The Sweet Palate of God and the Reward for Not Gashing the Flesh

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayetzei 22:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[(Genesis 31:3:) Then God said unto Jacob, <Return unto the land of your ancestors where you were born>, and I will be with you.] It is written (in Song of Songs 5:16): His palate is most sweet. [Rabbi Tanhum, Rabbi Yose said: Come and see what the Holy One says to Israel (in Leviticus 19:28): You shall not make a gash in your flesh for the dead. Why? (As it continues:) I am the LORD &mdash; faithful to pay you a reward. Is there a palate sweeter than this? A person says to his fellow, &ldquo;If you disfigure yourself, then I will give you your wages&rdquo;; but the Holy One said, &ldquo;If you do not disfigure yourselves &mdash; and you do not make a gash in your flesh for the dead &mdash; I give you a reward.&rdquo; Ergo: His palate is most sweet.]

Themes

Divine JusticeWarMusicBibleSolomon

Biblical References

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