תְּאַבֵּד֮ דֹּבְרֵ֪י כָ֫זָ֥ב אִישׁ־דָּמִ֥ים וּמִרְמָ֗ה יְתָ֘עֵ֥ב ׀ יְהוָֽה׃
Engkau membinasakan orang-orang yang berkata dusta; Yang Mahakekal jijik terhadap orang yang menumpahkan darah dan penuh tipu daya.
Bamidbar Rabbah
“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying: So you shall bless the children of Israel; say to them:” (Numbers 6:23).
“So you shall bless the children of Israel…” – that is what is written: “Do not envy a man of villainy, and do not choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31). “A man of villainy” – this is the wicked Esau; “man” – just as it says: “Esau was a man who knew hunting” (Genesis 25:27); “villainy” – just as it says: “For the villainy to your brother Jacob” (Obadiah 1:10). What is it that it said: “Do not envy”? It is because it was revealed before the Holy One blessed be He that Israel is destined to be subjugated to Edom1Edom is considered the nation of Esau. and would be hard pressed and overburdened in their midst, and Israel is destined to protest this, just as Malachi said: “You said: It is vain to worship God and what is the profit in our having kept His commission.… Now we praise the wicked; the evildoers, too, prosper; they also test God and escape” (Malachi 3:14–15). That is why the Divine Presence said by means of Solomon: “Do not envy a man of villainy” – do not envy the tranquility of the wicked Esau; “and do not choose any of his ways” – you shall not perform any of his actions. Why? Look to the end of the matter, as, behold, the day will come when God will despise everyone who would impugn [maliz] the mitzvot. That is what is written: “For the devious person [naloz] is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 3:32). Likewise it says: “The Lord abhors a man of bloodshed and deceit” (Psalms 5:7). However, one whose path is upright before Him will be among His confidants; that is what is written: “And His secret is with the upright” (Proverbs 3:32). Likewise, it says: “Now, it will be said to Jacob [and to Israel what God has wrought]” (Numbers 23:23). And it says: “The secret of the Lord is to those who fear Him…” (Psalms 25:14). And it says: “You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:18).
“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is Esau the wicked, just as it says: “[If Edom will say:] We are ruined, but we will return and build the ruins, so said the Lord of hosts: They will build, and I will destroy; [they will be called the boundary of wickedness]” (Malachi 1:4). “And He blesses the abode of the righteous” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is Israel, in whose regard it is written: “Your people, they are all righteous, they will inherit the land forever” (Isaiah 60:21). “Your eyes will see, and you will say: May the Lord be exalted [beyond the boundary of Israel]” (Malachi 1:5).
“If it is to scoffers, He will scoff” (Proverbs 3:34) – these are the Edomites, who are called scoffers, as it is stated: “A wicked and arrogant man, scoffer is his name” (Proverbs 21:24). And they are called wicked, just as it says: “Now we praise the wicked” (Malachi 3:15). From where is it derived that the verse is speaking of the Edomites? As it is written: “The evildoers [osei risha], too, prosper” (Malachi 3:15) – these are the Edomites, just as it says: “They will be called the boundary of wickedness [risha]” (Malachi 1:4). And they scoff at Israel every day, about the troubles that befall them, just as it says: “You were haughty against Me with your mouths, and you increased your words against Me; I heard” (Ezekiel 35:13). “He will scoff” – the Holy One blessed be He is destined to mete out to them according to their measure, just as it says: “As you have done, so will be done to you; your retribution will return upon your head” (Obadiah 1:15).
“But to the humble He gives favor” (Proverbs 3:34) – this is Israel, who are poor among them2This is a reference to the Edomites mentioned above, and refers in general to all of the oppressors of Israel. and walk humbly in their midst and bear their yoke upon them in order to sanctify the name of the Holy One blessed be He. That the Holy One blessed be He is destined to be gracious to these and punish those, just as it says: “Therefore, the Lord will wait to be gracious to you […for the Lord is a God of justice]” (Isaiah 30:18). And it says: “The humble will increase their joy in the Lord” (Isaiah 29:19). And it says: “For a people will live in Zion, in Jerusalem; you will not weep” (Isaiah 30:19).
“The wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3:35) – this is Israel, who are called wise when they perform the Torah and the mitzvot, as it is stated: “You shall observe and you shall perform, as this is your wisdom and your understanding…” (Deuteronomy 4:6). Because Israel observes the Torah in their midst, the Holy One blessed be He is destined to bequeath to them a throne of glory, just as it says: “He will bequeath to them a throne of glory” (I Samuel 2:8), as the Holy One blessed be He is destined to restore the monarchy to Israel, just as it says: “The kingdom, the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the entire heavens [will be given to the holy people of the Most High]” (Daniel 7:27).
“And fools carry away disgrace” (Proverbs 3:35) – these are the Edomites, just as it says: “I will eliminate the wise from Edom, and wisdom from the mountain of Esau” (Obadiah 1:8). And it says: “[Concerning Edom, so said the Lord of hosts:] Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Is counsel lost from the children? Has their wisdom spoiled” (Jeremiah 49:7)? What is “carry away disgrace [kalon]”? It means that they will carry away disgrace in their portion, as their end will be that they will go into fire. Kalon is nothing other than fire, just as it says: “Whom the king of Babylon roasted [kalam] in the fire” (Jeremiah 29:22). And it says: “Just ripened, roasted [kalui] in fire” (Leviticus 2:14). Likewise it says: “[The house of Jacob will be fire,] and the house of Joseph a flame, [and the house of Esau for straw, and they will ignite them and consume them]” (Obadiah 1:18). And it says: “I was seeing until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and it was relegated to the burning of fire” (Daniel 7:11). That is, “and fools carry away disgrace.”
Another matter: “Do not envy a man [of villainy]” (Proverbs 3:31) – it is speaking of an adulterer, who, when he consorts with the wife of another and she is impregnated by him, he robs money from the children of the woman’s husband and gives it to the mamzer, as the husband thinks that he is his son, but he is not his son, and he bequeaths him the inheritance with his sons. It is regarding this matter that the adulterer is called “a man of villainy.”3Villainy is a translation of ḥamas, which also refers to theft. What is “do not envy”? It is that anyone who sees the adulterer, who realizes the lust in his heart with the wife of another and she feeds him and gives him to drink, should not envy his tranquility and should not choose any of his ways. Why? It is because the adulterer is called an abomination: “They are six that the Lord hates, and seven that are an abomination to His soul” (Proverbs 6:16). “One who incites discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19) is one of the abominations. This is the adulterer, who incites discord between a man and his wife, just as it says: “And a spirit of jealousy overcame him, [and he warned his wife]” (Numbers 5:14). That is why it is stated: “For the devious [naloz] person is an abomination to the Lord” – this is the adulterer, in whose regard it is written: “And are devious [unlozim] in their tracks” (Proverbs 2:15–16).
“And His secret is with the upright” (Proverbs 3:32) – this is one who sees his actions and abstains from wine in order to render his paths upright, just as it says: “Who render their paths upright” (Proverbs 9:15). What is His secret? It is that the Holy One blessed be He teaches him how to save himself from her, just as it says: “I have guided you on the path of wisdom” (Proverbs 4:11). The numerical value of wine [yayin] is seventy4Yod – 10; yod – 10; nun – 50; the sum is 70. and of secret [sod] is seventy.5Samekh – 60; vav – 6; dalet – 4; the sum is 70. He abstains from wine that totals seventy, and he merits the secret of wisdom that totals seventy. Wine enters, a secret emerges, wine remains out, a secret enters. That is, “and His secret is with the upright.”
“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is the adulterer. What is the curse [hame’era]? It is that the water that causes curse [hame’arerim] will examine him just as they examine her. That is, “the curse of the Lord,” just as it says: “May the Lord render you as a curse…” (Numbers 5:21).
“And He blesses the abode of the righteous” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is the male nazirite and the female nazirite, who, if they abstained from wine to protect themselves from sin, merit a blessing. That is why it juxtaposed the portion of the Priestly Benediction after the portion of the nazirite, because he merits receiving the blessings of the Priestly Benediction. That is, “and He blesses the abode of the righteous,” just as it says: “May the Lord bless you and protect you” (Numbers 6:24).
“If it is to scoffers,” (Proverbs 3:34) – this is the adulterer, who errs due to wine, who is called a scoffer, just as it says: “Wine is a scoffer, intoxicating drink is tumultuous…” (Proverbs 20:1). “He will scoff” (Proverbs 3:34) – as everyone scoffs at the adulterer, as he is a curse and an oath for My chosen ones. “But to the humble, He is gracious” (Proverbs 3:34) – these are the nazirites, who adopt humility for themselves, who abstain from wine and grow their hair in order to torment themselves and protect themselves from transgression. The Holy One blessed be He is gracious with them, just as it is written: “And be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:25).
“The wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3:35) – because the nazirites feared sin they were called wise men, just as it says: “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalms 111:10). And it says: “Behold, fear of the Lord is wisdom” (Job 28:28). They inherit honor, as the Holy One blessed be He lifts His countenance to them and grants them peace, as when a person sits peacefully in his home, that is his honor. Likewise, it says: “Preserve your honor and stay at home” (II Kings 14:10), as after the portion of the nazirite, the Priestly Benediction is written, in which it is written: “And grant you peace” (Numbers 6:26).
“And fools carry away disgrace” (Proverbs 3:35) – these are the adulterer and the adulteress, and they are called fools. The adulterer, from where is it derived? “Whoever is a simpleton let him turn here” (Proverbs (9:16). The adulteress, as it is written: “The woman of folly is loud” (Proverbs 9:13). “Carry away disgrace” – “he shall expose the head of the woman” (Numbers 5:18), and it says: “Her belly will distend…” (Numbers 5:27); do you have any disgrace greater than that? That is, “carry away disgrace.” This is why the portion of the Priestly Benediction is stated after the portion of the nazirite, as anyone who abstains from wine for the sake of Heaven merits all the blessings stated in the Priestly Benediction. From where is it derived? It is just as it says: “So you shall bless [the children of Israel]” (Numbers 6:23).
“So you shall bless the children of Israel…” – that is what is written: “Do not envy a man of villainy, and do not choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31). “A man of villainy” – this is the wicked Esau; “man” – just as it says: “Esau was a man who knew hunting” (Genesis 25:27); “villainy” – just as it says: “For the villainy to your brother Jacob” (Obadiah 1:10). What is it that it said: “Do not envy”? It is because it was revealed before the Holy One blessed be He that Israel is destined to be subjugated to Edom1Edom is considered the nation of Esau. and would be hard pressed and overburdened in their midst, and Israel is destined to protest this, just as Malachi said: “You said: It is vain to worship God and what is the profit in our having kept His commission.… Now we praise the wicked; the evildoers, too, prosper; they also test God and escape” (Malachi 3:14–15). That is why the Divine Presence said by means of Solomon: “Do not envy a man of villainy” – do not envy the tranquility of the wicked Esau; “and do not choose any of his ways” – you shall not perform any of his actions. Why? Look to the end of the matter, as, behold, the day will come when God will despise everyone who would impugn [maliz] the mitzvot. That is what is written: “For the devious person [naloz] is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 3:32). Likewise it says: “The Lord abhors a man of bloodshed and deceit” (Psalms 5:7). However, one whose path is upright before Him will be among His confidants; that is what is written: “And His secret is with the upright” (Proverbs 3:32). Likewise, it says: “Now, it will be said to Jacob [and to Israel what God has wrought]” (Numbers 23:23). And it says: “The secret of the Lord is to those who fear Him…” (Psalms 25:14). And it says: “You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:18).
“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is Esau the wicked, just as it says: “[If Edom will say:] We are ruined, but we will return and build the ruins, so said the Lord of hosts: They will build, and I will destroy; [they will be called the boundary of wickedness]” (Malachi 1:4). “And He blesses the abode of the righteous” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is Israel, in whose regard it is written: “Your people, they are all righteous, they will inherit the land forever” (Isaiah 60:21). “Your eyes will see, and you will say: May the Lord be exalted [beyond the boundary of Israel]” (Malachi 1:5).
“If it is to scoffers, He will scoff” (Proverbs 3:34) – these are the Edomites, who are called scoffers, as it is stated: “A wicked and arrogant man, scoffer is his name” (Proverbs 21:24). And they are called wicked, just as it says: “Now we praise the wicked” (Malachi 3:15). From where is it derived that the verse is speaking of the Edomites? As it is written: “The evildoers [osei risha], too, prosper” (Malachi 3:15) – these are the Edomites, just as it says: “They will be called the boundary of wickedness [risha]” (Malachi 1:4). And they scoff at Israel every day, about the troubles that befall them, just as it says: “You were haughty against Me with your mouths, and you increased your words against Me; I heard” (Ezekiel 35:13). “He will scoff” – the Holy One blessed be He is destined to mete out to them according to their measure, just as it says: “As you have done, so will be done to you; your retribution will return upon your head” (Obadiah 1:15).
“But to the humble He gives favor” (Proverbs 3:34) – this is Israel, who are poor among them2This is a reference to the Edomites mentioned above, and refers in general to all of the oppressors of Israel. and walk humbly in their midst and bear their yoke upon them in order to sanctify the name of the Holy One blessed be He. That the Holy One blessed be He is destined to be gracious to these and punish those, just as it says: “Therefore, the Lord will wait to be gracious to you […for the Lord is a God of justice]” (Isaiah 30:18). And it says: “The humble will increase their joy in the Lord” (Isaiah 29:19). And it says: “For a people will live in Zion, in Jerusalem; you will not weep” (Isaiah 30:19).
“The wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3:35) – this is Israel, who are called wise when they perform the Torah and the mitzvot, as it is stated: “You shall observe and you shall perform, as this is your wisdom and your understanding…” (Deuteronomy 4:6). Because Israel observes the Torah in their midst, the Holy One blessed be He is destined to bequeath to them a throne of glory, just as it says: “He will bequeath to them a throne of glory” (I Samuel 2:8), as the Holy One blessed be He is destined to restore the monarchy to Israel, just as it says: “The kingdom, the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the entire heavens [will be given to the holy people of the Most High]” (Daniel 7:27).
“And fools carry away disgrace” (Proverbs 3:35) – these are the Edomites, just as it says: “I will eliminate the wise from Edom, and wisdom from the mountain of Esau” (Obadiah 1:8). And it says: “[Concerning Edom, so said the Lord of hosts:] Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Is counsel lost from the children? Has their wisdom spoiled” (Jeremiah 49:7)? What is “carry away disgrace [kalon]”? It means that they will carry away disgrace in their portion, as their end will be that they will go into fire. Kalon is nothing other than fire, just as it says: “Whom the king of Babylon roasted [kalam] in the fire” (Jeremiah 29:22). And it says: “Just ripened, roasted [kalui] in fire” (Leviticus 2:14). Likewise it says: “[The house of Jacob will be fire,] and the house of Joseph a flame, [and the house of Esau for straw, and they will ignite them and consume them]” (Obadiah 1:18). And it says: “I was seeing until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and it was relegated to the burning of fire” (Daniel 7:11). That is, “and fools carry away disgrace.”
Another matter: “Do not envy a man [of villainy]” (Proverbs 3:31) – it is speaking of an adulterer, who, when he consorts with the wife of another and she is impregnated by him, he robs money from the children of the woman’s husband and gives it to the mamzer, as the husband thinks that he is his son, but he is not his son, and he bequeaths him the inheritance with his sons. It is regarding this matter that the adulterer is called “a man of villainy.”3Villainy is a translation of ḥamas, which also refers to theft. What is “do not envy”? It is that anyone who sees the adulterer, who realizes the lust in his heart with the wife of another and she feeds him and gives him to drink, should not envy his tranquility and should not choose any of his ways. Why? It is because the adulterer is called an abomination: “They are six that the Lord hates, and seven that are an abomination to His soul” (Proverbs 6:16). “One who incites discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19) is one of the abominations. This is the adulterer, who incites discord between a man and his wife, just as it says: “And a spirit of jealousy overcame him, [and he warned his wife]” (Numbers 5:14). That is why it is stated: “For the devious [naloz] person is an abomination to the Lord” – this is the adulterer, in whose regard it is written: “And are devious [unlozim] in their tracks” (Proverbs 2:15–16).
“And His secret is with the upright” (Proverbs 3:32) – this is one who sees his actions and abstains from wine in order to render his paths upright, just as it says: “Who render their paths upright” (Proverbs 9:15). What is His secret? It is that the Holy One blessed be He teaches him how to save himself from her, just as it says: “I have guided you on the path of wisdom” (Proverbs 4:11). The numerical value of wine [yayin] is seventy4Yod – 10; yod – 10; nun – 50; the sum is 70. and of secret [sod] is seventy.5Samekh – 60; vav – 6; dalet – 4; the sum is 70. He abstains from wine that totals seventy, and he merits the secret of wisdom that totals seventy. Wine enters, a secret emerges, wine remains out, a secret enters. That is, “and His secret is with the upright.”
“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is the adulterer. What is the curse [hame’era]? It is that the water that causes curse [hame’arerim] will examine him just as they examine her. That is, “the curse of the Lord,” just as it says: “May the Lord render you as a curse…” (Numbers 5:21).
“And He blesses the abode of the righteous” (Proverbs 3:33) – this is the male nazirite and the female nazirite, who, if they abstained from wine to protect themselves from sin, merit a blessing. That is why it juxtaposed the portion of the Priestly Benediction after the portion of the nazirite, because he merits receiving the blessings of the Priestly Benediction. That is, “and He blesses the abode of the righteous,” just as it says: “May the Lord bless you and protect you” (Numbers 6:24).
“If it is to scoffers,” (Proverbs 3:34) – this is the adulterer, who errs due to wine, who is called a scoffer, just as it says: “Wine is a scoffer, intoxicating drink is tumultuous…” (Proverbs 20:1). “He will scoff” (Proverbs 3:34) – as everyone scoffs at the adulterer, as he is a curse and an oath for My chosen ones. “But to the humble, He is gracious” (Proverbs 3:34) – these are the nazirites, who adopt humility for themselves, who abstain from wine and grow their hair in order to torment themselves and protect themselves from transgression. The Holy One blessed be He is gracious with them, just as it is written: “And be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:25).
“The wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3:35) – because the nazirites feared sin they were called wise men, just as it says: “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalms 111:10). And it says: “Behold, fear of the Lord is wisdom” (Job 28:28). They inherit honor, as the Holy One blessed be He lifts His countenance to them and grants them peace, as when a person sits peacefully in his home, that is his honor. Likewise, it says: “Preserve your honor and stay at home” (II Kings 14:10), as after the portion of the nazirite, the Priestly Benediction is written, in which it is written: “And grant you peace” (Numbers 6:26).
“And fools carry away disgrace” (Proverbs 3:35) – these are the adulterer and the adulteress, and they are called fools. The adulterer, from where is it derived? “Whoever is a simpleton let him turn here” (Proverbs (9:16). The adulteress, as it is written: “The woman of folly is loud” (Proverbs 9:13). “Carry away disgrace” – “he shall expose the head of the woman” (Numbers 5:18), and it says: “Her belly will distend…” (Numbers 5:27); do you have any disgrace greater than that? That is, “carry away disgrace.” This is why the portion of the Priestly Benediction is stated after the portion of the nazirite, as anyone who abstains from wine for the sake of Heaven merits all the blessings stated in the Priestly Benediction. From where is it derived? It is just as it says: “So you shall bless [the children of Israel]” (Numbers 6:23).
Vayikra Rabbah
“The son of an Israelite woman, and he was the son of an Egyptian man, went out among the children of Israel; and the son of the Israelite woman and an Israelite man fought in the camp. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed; they brought him to Moses. And the name of his mother was Shelomit, daughter of Divri, of the tribe of Dan” (Leviticus 24:10–11).
“The son of an Israelite woman…went out” – Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Neḥemya: Rabbi Yehuda says: That is what is written: “Around the wicked will walk” (Psalms 12:9) – the righteous walk around the wicked. How so? When the righteous emerge from the Garden of Eden and see the wicked being judged in Gehenna, their soul is joyous within them. That is what is written: “They will emerge and see the corpses of the people who betray Me” (Isaiah 66:24). At that moment, they give praise and thanks to the Holy One blessed be He for the suffering that He inflicted upon them in this world.1The righteous thank God for having punished them for their sins in this world, so that they can receive reward in the World to Come. That is what is written: “You will say on that day: I thank You, Lord, that You were angry with me; Your wrath has turned against” (Isaiah 12:1) the nations of the world, and “You comfort me” (Isaiah 12:1) through them. When? “As lowliness is lifted up [kerum]” (Psalms 12:9) – when the Holy One blessed be He will exalt a lowly vineyard [kerem] in His world. The vineyard of the Holy One blessed be He is none other than Israel, as it is stated: “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the people of Judah, the plant of His delight” (Isaiah 5:7).
Rabbi Neḥemya said to him: Until when are you going to distort the Bible for us? Rather, the wicked walk around the righteous, as it is written: “Around, the wicked will walk” (Psalms 12:9). How so? When the wicked ascend from Gehenna and see the righteous sitting tranquilly within the Garden of Eden, their soul diminishes within them.2Meaning, they will be consumed with grief. That is what is written: “The wicked one sees and is angered” (Psalms 112:10). When? “As lowliness is lifted up ” – when the Holy One blessed be He will exalt the mitzvot that are treated with contempt. ‘Why are you going out to be stoned?’ ‘Because I circumcised my son.’3The reality of this world has often caused conversations such as to this to take place between Jews, when one is sentenced to death by the ruling authorities for having observed mitzvot. ‘Why are you going out to be burned?’ ‘Because I observed Shabbat.’ ‘Why are you going out to be beheaded?’ ‘Because I ate unleavened bread.’ ‘Why are you being lashed with a whip?’ ‘Because I made a sukka, because I took a palm branch, because I donned phylacteries, because I placed sky-blue wool [on my garment], because I performed the will of my Father in Heaven.’ That is what is written: “One will say to him: What are those wounds?” (Zechariah 13:6). [He will answer:] ‘These wounds caused me to be beloved to my Father in Heaven.’
Another matter: When is “as lowliness is lifted up [kerum]” – when the Holy One blessed be He will publicize the origin [karman] of the mamzerim.4In this sense, “lifted up” means they will be separated from the rest of the congregation. They were already publicized by Moses, as it is stated: “Take out the blasphemer” (Leviticus 24:14).5The blasphemer was of illegitimate lineage, and he was eventually executed and thereby removed from the congregation.
“The son of an Israelite woman…went out” – Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Neḥemya: Rabbi Yehuda says: That is what is written: “Around the wicked will walk” (Psalms 12:9) – the righteous walk around the wicked. How so? When the righteous emerge from the Garden of Eden and see the wicked being judged in Gehenna, their soul is joyous within them. That is what is written: “They will emerge and see the corpses of the people who betray Me” (Isaiah 66:24). At that moment, they give praise and thanks to the Holy One blessed be He for the suffering that He inflicted upon them in this world.1The righteous thank God for having punished them for their sins in this world, so that they can receive reward in the World to Come. That is what is written: “You will say on that day: I thank You, Lord, that You were angry with me; Your wrath has turned against” (Isaiah 12:1) the nations of the world, and “You comfort me” (Isaiah 12:1) through them. When? “As lowliness is lifted up [kerum]” (Psalms 12:9) – when the Holy One blessed be He will exalt a lowly vineyard [kerem] in His world. The vineyard of the Holy One blessed be He is none other than Israel, as it is stated: “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the people of Judah, the plant of His delight” (Isaiah 5:7).
Rabbi Neḥemya said to him: Until when are you going to distort the Bible for us? Rather, the wicked walk around the righteous, as it is written: “Around, the wicked will walk” (Psalms 12:9). How so? When the wicked ascend from Gehenna and see the righteous sitting tranquilly within the Garden of Eden, their soul diminishes within them.2Meaning, they will be consumed with grief. That is what is written: “The wicked one sees and is angered” (Psalms 112:10). When? “As lowliness is lifted up ” – when the Holy One blessed be He will exalt the mitzvot that are treated with contempt. ‘Why are you going out to be stoned?’ ‘Because I circumcised my son.’3The reality of this world has often caused conversations such as to this to take place between Jews, when one is sentenced to death by the ruling authorities for having observed mitzvot. ‘Why are you going out to be burned?’ ‘Because I observed Shabbat.’ ‘Why are you going out to be beheaded?’ ‘Because I ate unleavened bread.’ ‘Why are you being lashed with a whip?’ ‘Because I made a sukka, because I took a palm branch, because I donned phylacteries, because I placed sky-blue wool [on my garment], because I performed the will of my Father in Heaven.’ That is what is written: “One will say to him: What are those wounds?” (Zechariah 13:6). [He will answer:] ‘These wounds caused me to be beloved to my Father in Heaven.’
Another matter: When is “as lowliness is lifted up [kerum]” – when the Holy One blessed be He will publicize the origin [karman] of the mamzerim.4In this sense, “lifted up” means they will be separated from the rest of the congregation. They were already publicized by Moses, as it is stated: “Take out the blasphemer” (Leviticus 24:14).5The blasphemer was of illegitimate lineage, and he was eventually executed and thereby removed from the congregation.
Bereshit Rabbah
“The Lord said to Noah: Come, you and your entire household, into the ark, as I have seen you to be righteous before Me in this generation” (Genesis 7:1).
“The Lord said to Noah: Come, you and your entire household, into the ark.” It is written: ]David said:] “Destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors a man of bloodshed and deceit” (Psalms 5:7) – this is speaking of Do’eg and Aḥitofel. “Those who speak [doverei] falsehood” – they and their speech.1Doverei, “those who speak [falsehood]” is spelled in a manner that it can also be read as divrei, the words of [falsehood]. It is both the speakers and the speech that the Lord abhors. Rabbi Pinḥas said: They and their conduct [midaberoteihen]. “A man of bloodshed and deceit” – this one permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed, and that one permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed, as it is stated in Aḥitofel’s regard: “Go consort with your father’s concubine” (II Samuel 16:21). And as for bloodshed, it is written: “I will come upon him while he is weary and dispirited” (II Samuel 17:2), and it is written: “And I will smite the king alone” (II Samuel 17:2). And that one [Do’eg] permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed – Naḥman son of Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani: He said to Saul: ‘Is David’s marriage valid? Is he not a traitor against the throne,2A capital offense. and hence considered [as if already] dead? So now release his wife and declare him a condemned man, so it is as if he is already dead, his life forfeited, and his wife is permissible [to marry].’ Saul arose, and in accordance with his [Do’eg’s] arguments, gave Mikhal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Layish.3I Samuel 25:44. As for bloodshed, it is as it is written: “And the king's servants were unwilling to extend their hand against the priests of the Lord” (I Samuel 22:17), but Do’eg did kill them, as it is stated: “Do’eg the Edomite turned, and he smote the priests” (I Samuel 22:18). “The Lord abhors” (Psalms 5:7) – as they will neither come to life nor will they be judged [at the resurrection]. [David continued:] “And I, [in Your great mercy, come to Your House]” (Psalms 5:8) – just as they did, so did I.4I too permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed at one point (II Samuel 11). This is what is meant by “and I.” What is the difference between me and them? It is that You dealt kindly with me5Because I repented for my sins. and said to me: “The Lord has also expunged your sin…” (II Samuel 12:13).
Another interpretation, “Destroy those who speak falsehood” (Psalms 5:7) – this is speaking of the generation of the Flood.6And the speaker in the Psalm is Noah. They and their false speech. Rabbi Pinḥas said: They and their conduct. “A man of bloodshed” (Psalms 5:7) – as it is stated: “The murderer would rise up in broad daylight, he would kill the poor and indigent, and at night he would be like a thief” (Job 24:14).7This passage is often interpreted as referring to the generation of the Flood. “And deceit” (Psalms 5:7) – as it is stated: “As the earth was filled with injustice because of them” (Genesis 6:13). “The Lord abhors” – as they neither come to life nor will they be judged [at the resurrection]. [Noah continued:] “And I [in Your great mercy, come to Your House]” (Psalms 5:8) – just as they did, so did I.8By not protesting against the actions of his generation, Noah considered himself complicit in their sins. What is the difference between me and them? It is that You dealt kindly with me and said to me: “Come, you and your entire household, into the ark.”9The ark is referred to as “Your house” because it was made by God’s command.
“The Lord said to Noah: Come, you and your entire household, into the ark.” It is written: ]David said:] “Destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors a man of bloodshed and deceit” (Psalms 5:7) – this is speaking of Do’eg and Aḥitofel. “Those who speak [doverei] falsehood” – they and their speech.1Doverei, “those who speak [falsehood]” is spelled in a manner that it can also be read as divrei, the words of [falsehood]. It is both the speakers and the speech that the Lord abhors. Rabbi Pinḥas said: They and their conduct [midaberoteihen]. “A man of bloodshed and deceit” – this one permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed, and that one permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed, as it is stated in Aḥitofel’s regard: “Go consort with your father’s concubine” (II Samuel 16:21). And as for bloodshed, it is written: “I will come upon him while he is weary and dispirited” (II Samuel 17:2), and it is written: “And I will smite the king alone” (II Samuel 17:2). And that one [Do’eg] permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed – Naḥman son of Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani: He said to Saul: ‘Is David’s marriage valid? Is he not a traitor against the throne,2A capital offense. and hence considered [as if already] dead? So now release his wife and declare him a condemned man, so it is as if he is already dead, his life forfeited, and his wife is permissible [to marry].’ Saul arose, and in accordance with his [Do’eg’s] arguments, gave Mikhal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Layish.3I Samuel 25:44. As for bloodshed, it is as it is written: “And the king's servants were unwilling to extend their hand against the priests of the Lord” (I Samuel 22:17), but Do’eg did kill them, as it is stated: “Do’eg the Edomite turned, and he smote the priests” (I Samuel 22:18). “The Lord abhors” (Psalms 5:7) – as they will neither come to life nor will they be judged [at the resurrection]. [David continued:] “And I, [in Your great mercy, come to Your House]” (Psalms 5:8) – just as they did, so did I.4I too permitted sexual immorality and bloodshed at one point (II Samuel 11). This is what is meant by “and I.” What is the difference between me and them? It is that You dealt kindly with me5Because I repented for my sins. and said to me: “The Lord has also expunged your sin…” (II Samuel 12:13).
Another interpretation, “Destroy those who speak falsehood” (Psalms 5:7) – this is speaking of the generation of the Flood.6And the speaker in the Psalm is Noah. They and their false speech. Rabbi Pinḥas said: They and their conduct. “A man of bloodshed” (Psalms 5:7) – as it is stated: “The murderer would rise up in broad daylight, he would kill the poor and indigent, and at night he would be like a thief” (Job 24:14).7This passage is often interpreted as referring to the generation of the Flood. “And deceit” (Psalms 5:7) – as it is stated: “As the earth was filled with injustice because of them” (Genesis 6:13). “The Lord abhors” – as they neither come to life nor will they be judged [at the resurrection]. [Noah continued:] “And I [in Your great mercy, come to Your House]” (Psalms 5:8) – just as they did, so did I.8By not protesting against the actions of his generation, Noah considered himself complicit in their sins. What is the difference between me and them? It is that You dealt kindly with me and said to me: “Come, you and your entire household, into the ark.”9The ark is referred to as “Your house” because it was made by God’s command.