Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai on the Terror of the Day of Judgment

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shoftim 7:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai used to say: "And I will draw near to you for judgment, [and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wages of the hired worker, the widow, and the orphan, and who turn aside the sojourner]" (Malachi 3:5). Woe to us from the day of judgment! Woe to us from the day of rebuke! Scripture compared one who turns aside judgment to all the grave transgressions. Therefore the Holy One, blessed be He, warned: "You shall not turn aside [justice]" (Deuteronomy 16:19). Rabbi Chama bar Osha'ya said: A person who feels pain in his eye gives much money to a physician, [though] it is doubtful whether he is healed or doubtful whether he is not healed. But the one who takes a bribe corrupts judgment, and blinds his eyes, and causes exile for Israel, and brings famine into the world, as it is said: "Justice, justice you shall pursue, so that you may live and inherit [the land]" (Deuteronomy 16:20); and if not, you shall not inherit.

Themes

Divine JudgmentJudgmentDivine JusticeCharityCommandments

Biblical References

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