Why God Spares Judah from His Lawsuit in Tanchuma Vayigash

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayigash 8:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Genesis 44:18): "PRAY, MY LORD" (bi adoni). And it is said, "MY LORD ASKED" (Genesis 44:19), and it is said, "UNTO MY LORD" (Genesis 44:20); "AND NOW, PLEASE, LET YOUR SERVANT REMAIN," and so forth (Genesis 44:33). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: Behold, you have now slackened from your former strength and spoken supplications. By your life! Even though I had said, "And the LORD has a lawsuit with Judah" (Hosea 12:3), nevertheless I am gracious, and I will have compassion upon you, as it is said, "For I will not contend forever" (Isaiah 57:16). And "forever" (olam) means none other than Judah, as it is said, "But Judah shall abide forever" (Joel 4:20).

Themes

HumilityJudahRepentance

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Avot DeRabbi NatanHow Aaron Made Enemies Into FriendsHillel taught: "Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and drawing them near to the Torah." But what did Aaron actually doHebraic Literature (1901)Why the Weaver Was Eaten by a LionA band of robbers once stopped a group of travelers and demanded to know who they were. Disciples of Rabbi Akiva, the travelers answered. The robbers lowered thHebraic Literature (1901)Why the Talmud Warns Against the Sadducees Until DeathThere was a man named Yochanan who served as High Priest for eighty years. Eighty. Longer than most men live, longer than any priest before or since had stood bTargum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisAdam Confesses He Has Transgressed the CommandmentAdam's answer, in the Torah, is evasive: "I was afraid because I was naked." The Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on (Genesis 3:10) lets him say more. "The voice of Thy WTargum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisJakob's Humble Message That the Blessing Has Not Profited HimAs Jakob prepared his message to Esau, he did something strange. He instructed his servants to announce that the great blessing stolen years before had, in effeTargum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisI Will Soften His Face Before I See His Face"I will make his countenance friendly by the gift which goes before me, and afterward I will see his face: perhaps he will accept me." Targum Pseudo-Jonathan pr