Feeding the Enemy Who Came to Kill You

Midrash Mishlei 25:5

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink" (Proverbs 25:21). Rabbi Hama bar Hanina said: Even though he rose early to kill you, if he comes hungry and thirsty into your house, feed him and give him drink. Why? "For you will be heaping coals upon his head, and the LORD will repay you" (Proverbs 25:22) - do not read "will repay you" [yeshallem lakh], but rather "will make him at peace with you" [yashlimennu lakh].

Themes

EthicsRepentanceDivine Justice

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