Why Ham's Eye and Mouth Set Slaves Free in Tanchuma Noach

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Noach 21:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

(Genesis 9:22:) "And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw <the nakedness of his father>." Rabbi Judah bar Shallum said in the name of Rabbi Jacob bar Zavdi, who said in the name of Rabbi Abbahu: Ham saw with his eyes and told with his mouth. Therefore the Holy One, blessed be He, said: If one of the slaves is struck in his eye or in his tooth, he goes out to freedom, as it is said (Exodus 21:26): "And if a man strikes the eye of his slave <or the eye of his maidservant and destroys it, he shall let him go free for his eye>."

Themes

NoahDivine JusticeSinHumorWit

Biblical References

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