Why Israel's Weeping in God's Ears Echoed the Sin of Sodom

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 11:18

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow" (Numbers 11:18). "Sanctify yourselves" is nothing but a term of calamity, as it is said, "and set them apart for the day of slaughter" (Jeremiah 12:3). "For you have wept in the ears of the LORD" (Numbers 11:18) — for they aimed their words so that the words would enter into the ears of the LORD. They spoke the evil words in order that they would enter His ears, so that they would separate themselves from after the Omnipresent; for they knew their Master and intended to rebel against Him. Just as the men of Sodom did, as it is said, "And the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners against the LORD exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13) — what is the meaning of "against the LORD"? That they knew their Master and intended to rebel against Him. And because they did according to the deed of Sodom, therefore they are punished by fire, as it is said, "And the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire" (Genesis 19:24).

Themes

RebellionDivine Punishment

Biblical References

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