The Soul Set Beside Judgment in God's Own Hand

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayikra 9:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of (Ecclesiastes 3:16) "the place of justice": The Holy One, blessed be He, said: I created the soul, and it is given into My hand, [as it is said] (Job 12:10) "In whose hand is the soul of every living thing." And justice too is given into My hand, as it is said (Deuteronomy 32:41) "and My hand lays hold on justice." And I did not place the soul beside the judgment except that it should see what is prepared for it and not sin; yet it sins. (Ecclesiastes 3:16) "there was wickedness" — because the soul is placed at the side of the judgment.

Themes

Divine JudgmentSoulDivine JusticeJudgmentSin

Biblical References

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