I find those connections absolutely fascinating! Today, let’s dive into a passage from Bamidbar Rabbah 9, which springs from the Book of Numbers and then takes us on a whirlwind tour through Proverbs, Isaiah, and Deuteronomy.
It all starts with a rather delicate, and even painful, scenario: "A spirit of jealousy overcame him, and he warned his wife, and she was defiled, or a spirit of jealousy overcame him, and he warned his wife, and she was not defiled" (Numbers 5:14). This verse deals with the sotah, the woman suspected of adultery. But what does jealousy have to do with it?
Well, according to Bamidbar Rabbah, this “spirit of jealousy” is linked to a list of things God hates, found in Proverbs 6:16: "There are six that the Lord hates, and seven that are an abomination to His soul." It’s Rabbi Yosei HaGelili who makes this connection, drawing a fascinating parallel between these seven abominations and the actions that might lead a woman to be suspected of adultery.
What are these seven things? They paint a vivid picture.
First, "Haughty [ramot] eyes" (Proverbs 6:17). Rabbi Yosei HaGelili interprets this as a woman casting her gaze towards another man. Think of it as wandering eyes, a lack of focus on her marriage. The text even connects this to the daughters of Zion in Isaiah 3:16, who are described as haughty.
Next, "A lying tongue" (Proverbs 6:17). This one's pretty straightforward. If a woman commits adultery, she might lie to her husband about the child's paternity. Imagine the deception, the weight of that lie.
Then, "Hands that shed innocent blood" (Proverbs 6:17). This one is a bit more intense. The text suggests that the adulterer might be willing to kill or be killed if caught. It speaks to the potential violence and desperation that can surround such a situation.
"A heart devising iniquitous thoughts" (Proverbs 6:18) follows. This dives into the mental landscape of adultery, the constant scheming and planning. It's a picture of obsession, a mind consumed by forbidden desires.
And then, "Feet hastening to run to evil" (Proverbs 6:18). This is the physical act of pursuing the sin, the eager steps taken towards the forbidden.
The sixth abomination is "One who utters lies as a false witness" (Proverbs 6:19). This refers to the cover-up, the lies and oaths sworn to conceal the truth if caught. "We were just talking!" the adulterers might claim, attempting to deceive everyone.
Finally, "One who incites discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6:19). This one broadens the scope. Adultery doesn't just affect the immediate couple; it creates rifts within the community. As the text points out, all of Israel are brethren. Adultery creates hatred and distrust, poisoning the bonds that hold the community together. Imagine the husband's pain and anger, the adulterer's inability to even look him in the eye.
Bamidbar Rabbah emphasizes that this "spirit of jealousy [kina]" is really an expression of anger. It even connects kina to the verses in Deuteronomy 32:21, where God says, "They have infuriated Me [kinuni] with a non-god… and I will infuriate them [akniem] with a non-people." And Proverbs 6:34 drives the point home: "For jealousy [kina] is the fury of a man..."
So, what do we take away from this intricate web of connections? It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. The Rabbis are showing us how seemingly disparate parts of the Torah can illuminate each other, revealing deeper truths about human nature and the importance of living a life of integrity. It's a potent reminder of the destructive power of jealousy, betrayal, and the importance of guarding our hearts and minds. What do you think?