Why Jethro Converted After Amalek's Defeat in Tanchuma

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Yitro 4:5

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"(And Joshua weakened) Amalek" (Exodus 17:13), according to its plain meaning. "And [Amalek]", these are his wife and his sons. "And his people", these are the multitudes who came with him. Therefore, when Jethro heard of the miracles that the Holy One, blessed be He, performed against Amalek, he immediately came and converted. This is the meaning of "Strike the scoffer" (Proverbs 19:25), this is Amalek; "and the simple one will become clever" (Proverbs 19:25), this is Jethro.

Themes

Divine JusticeWisdomWarConversionHumor

Biblical References

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