Midrash Rabbah

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The great Midrash Rabbah, a collection of aggadic midrashim on the Torah and the Five Megillot. These rabbinic commentaries explore the deeper meanings of Scripture through parable, allegory, and legend.

Baal Peor and the Origins of the World

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:23

The story of the Israelites and their encounter with the daughters of Moab is a stark reminder. It's a tale of temptation, idolatry, and the devastating consequences of losing sigh...

CreationDemonsPatriarchsJoseph

Zimri Beyond the Firmament

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:24

The scene is set in Numbers 25:6: “Behold, a man from the children of Israel came and brought near to his brethren the Midyanite woman, before the eyes of Moses, and before the eye...

HeavenMosesSolomonHoly Land

Zimri and the Angels

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:25

The story of Pinḥas (Phineas) in the book of Numbers is a wild ride, a tale of zealotry, divine intervention, and a whole lot of questions about what's right and wrong. The scene i...

AngelsMosesKing DavidSolomon

Aaron's Transgression

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:1

And the story of Pinḥas, as told in Bamidbar Rabbah, shines a light on just how vital shalom is. The story begins with a moment of intense crisis. The Israelites are straying, and ...

Noah & FloodMosesKing DavidSolomon

Moses's Prophetic Vision

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:2

Our tradition teaches us that each individual is unique, a world unto themselves, with their own distinct ruach (spirit) and temperament. And it’s precisely this understanding that...

MosesJobProphecySoul

Kingdom of Zimri

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:3

God Himself steps in to clarify Pinḥas's lineage. But why now? What did God see that prompted this? The Midrash, specifically Bamidbar Rabbah 21, digs deep into this. The Rabbis of...

CreationAdam & EveNoah & FloodPatriarchs

Balak: Balaam's Transgression

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:4

The Torah gives us some pretty strong clues, and it all boils down to how they chose to attack us. Think about the story of Balaam and Balak. Remember that? Balak, the King of Moab...

MosesMessiahRepentanceMiracles

David Before the King and Samuel

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:5

In Bamidbar Rabbah (Numbers Rabbah) 21, we encounter a fascinating tension. God commands the Israelites to "Assail the Midianites." Seems pretty straightforward. But then, the text...

King DavidSolomonTorah

Midianites in Battle and Yehoshafat

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:6

The Torah tells us, "When you besiege a city…you shall not destroy its trees" (Deuteronomy 20:19). Seems pretty straightforward. Protect the environment, even in wartime. But then ...

ElijahTorahProphecyPrayer