Miracles of Birth and the Womb in Midrash Tanchuma Tazria

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Tazria 5:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[Another interpretation of (Leviticus 12:2): "When a woman emits seed."] Rabbi Judah bar Simon said: A woman's two thighs become like two thighs of stone, so that she may have strength when she gives birth, as it is stated (in Exodus 1:16), "and you shall look upon the stones." Rabbi Meir said: The Holy One, blessed be He, performs acts of miracles with this infant. How so? Before the woman gives birth, she draws blood; once she has given birth, the blood is removed to the breasts and becomes milk, and the infant nurses from them. Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: The Holy One, blessed be He, performs acts of miracles with this infant. How so? A purse (that is, a money-bag) that is full, when its mouth is downward, the coins scatter; but this woman, her purse is downward, and the child is preserved. Another interpretation: This beast walks about, and the offspring lies crouched within its belly; but this woman walks about erect, and the offspring is within her belly, and the Holy One, blessed be He, preserves it.

Themes

Divine ProvidenceBirthMiraclesWomenHumor

Biblical References

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