God Judges the Nations and Their Gods in Fire

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shoftim 10:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Psalm 97:7, end:) "ALL GODS BOW DOWN TO HIM." When He judges the peoples of the world, He will judge their gods along with them, as it is stated (in Isaiah 66:16): "FOR IN FIRE WILL THE LORD EXECUTE JUDGMENT…." Since they are unable to stand in the fire, they fly away. Then the Holy One, blessed be He, sends out angels with collars and chains, and they cast them into the midst of the fire, as it is stated (in Malachi 3:19): "AND THE DAY THAT COMES SHALL SET THEM ABLAZE…."

Themes

Divine JudgmentIdolatryAngelsFire

Biblical References

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