Creation Held on Condition That Israel Keep the Torah

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 16:12

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish said: What is the meaning of what is written, "And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day" (Genesis 1:31)? This teaches that the Holy One, blessed be He, made a condition with the works of creation: "If Israel keep the Torah, you shall endure; and if not, I will return you to formlessness and void." This is what is written, "From heaven You proclaimed judgment; the earth feared and was still" (Psalms 76:9). If it "feared," why was it "still"? And if it was "still," why did it "fear"? Rather, at first it "feared," and in the end it was "still."

Themes

CreationTorahDivine Justice

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