Why Scripture Says Judah Acted Treacherously When He Went Down

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayeshev 9:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[(Genesis 38:1:) AND JUDAH WENT DOWN.] This is what Scripture says (Malachi 2:11): JUDAH HAS ACTED TREACHEROUSLY, AND AN ABOMINATION HAS BEEN COMMITTED IN ISRAEL. What is the meaning of JUDAH HAS ACTED TREACHEROUSLY? Judah dealt falsely, just as you say (ibid. 14): WITH WHOM YOU HAVE ACTED TREACHEROUSLY. Thus you say: Judah dealt falsely. Over what did he deal falsely? (ibid. 11:) FOR JUDAH HAS PROFANED THE HOLINESS OF THE LORD. Thus, JUDAH HAS ACTED TREACHEROUSLY, (ibid.:) AND HAS MARRIED THE DAUGHTER OF A FOREIGN GOD. And further on it says (Psalms 114:2): JUDAH BECAME HIS SANCTUARY, while here it says: FOR JUDAH HAS PROFANED. Thus, AND HAS MARRIED THE DAUGHTER OF A FOREIGN GOD.

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JudahTribesHeresyHeroismBible

Biblical References

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