Tamar at Petach Enaim and the Angel of Desire Sent to Judah

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 38:14

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And she sat at the entrance of Enaim (the opening of the eyes)" (Genesis 38:14). We have searched through the entire Scripture and have not found a place named Petach Enaim; rather, this teaches that she lifted up her eyes to the One upon whom all eyes are dependent, and she said before the Holy One, blessed be He: "May it be Your will that I not go out empty from this entrance." Another interpretation: this teaches that she opened up arguments before him, and said to him, "I am pure, I am unmarried." Judah saw her and did not take notice of her. He said, "Since she has covered her face, this one is not a harlot; for if she were a harlot, she would not cover her face." He sought to pass by, but the Holy One, blessed be He, summoned for him the angel who is appointed over desire. He said: "Judah, where are you going? From where shall kings arise? From where shall redeemers arise?"

Themes

Divine ProvidencePrayerAngels

Biblical References

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