Why God Loves Justice When Joseph Goes Down to Egypt

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayeshev 14:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And Joseph was brought down to Egypt" (Genesis 39:1). This is what Scripture said: "For the LORD loves justice and does not forsake His pious ones" (Psalms 37:28). Why does the Holy One, blessed be He, love justice? Because He is called the Master of Justice, as it is said, "For the LORD is a God of justice" (Isaiah 30:18). And it says, "and My hand takes hold on justice" (Deuteronomy 32:41).

Themes

Divine JusticeJoseph

Biblical References

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Book of JubileesJoseph Falsely Accused and Thrown Into PrisonBook of Jubilees turns to Joseph Falsely Accused and Thrown Into Prison. Our story picks up in the Book of Jubilees, specifically chapter 39. Now, the Book of JLetter of AristeasAlexandria and the DreamerI think it's worthwhile to share a copy of this ancient decree with you, because it really highlights the king's, shall we say, magnanimity. He was, as the textLetter of AristeasEgypt — Joseph the RulerMore often, it's a tale riddled with injustice, with power used to justify the unthinkable. The Letter of Aristeas, a fascinating document supposedly written inLegends of the JewsJoseph Was Sold for Twenty Silver Coins One Pair of Shoes EachHis own brothers, driven by jealousy, threw him into a pit. But the story doesn't end there, does it? He's pulled out, not to be rescued and returned home, but Legends of the JewsDeath of Jacob of JosephLegends of the Jews turns to Death of Jacob of Joseph. The news, as you can imagine, hit him like a tidal wave. He was utterly devastated. According to Legends Legends of the JewsJoseph Flogged for a Crime He Never CommittedThat's where Joseph found himself in the house of Potiphar. Potiphar, believing his wife's lies, had Joseph brutally flogged. Can you picture it? The sting of t