The Charge Sheet of the Tribes and the Verdict of Return

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 24:10

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD" (Isaiah 55:8). This may be compared to a bandit who is being judged before the magistrate (the kostinar). First the indictment (the analgin) is read against him; then he is beaten; then he is fettered (given the kemes); then he is sentenced (given the parkola); and then he is led out to be executed. But the Holy One, blessed be He, is not so. Rather, first He reads the indictment of the tribes: "And now they sin more and more, and have made for themselves molten images" (Hosea 13:2). And then He beats them: "Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up" (Hosea 9:16). And then He fetters them: "The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up" (Hosea 13:12). And then He sentences them: "Samaria shall bear her guilt, for she has rebelled" (Hosea 14:1). And then, instead of executing them, He brings them back in repentance: "Return, O Israel" (Hosea 14:2).

Themes

RepentanceDivine JusticeExile

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