When Moses and Aaron Met as Righteousness and Peace

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shemot 25:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses" (Exodus 4:27): This is what Scripture says: "Lovingkindness and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed" (Psalms 85:11). Righteousness, this is Moses, as it is said, "He performed the righteousness of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 33:21). Peace, this is Aaron, as it is said, "In peace and uprightness he walked with Me" (Malachi 2:6). Lovingkindness, this is Aaron, as it is said, "And of Levi he said: Your Tummim and Your Urim be with Your pious one" (Deuteronomy 33:8). And truth, this is Moses, as it is said, "He is trusted in all My house" (Numbers 12:7). Therefore "lovingkindness and truth have met"—"and he went and met him" (Exodus 4:27); "righteousness and peace have kissed"—"and he kissed him" (Exodus 4:27).

Themes

RighteousnessTzedakahMosesPriesthoodPsalms

Biblical References

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Midrash TanchumaTake Aaron and His Sons. This Text Is Related(Lev. 8:2:) “Take Aaron and his sons.” This text is related (to Prov. 20:7), “The one who walks in his integrity is righteous; blessed are his children after hiMidrash Tanchuma Buber, EmorWhy the Mountains Press Down the Deep in Midrash Tanchuma EmorRead the verse as it stands, says the Maggid, and it puzzles you: Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains. So the sages teach us to turn the words aboutMidrash Tanchuma Buber, TzavAaron Doubly Blessed Both Chosen and Brought NearHear the secret folded into a single verse. When the LORD commanded Moses, "Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments," the Sages heard David singing aMidrash Tanchuma Buber, NitzavimWhy Israel Endures the Curses and Stands Before GodHear how Moses stilled a trembling people. He had gathered all Israel and reminded them: "You have seen the great trials, the wonders in Egypt; you came at lastMidrash TehillimDid Moses Serve as a Priest Before AaronMidrash Tehillim turns to Did Moses Serve as a Priest Before Aaron. It’s a fascinating idea, isn’t it? To picture Moses, not just as the lawgiver and prophet, bSifra, Mekhilta deMiluimWhen Moses Called Aaron to the Altar and Made Him an EqualFor seven days Moses alone had moved through the rites of consecration, his hands learning the holy work of the Mishkan while his brother watched and waited. Th