Reuben, Unstable as Water - Blame or Cleansing in Jacob's Blessing

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayechi 12:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"Unstable as water, you shall not excel" (Genesis 49:4). What is the meaning of "as water"? Rabbi Jeremiah and Rabbi Nathan differ. One said it was to his discredit, and the other said it was to his credit. To his discredit, what is the meaning of "as water"? You have left nothing for yourself; rather, you are "as water." How so? When a person empties a jar of honey, he leaves a little in it. But when he pours water into it, he leaves nothing in it. So too you have left for yourself no merit at all; rather, you are "unstable as water." And the other said it was to his credit. What is the meaning of "as water"? A person who pours out honey or oil leaves a little. But you did not leave for yourself any sin; rather, you are "as water." Just as water cleanses, so too have you been cleansed.

Themes

RepentancePurityReuben

Biblical References

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