Moses Hastens His Own Death to Avenge Israel on Midian

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Matot 3:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"Avenge the vengeance of the children of Israel against the Midianites; afterward you shall be gathered unto your people" (Numbers 31:2). Rabbi Judah said: Had Moses wished to live for some more years, he would have lived, for the Holy One, blessed be He, had made his death depend upon coming after the vengeance against Midian. Moses said: Shall I, in order that I may go on living, hold back the vengeance of Israel upon the Midianites? Immediately, "And Moses spoke unto the people, saying: Arm men from among you" (Numbers 31:3).

Themes

MosesDeathWarWisdomDivine Justice

Biblical References

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