Why Moab Feared Israel Like an Ox That Licks the Field

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Balak 4:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Numbers 22:4:) "NOW THIS ASSEMBLY WILL LICK UP ALL THAT IS AROUND US AS THE OX LICKS UP <the grass of the field>." Just as the ox—its strength is in its mouth, so too they—their strength is in their mouth. Just as the ox—everything that it licks up has no sign of blessing in it, so too these—everything that they lick up has no sign of blessing in it. Just as the ox gores with its horns, so too these, <as it is said> (Deuteronomy 33:17): "AND HIS HORNS ARE THE HORNS OF A WILD OX."

Themes

AnimalsAdam EvePrayerMusicDivine Justice

Biblical References

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