Abraham's Seven Ewes and Seven Punishments to Israel

Midrash Shmuel 12:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And the Ark of the LORD was in the field of the Philistines seven months" (1 Samuel 6:1). It is written, "For these seven ewe-lambs, etc." (Genesis 21:28). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him [to Abraham]: You gave him seven ewe-lambs; by your life, I shall delay the rejoicing of your children for seven generations. Another interpretation: You gave him seven ewe-lambs; by your life, his sons shall slay seven righteous ones of your sons. These are they: Samson, Hophni and Phinehas, Saul and his three sons. Another interpretation: You gave him seven ewe-lambs; by your life, his sons shall destroy seven sanctuaries of your sons. These are they: the Tent of Meeting, and Gilgal, and Nob, and Gibeon, and Shiloh, and the Eternal House twice. Another interpretation: You gave him seven ewe-lambs; by your life, my Ark shall go about in the field of the Philistines seven months. This is what is written: "And the Ark of the LORD was in the field of the Philistines seven months."

Themes

AbrahamDivine Justice

Biblical References

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