Why Reuben Forfeited His Crowns Unstable as Water

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayechi 12:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[Another interpretation of (Genesis 49:4): "Unstable as water."] Our Rabbis taught (in Mishnah Terumot 8:4): Three liquids are forbidden on account of being left uncovered: water, wine, and milk. If the wine is found uncovered, behold, one is distressed over it when he pours it out; but as for the water, if it is found uncovered, one is not distressed over it if he pours it out. So you did: all the crowns that were mine, you cast them away like water. "Unstable as water" (Genesis 49:4). Simeon and Levi entered, and he rebuked them. He said (in Genesis 49:5): "Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their mekheroteihem." What is mekheroteihem? Weapons of violence.

Themes

ReubenTribesKingsBirthViolence

Biblical References

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