The Golden Calf Redeemed Through Israel's Sinai Shout

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Emor 14:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[Another interpretation of (Leviticus 22:27): A BULL OR A SHEEP <OR A GOAT>.] This is what Scripture says (Isaiah 41:24): "Behold, you are of nothing (me-ayin), and your work is of nought; an abomination he chooses in you." It is a Greek word: "hen" means "one" — one are you to me; [me-ayin] means: as compared to the nations of the world, who are called "nothing" (ayin), [as it is written] (Isaiah 40:17): "All the nations are as nothing (ke-ayin) before Him." "And your work is of nought" — Rabbi Levi said: All the good deeds and consolations that the Holy One, blessed be He, is destined to perform for Israel are only {in the name of} [as a reward for] a single shout that they shouted at Sinai, when they said (Exodus 24:7): "All that the Lord has spoken we will do and we will obey." "An abomination he chooses in you" — that very abomination which you made, the molten calf: [from that very abomination] bring before me an offering, and I will choose you — a bull or a sheep or a goat.

Themes

RepentanceSacrifice

Biblical References

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