The Devoted City and the Number of Its Two Hundred Forty-Eight Limbs

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 15:19

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And the city shall be devoted" (Joshua 6:17). Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish said: Just as it enters into the two hundred forty-eight limbs, so it departs from the two hundred forty-eight limbs. Just as it enters, as it is written "devoted" (cherem), which in gematria equals two hundred forty-eight, so it departs, as it is written "in wrath remember mercy" (rachem) (Habakkuk 3:2), which in gematria comes to the same number.

Themes

Holy LandDivine JusticeWisdom

Continue Reading

Book of JubileesAbraham Studies His Fathers' Books Written in HebrewIt led him on a journey, not just geographically, but a journey of the mind and soul. The Book of Jubilees, a fascinating text that expands on the stories we fiBook of JudithJoacim and the Promised LandIt all starts with preparation. And that's exactly what we see in the Book of Judith. When faced with a looming threat, what's the first thing you do? You prepaBook of JudithBirth of HolofernesSee, Holofernes, the general of Nebuchadnezzar's army, was on a mission. A mission to crush any resistance in his path. And he's hearing whispers about this stuBook of JudithHolofernes and the Promised Land"Now these men will wipe clean the face of the earth, for neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills, are able to bear their weight." It's a decBook of JudithHolofernes Cuts Off Bethulia's Water SupplyIn this chapter, we see the enemy strategizing, trying to figure out how to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. So, the scene is set. Holofernes, the fearsoBook of JudithJudith's Peaceful Later Years After Her VictoryWe’ve spent some time talking about daring women of the Bible, but sometimes, the most compelling stories lie just outside the generally accepted canon. The Boo