Midrash Tanchuma, Tazria 7

(Lev. 13:2) “When anyone has on the skin of his flesh.” Why does it not say, “Speak unto the Children of Israel,” just as it says in all the [other] sections<sup class="footnote-marker">22</sup><i class="footnote">In the Pentateuch the expression is found in Exod. 14:2, 15; 25:2; 31:15; Lev. 4:2; 7:23, 29; 12:2; 18:2; 23:2, 10, 24, 34; 25:2; 27:2; Numb. 5:22; 6:2; 9:10; 15:2, 18, 38; 33:51; 35:10.</i> [instead of, “When anyone has”]?<sup class="footnote-marker">23</sup><i class="footnote">The midrash points out that this commandment is universal and not only for the Children of Israel. In what follows the Holy One shows a concern for all creatures. Cf. Enoch Zundel in his commentary on <i>Tanh</i>., Lev. 4:7, according to whom the Holy One, not being one WHO DELIGHTS IN WICKEDNESS, did not delight in citing the Children of Israel for evil.</i> This text is related (to Ps. 5:5), “For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not abide with You.” Because the verse says (in Is. 46:10), “My plan shall come to pass, and I will accomplish all My desire.” Whoever hears this verse, says, “Perhaps there is tyranny on high.” R. Tanhuma said, “What is the meaning of “and I will accomplish all My desire?” That he does not desire to convict any creature, as stated (in Ezek. 33:11), “That I do not desire the death of the wicked.” Ergo (in Ps. 5:5), “For You are not a God who delights in wickedness.” What is the meaning of “evil may not abide with You?” R. Johanan said, “David said to the Holy One, blessed be He, ‘Master of the world, if You desire to acquit, who will protest your authority?’” (Eccl. 8:4:)”For a king's word is supreme, and who may say to him, ‘what are you doing?’” It is customary, when a [local] ruler sits in judgement and wants to acquit or convict, for him to be afraid of one greater than himself, lest they put in an appeal<sup class="footnote-marker">24</sup><i class="footnote"><i>Enqeliton</i>, from the Gk.: <i>ekkleton</i> (“appeal”) or <i>egkleton</i> (“accusation”).</i> to the imperial legate.<sup class="footnote-marker">25</sup><i class="footnote">Lat.: <i>comes</i>; Gk.: <i>komes</i>.</i> An imperial legate is afraid of a governor;<sup class="footnote-marker">26</sup><i class="footnote">Gk.: <i>eparchos</i> (“governor”) or <i>huparchus</i> (“viceroy”).</i> a governor is afraid of the king. But is the king afraid of anyone? And [so is it with] You; if You desire to acquit or convict, of whom are You afraid? (Ps. 5:5), “Evil may not abide (<i>ygwr</i>) with You”: This expression (<i>ygwr</i>) can only be an expression of fear. Compare what is said (in Deut. 9:19), “For I was afraid (<i>from ygwr</i>) of anger and rage.”