Why Jacob Asked Joseph for Kindness and Truth in Burial

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayechi 5:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Genesis 47:29:) "And he said [to him]: If now I have found favor in your eyes [etc.], deal with me in kindness and truth." But is there a kindness of falsehood, that he says "kindness and truth"? Why so? The popular proverb says: "When the son of your beloved dies, bear the burden; when your beloved dies, unload." He said to him: If you will deal kindly with me after my death, that is a kindness of truth.

Themes

TruthDeath

Biblical References

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