71. When this serpent rises it is written, "And He shall slay the crocodile that is in the sea" (Yeshayah 27:1), which is the great crocodile. Therefore, it is written, "Behold I am against you... THE GREAT CROCODILE THAT COUCHES IN THE MIDST OF HIS STREAMS" (Yechezkel 29:3). And this snake is 'luminaries (Heb. me'orot)' WITHOUT VAV, WHICH DENOTES AN EXPRESSION OF CURSE, AS IT IS WRITTEN, "THE CURSE (HEB. ME'ERAT) OF HASHEM IS IN THE HOUSE OF THE WICKED" (MISHLEI 3:33), for he brings curses to everyone. And He overpowers THE CROCODILE with the power of the great river, which is called Chidekel. This has already been explained.