Why God Gave the Torah to a People That Loves Peace

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Yitro 9:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[(Exodus 19:1:) In the third new moon.] This is what Scripture says (Proverbs 3:17): "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, [and all her paths are peace]." The Holy One, blessed be He, sought to give the Torah to Israel at the hour when Israel went out from Egypt, but they were quarreling with one another and were saying at every hour (Numbers 14:4): "Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt." What is written? "And they journeyed from Succoth and encamped at Etham" (Exodus 13:20) — for they were journeying in strife and encamping in strife. When they came to Rephidim, they all became equal and were made into a single band. And from where do we know that they all became a single band? As it is said (Exodus 19:2): "And Israel encamped there opposite the mountain." "And they encamped" is not written here, but rather "And he encamped." The Holy One, blessed be He, said: The whole Torah is peace, and to whom shall I give it? To a nation that loves peace. Thus (Proverbs 3:17): "And all her paths are peace."

Themes

SinaiTorahEgyptLoveExodus

Biblical References

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