Should one rejoice when his enemy is killed? I have heard conflicting statements regarding this from Chazal and scripture?[1]

It is true that there are two conflicting statements written in Scripture regarding if one should rejoice when his enemy falls. In one area in Scripture[2] it states that one should not rejoice when his enemy falls, while in a6nother area in Scripture[3] it states that when the wicked are lost one should celebrate. Likewise, we find a conflict regarding this matter in Talmudic and Midrashic sources. The Talmud[4] states that Mordechai kicked the body of Haman and when he was told the verse that one should not rejoice when his enemy falls Mordechai responded that this only refers to a Jew and not to a Gentile. On the other hand, the Talmud[5] states that God prevented the Angels from singing praise on the day of Kerias Yam Suf “as how can praise be sung when the work of my hands are drowning.” Similarly, the Midrash[6] and some Poskim[7] write that it is for this reason that we do not recite Hallel on the seventh day of Pesach, as one should not rejoice when one’s enemy falls, hence implying that the verse applies even to Gentiles.

Some resolve this by saying that while it applies to Gentiles it does not apply to those who come from Amaleik.[8] Others explain that it only applies by enemies who do not cause harm and damage to the public however enemies who cause harm and damage to the public, one may rejoice by their fall.[9] Some explain that the restriction is only against singing the Hallel out of one’s rejoicing, however other songs and celebrations may take place.[10] Alternatively, the restriction is in heaven, as God does not rejoice when His creations are killed, however the Jewish people below may rejoice when their enemies fall.[11]

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[1] See Avnei Pina 2:188

[2] Mishlei 24:17

[3] Mishlei 11:10; Tehillim 58:11

[4] Megillah 16a

[5] Sanhedrin 39b

[6] Midrash Harninu Parshas Sukkah, brought in Poskim in next footnote; pesikta of Rav Kehana 29; Yalkut Shimoni Emor Remez 654

[7] Taz 490:3; Beis Yosef 490:4; Shibulei Haleket 174; M”B 490:7; Omitted from Admur 490:6; See Chavos Yair 225

[8] Beniyahu on Sanhedrin ibid

[9] Sefer Chassidim 187

[10] See Maharsha Sanhedrin ibid; Chok Yaakov 490:9

[11] See Chok Yaakov ibid