Why Scattering Israel Among the Nations Was an Act of Mercy

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 50:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"The righteous acts of His leadership in Israel" (Judges 5:11). Rabbi Oshaya said: the Holy One, blessed be He, performed acts of righteousness toward Israel by scattering them among the nations. This is like the case of a certain heretic who said to Rabbi Yehudah the Patriarch: "We are better than you, for of you it is written, 'For six months Joab remained there with all Israel until he had cut off every male in Edom' (1 Kings 11:16), while we have dwelt among you for many years and have done nothing to you." He said to him: "If you are willing, let one student deal with you." Rabbi Oshaya then took him on and said to him: "It is because you do not know how to do it. Shall you kill them all? They are not all within your kingdom. Shall you kill only those who are within your kingdom? Then you would be called a maimed kingdom." He said to him: "By the Capitol of Rome, with this matter we rise and with this matter we fall."

Themes

ExileNationsDivine Justice

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