How God Tests the Righteous Through Shepherding

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 169:7

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Now Moses was keeping the flock" (Exodus 3:1). It is written, "The LORD tries the righteous" (Psalms 11:5). Rabbi Isaac said: With what does He try the righteous? With the tending of flocks. David was tried with shepherding, as it is said, "From following the ewes that give suck He brought him, to be shepherd over Jacob His people." Amos was tried with shepherding, as it is said, "And the LORD took me from following the flock" (Amos 7:15). Moses too was tried with shepherding, as it is said, "Now Moses was keeping the flock." "And he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness" (Exodus 3:1) — to keep them far from robbery [grazing on others' land].

Themes

MosesDavidRighteousness

Continue Reading

Book of TobitTobit's Righteousness in the Land of ExileOur story begins with Tobi. He’s in exile in Nineveh, in Assyria. And right away, he’s calling out to God: “Remember me, my God, for good.” He’s not just askingBook of JasherEdom in BattleThe Book of Jasher, an ancient text referenced in the Bible itself (Joshua 10:13, (2 Samuel 1:1)8), offers some fascinating glimpses. The chapter opens by settiLegends of the JewsMichael at the Dawn of CreationJewish tradition has always been rich with layered realities, and the concept of multiple heavens is no exception. Forget one sky; imagine seven! Each with its Legends of the JewsThe Seven Divisions of ParadiseWhile readers often imagine it as a single, unified place, Jewish tradition offers a far more intricate and fascinating vision. Some accounts say Paradise. Or GLegends of the JewsThe Ram at the Binding Was Created at the Dawn of TimeLegends of the Jews turns to The Ram at the Binding Was Created at the Dawn of Time. The answers, according to Jewish tradition, are, well, The story of the akeLegends of the JewsAbraham — Divine PresenceLegends of the Jews turns to Abraham — Divine Presence. The Shekhinah… that divine presence, the embodiment of God's immanence. To die with the Shekhinah is a p