Parshat Devarim

3,391 related texts · Page 296 of 377

Moses's farewell address begins with a review of the journey from Sinai, the appointment of judges, and the scouts' mission. Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22.

Bilam and the Origins of the World

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12

Why the darkness? Let's delve into a fascinating passage from Bamidbar Rabbah 20 and explore this very question. The passage opens by connecting God’s encounters with Bilam, the no...

CreationHeavenPatriarchsMoses

Bilam and the Angels

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:15

The Torah gives us a fascinating glimpse of such a moment in the story of Bilam, the non-Jewish prophet hired to curse the Israelites. In Numbers, chapter 22, verse 31, we read: “T...

CreationHell/GehennaAngelsNoah & Flood

Kingdom of Bilam and Balak

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:18

It's one of those biblical tales that's just packed with odd details, and the Rabbis of the Midrash had a field day unpacking it all. We find a fascinating take in Bamidbar Rabbah,...

HeavenAngelsAdam & EveNoah & Flood

Zimri Beyond the Firmament

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:24

The scene is set in Numbers 25:6: “Behold, a man from the children of Israel came and brought near to his brethren the Midyanite woman, before the eyes of Moses, and before the eye...

HeavenMosesSolomonHoly Land

Balak: Balaam's Transgression

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:4

The Torah gives us some pretty strong clues, and it all boils down to how they chose to attack us. Think about the story of Balaam and Balak. Remember that? Balak, the King of Moab...

MosesMessiahRepentanceMiracles

Moses and Joseph

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:7

Today, let's talk about counting, specifically, the census in the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar in Hebrew. We find ourselves in Numbers 26, right after a devastating plague. God tells ...

JosephMosesMiraclesHoly Land

Benjamin: Bilam and the Origins of the World

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:8

Jewish tradition grapples with this very question, particularly when it comes to the Land of Israel. The Book of Numbers, Bamidbar in Hebrew, presents a fascinating puzzle in chapt...

CreationJosephMosesMiracles

Trial of Tirtza

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10

The story of the daughters of Tzelofḥad challenges that assumption in a profound way. It all starts in Numbers 27:1: “The daughters of Tzelofḥad, son of Ḥefer, son of Gilad, son of...

JosephMosesEgypt

David and the First Humans

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 23:1

And as we'll see, it's a feeling that resonates profoundly within Jewish tradition. Our journey begins with the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar (במדבר), specifically Numbers 33:1: "These...

Adam & EvePatriarchsJosephMoses