Joshua Conquered Thirty-One Kings Yet Died Without Sons

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shmini 3:6

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Joshua — how happy he was! He slew thirty-one kings, gave Israel the land as an inheritance and divided it, and all Israel lent him their shoulder and said (Joshua 1:18): "Any man who rebels against your command [and does not obey your words in all that you command him shall be put to death]" — something which Moses our teacher did not merit. Yet he did not abide in his happiness, but rather died without sons. Therefore it is said (Psalms 75:5): "I said to the exultant: Do not exult."

Themes

JoshuaDeathHumorWitJoy

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Mekhilta DeRabbi YishmaelHow Seriously Should a Student Revere a TeacherHow seriously should a student revere a teacher? The Mekhilta answers with a statement that sounds almost blasphemous: the fear of one's teacher is to be equateMekhilta DeRabbi YishmaelRabbi Eliezer Hamodai Offered a Different Interpretation of Why MosesRabbi Eliezer Hamodai offered a different interpretation of why Moses told Joshua to "go out" and fight Amalek. And his version cuts deeper. According to Rabbi Pirkei DeRabbi EliezerDeath of AchanThe story of Achan, found in the Book of Joshua, gives us a pretty stark answer. And it's a story echoed and expanded upon in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinatMidrash TanchumaWhy Are You Casting Lots Between Me and My HouseIt is written (in Josh. 7:19), “Then Joshua said unto Achan, ‘My son, please give glory [to the Lord God of Israel and make a confession to Him; please tell me Book of TobitTobias's JourneyWe all do sometimes. But what if there were little nuggets of wisdom, ancient guiding stars, to help us find our way? That's what I find so compelling about theThe Wisdom of SolomonDo Not Seek Death With the Twistedness of Your WaysThe book opens with a stark warning: "Do not seek death with the twistedness of your ways, and do not bring about annihilation with the action of your hands." I