Be Strong

by Hayyim Nachman Bialik

Bialik wrote this poem in Adar 1894. Its opening phrase "Let your hands be strong" is the same as was used in the story of Gideon when he was divinely commanded to attack the Midianites. "And thou shalt hear what they say and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened." Then, too, it was the struggle of the few against the many. This phrase is used again by Zechariah "Let your hands be strong" when addressing the "remnant of Israel."
This poem, although known as "Techezakna," is really entitled "The Blessing of the People." Its message was directed both to those who intended to go to Eretz Yisrael, or were already there , and to those who though still in exile were according to Ahad Ha'am, true "Lovers of Zion." Its message included those whose sweat mingled with the dust of Eretz Yisrael.