Joseph's Bones and the Twofold Oath of Redemption

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 11:25

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"For he had surely adjured the children of Israel" (Exodus 13:19). And why two oaths? This teaches that Joseph made his brothers swear, and his brothers their sons, and their sons the following generation. "God will surely visit you" (Exodus 13:19). And why two visitations? A visitation in Egypt and a visitation at Sinai; a visitation in Nisan and a visitation in Tishrei; a visitation in this world and a visitation in the world to come. "And you shall carry up my bones from here" (Exodus 13:19). One might think immediately; therefore Scripture says "with you" (Exodus 13:19), meaning when you yourselves go up. Rabbi Meir says: "with you" teaches that each and every tribe shall carry up the head of its tribe along with it. Finished.

Themes

JosephRedemptionExodus

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