Why the Tribes of Israel Are Named the Ceiling of the World

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shemot 5:15

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Rabbi Joshua of Sikhnin said in the name of Rabbi Levi: The names of the tribes are equal in every place, except that one is placed before another, and one is placed after another, to teach you that these were not greater than those. And why is one placed before another? Because they are the ceiling of the world, and whoever roofs properly sets the head of one roof-beam beside the head of another; therefore he places one before another. And from where do we know that they are the ceiling of the world? As it is said: "Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel whom I have called" (Isaiah 48:12).

Themes

CreationTribesAdam EveMatriarchsKings

Biblical References

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