Why Israel Held Back from the War Against Midian

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Matot 4:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand for each tribe" (Numbers 31:5). And what is the meaning of "there were delivered"? That they were delivered in pairs, one to another. "There were delivered"—against their will, for Scripture had made the death of Moses dependent upon coming after the vengeance against Midian. They said: Shall we go to Midian and Moses will die? They held back from going. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moses: Cast lots over them, over the tribes, and they will be delivered of their own accord.

Themes

WarMosesTribesWisdomDeath

Biblical References

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