The Nut Tree and the Bandit Who Confesses and Is Spared

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 24:8

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Rabbi Simon, in the name of Rabbi Joshua ben Levi, in the name of Rabbi Simeon ben Halafta: With all plants, you cover their roots and they thrive; but this nut tree, you cover its roots and it does not thrive. This may be compared to a bandit who is being judged before the magistrate (the kostinar). As long as he resists, he is beaten; once he confesses, he receives the death sentence (parkola). But the Holy One, blessed be He, is not so. Rather, before a person confesses, He hands down the sentence; once he confesses, he receives acquittal (dimos). This is the meaning of what is written: "He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper" (Proverbs 28:13). Rabbi Judah said: "But he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Therefore Hosea warns Israel and says to them, "Return, O Israel" (Hosea 14:2).

Themes

RepentanceDivine CompassionDivine Justice

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