The Wicked Kingdom That Ascends Upon Its Own Pyre in Tzav

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Tzav 4:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[This is the burnt offering upon its hearth (Leviticus 6:2).] This is the wicked kingdom, which exalted itself, as it is said: "Though you soar high like the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, [I will bring you down from there, says the LORD]" (Obadiah 1:4). And they were sentenced to fire, as it is said: "I beheld until the beast was slain [and its body destroyed and given over to the burning fire]" (Daniel 7:11). The Holy One, blessed be He, said: "And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, [and the house of Esau for stubble,] etc., for the LORD has spoken" (Obadiah 1:18). And what did He speak by the hand of Moses? This is the burnt offering upon its hearth. And afterward: "And saviors shall ascend upon Mount Zion to judge the mountain of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD's" (Obadiah 1:21).

Themes

Divine JudgmentRedemption

Biblical References

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