only to the L–rd alone" — Because others say — If the

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Nezikin 17:21

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 12, 2025

"only to the L–rd alone": Because others say: If the Israelites had not joined the name of the Holy One Blessed be He, with that of idolatry (i.e., the golden calf), they would have gone lost from the world, it is written "One who sacrifices to idolatry shall be put to death—only to the L–rd alone!" R. Shimon b. Yochai says: Are not all who join the name of the Holy One Blessed be He to the name of idolatry liable to destruction! As it is written (II Kings 17:33) "They feared the L–rd and served their (the nations') gods, according to the custom of the nations that exiled them from there."

Themes

Exile Temple Death Holy Land

Biblical References

II Kings 17:33

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