Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 241 of 295

Selections from Louis Ginzberg's monumental Legends of the Jews, a seven-volume compilation that weaves together aggadic material from the Talmud, Midrash, and other rabbinic literature into a continuous narrative.

Wisdom of Ahithophel of David

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:35

Even before the drama of Absalom's rebellion, there was a simmering tension between them. Why? Well, it seems David might have inadvertently slighted him. The story goes that short...

Noah & FloodKing DavidTorahTemple

David and Goliath of Temple

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:36

We all know David as the shepherd boy who slew Goliath, the king who united Israel, the poet of the Psalms. But did you know he almost accidentally destroyed the world? The story g...

Hell/GehennaNoah & FloodMosesKing David

Wisdom of David and Ahithophel

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:38

The story of David and Ahithophel certainly makes you think so. We’ve talked before about their complex relationship – Ahithophel, the brilliant advisor whose counsel was once cons...

King DavidWisdomHolidays

Joab in Battle and David

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:40

In the stories of King David, we find a fascinating foil to the brilliant but ultimately tragic figure of Ahithophel: Joab, the warrior. While Ahithophel was known for his sharp in...

King DavidTorahJudgment

Kingdom of Joab and David

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:41

The Talmud is filled with intricate legal discussions, but nestled within its pages and in other Jewish texts are fascinating stories about human nature. And sometimes, these stori...

King DavidShabbatSacrifice

Death of Joab

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:42

He was laying siege to the Amalekite capital. For half a year, twelve thousand of Israel's finest soldiers had been camped outside the city walls, and… nothing. Can you feel the fr...

Miracles

Account of Joab

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:43

Let me tell you a story that’s practically ripped from the pages of a spy thriller, only this one is ancient. It all begins with Joab, a key figure in the Israelite army. He had a ...

Elijah

Kingdom of Joab

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:44

The story goes that after a particularly nasty fall, Joab needed his sword repaired. Sounds simple enough. He heads to the armorer, but as soon as the artisan lays eyes on the weap...

Demons

Kingdom of Joab and Amalekites

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:45

We pick up the story with Joab, commander of King David’s army, after he's already spent ten days resting and recuperating with his hosts. Refreshed, he sets out again to wage war ...

Judgment