What is "Masa Bahamos Negev"?
Targum Yonasan: Matlin Al Be'irhon b'Orach Daroma. Rashi - Egypt is south of Eretz Yisrael. They revile [Yisrael] for loading their wealth on their animals to bring a bribe to Egypt, for naught.
Radak: It is a Nevu'ah that desert Chayos will eat those who go to seek help from Egypt. Negev is a dry, desolate land, like "Eretz ha'Negev Nesatani" (Yehoshua 15:19). Vicious Chayos dwell there. Egypt is called Negev, because it is south of Eretz Yisrael.
Malbim: They will take the gift to Egypt via the sand desert between Egypt and Surya 1 .
Seemingly, it should say 'Eretz Yisrael' in place of 'Surya.' Perhaps this is a printing mistake. (PF)
Why is it called "Eretz Tzarah v'Tzukah"?
Radak: The road on which they go an affliction. Vicious beasts will bite them
What is "Ef'eh"?
Rashi: It is an evil snake. There are only two in the world - a male and a female. They have children after 70 years.
What is "Saraf Me'ofef"?
Rashi: Also this is a snake. It does not have wings to fly. Rather, it jumps very far and casts fire from its mouth.
Why does it mention these dangerous Chayos?
Rashi: They endanger themselves in arid deserts [to bring a bribe to Egypt].
Radak: These Chayos will come out against those who carry their wealth on donkeys and camels to Melech Mitzrayim, to help them from Melech Ashur.
Malbim: Many died from these tearing Chayos. Even though the animals took prey from them, they did not cease to bring their gift.
What is "Cheileihem"?
Rashi: Their money.
What is "Dabeshes"?
Rashi: It is the camel's hump; it is where they put the load on it. Radak - it corresponds to Kesef (shoulder) in Ayarim. Malbim - after carrying so much wealth to Egypt, the camel's backs were ruined, so they needed to carry on the hump. 1
Rashi: It is called Dabeshes, for it rots constantly, and they put Devash (honey) on it to heal it. It says that if honey spoiled, it is useful for a salve for camels (Bava Metzi'a 38a).
Why does it discuss Cheileihem on Ayarim, and Otzerosam on Gemalim?
Malbim: Ayar is a young donkey. They continued to send their wealth to Egypt for days and years, until the Ayarim became old camels. After they gave all their wealth, they brought from what they stored in the ancient storehouses.
