The Thistle and the Cedar of Lebanon and Dinah's Going Out

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayishlach 15:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[AND DINAH WENT OUT.] This is what Scripture says (in II Kings 14:9): "THE THISTLE THAT WAS IN LEBANON." This is Hamor, the father of Shechem. (Ibid.:) "SENT TO THE CEDAR THAT WAS IN LEBANON." This is Jacob, as it is said (in Psalms 92:13): "THE RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL FLOURISH LIKE THE PALM; LIKE A CEDAR IN LEBANON SHALL HE GROW." (II Kings 14:9, cont.:) "GIVE YOUR DAUGHTER TO MY SON FOR A WIFE," for he says (in Genesis 34:8): "PLEASE GIVE HER TO HIM FOR A WIFE." (II Kings 14:9, cont.:) "BUT A BEAST OF THE FIELD PASSED BY." These are the tribes, who were likened to beasts, as it is said (in Genesis 49:9): "JUDAH IS A LION'S WHELP"; (in vs. 27:) "BENJAMIN IS A RAVENING WOLF"; (in vs. 21:) "NAPHTALI IS A HIND LET LOOSE"; (in vs. 14:) "ISSACHAR IS A STRONG-BONED ASS." (II Kings 14:9, cont.:) "AND TRAMPLED DOWN THE THISTLE." This is Hamor and Shechem his son, whom they killed by the edge of the sword on account of Dinah, as it is said: "AND DINAH THE DAUGHTER OF LEAH WENT OUT." In every place the female child is associated with the males, but here she is associated with her mother — but this is because the corruption began with her mother.

Themes

WomenTribesAnimalsPsalmsDavid

Biblical References

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