Verses Fit to Be Burned Yet the Very Body of Torah

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 22:9

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Resh Lakish said: There are many passages of Scripture that seem fit to be burned like the books of heretics, and yet they are the very body of the Torah. "And the Avvim that dwell in the villages as far as Gaza" (Deuteronomy 2:23). What practical difference does this make? It follows from what Abimelech made Abraham swear, as it is written, "now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me" (and with my offspring). The Holy One, blessed be He, said: Let the Caphtorim come and dispossess the Avvim, who are Philistines, and let Israel come and dispossess the Caphtorim. Similar to this: "for Heshbon was the city of Sihon" (Numbers 21:26). Similar to this: "the Sidonians call Hermon Sirion" (Deuteronomy 3:9). Similar to this: "and the people he removed to the cities" (Genesis 47:21). What practical difference does this make? That they should not be called by their brothers a people of exiles.

Themes

TorahCovenantHoly Land

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