A king of flesh and blood enters a province, and all praise

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Shirah 1:16

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 22, 2025

A king of flesh and blood enters a province, and all praise him as "strong"—when he is weak; as "rich"—when he is poor; as "wise"—when he is foolish; as "merciful"—when he is cruel; as "trusty"—when he is not. He is lacking in all of these (fine) attributes—All men are flattering him. But it is not so with Him who spoke and brought the world into being. He transcends all that He is praised for. "I shall sing to the L–rd," who is strong—(Devarim 10:17) "the G–d who is great and strong and awesome," (Psalms 24:8) "the L–rd, mighty and strong, the L–rd, strong in war," (Isaiah 42;13) "The L–rd as a mighty one shall go forth. As a man of war, He will stir up wrath. He will shout; He will scream. He will overpower His foes," (Jeremiah 10:14) "There is none like You, O L–rd. Great are You and great is Your name in strength."

Themes

Prophecy Wisdom Charity

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