. When the issue of the Jewish problem arose, Yisro had the courage to protest by running away. He made a statement with his action–one that would have cost him his life had Hashem not “intervened.” He was grateful to the Almighty — in retrospect — as he saw the tragedy of which he would have been a victim.
Do we ever think about the various situations in which Hashem intervenes on our behalf? How often are we about to enter into an “unholy” alliance — or undertake an endeavor of dubious repute, when at the last second, we either change our mind or “something” just happens to preclude our participation? Not everyone is so fortunate, but those that are should be grateful to Hashem for protecting them.
