Parashas Ki Sisa · EXTRA (side-ring) · Passuk 32:17
Sefaria — Or HaChaim on Ki Sisa 32:17
English: וישמע יהושע , "Joshua heard, etc." The expression ברעה needs clarification. What precisely was the "sound" that Joshua heard which he interpreted as the sound of war? In order to understand Moshe' response to Joshua one has to have prophetic insight. All of this may be understood in light of a statement in the Talmud Yerushalmi Taanit 4,5 that the righteous are able to distinguish certain sounds as implying either something positive or something negative. This power of aural perception is something G'd has granted to outstanding individuals. When Joshua heard the sound which indicated something negative happening, ברעה , he interpreted it as the sound of fighting amongst the people. Alternat
Commentary (Rishon) on a TT-silent passuk — EXTRA side-ring only.
See the Or HaChaim on this passuk for the full derash and implications.