Draw Near Before the Lord for Judgment or for the Revealed Presence

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 16:9

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Moses said to Aaron: Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel: Draw near before the LORD" (Exodus 16:9). Rabbi Yehoshua says: "Draw near" is said only to receive judgment, in the sense of what is stated, "Bring near your case, says the LORD; present your strong arguments, says the King of Jacob" (Isaiah 41:21). Rabbi Elazar of Modi'in says: "Draw near" is said only because the Divine Presence was revealed.

Themes

Divine JusticeJudgmentRevelation

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