The Righteous Knows His Beast and Sennacherib's Cruel Mercy

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Emor 18:1

"And whether it be a bull or a sheep, you shall not slaughter it and its young in one day" (Leviticus 22:28). As it is said, "A righteous one knows the life of his beast" (Proverbs 12:10) — this is the Holy One, blessed be He, who said, "You shall not take the mother together with the young" (Deuteronomy 22:6). "But the mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10) — this is Sennacherib, of whom it is written, "The mother was dashed in pieces upon her children" (Hosea 10:14).

Themes

Biblical References