(Exodus 22 — 19) "One who sacrifices to idolatry shall be put

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Nezikin 17:19

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 10, 2025

(Exodus 22:19) "One who sacrifices to idolatry shall be put to death": We have heard the punishment. Whence the exhortation? It is written (Exodus 20:5) "You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them." Sacrifice was included (in serving), and it was singled out to teach that just as sacrificing is distinctive in that it is an inner Temple service and one is liable for it (if done for an idol) whether or not it is its conventional mode of worship, so, one is liable for all such modes of service (in the worship of idolatry.)

Themes

Divine justice Temple Death

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Thus said the Holy One Blessed be He — What reward will Thus said the Holy One Blessed be He: What reward will accrue to the sons of Benjamin, who went down first into the sea?... Midrash Aggadah Our Rabbis taught — At the time that the anointed king Our Rabbis taught: At the time that the anointed king comes, he [will] stand on the roof of the temple and announce to I... Midrash Aggadah Rabbi Yochanan Whoever occupies himself with the A disciple recited before R. Jochanan: "Whoever occupies himself with the study of the Torah and with the practice of lo... Midrash Aggadah Rabbi Meir in Rosh Hashanah Come, listen. The proselyte Beluria asked Rabban Gamaliel: "It is written in your Torah (Deut. 17) The Lord who forgivet... Midrash Aggadah Aggadah From Rosh Hashanah Chapter 1 (22) We are taught in a Baraitha, R. Simeon b. Jochai said: "There are four matters that R. Akiba expounded, but which I... Midrash Aggadah King David When Sennacherib came and besieged What is meant by 'a wicked bond'? Shebna taught to twelve myriads, while Hezekiah taught to eleven myriads. When Sennach... Midrash Aggadah When the heathen conquered the Temple Josef Meshita was When the heathen conquered the Temple Josef Meshita was asked to go in first. He was told that whatever he brought out s... Midrash Rabbah “The tongue of the suckling sticks to its palate from “The tongue of the suckling sticks to its palate from thirst; infants request bread, and no one breaks it with them” (La... Midrash Rabbah Another interpretation — “From people by Your hand, O Lord” Another interpretation: “From people by Your hand, O Lord” – how mighty are they who took dominion from under the hand o...