1)
What is the meaning of "Va'u Mayim Ad Nafesh"?
1.
Sotah 37a: Nachshon ben Aminadav jumped into the sea first. He said "Hashem save me, for the waters came to [my neck, the point of] mortality. I sank in mud in which one cannot stand."
2.
Tanchuma (Vayera 22): On the way to the Akeidah, the Satan put a river in front of Avraham and Yitzchak to stop them. Avraham said, if one of us drowns, how will we fulfill Your word?! Hashem dried the river.
3.
Rashi: The nations [are about to kill us].
4.
Radak: The afflictions of Galus are compared to water that is up to the neck, and he is close to death.
5.
Malbim (1): The danger is great.
