Midrasz do Powtórzonego Prawa 4:42

We are taught in a Baraitha that if a disciple is exiled, his master is exiled with him; for it is written (Deut. 4, 42) "And that fleeing unto one of these cities, he might live," which means that you shall supply him with the sources of moral life. And R. Zera said: "From this we infer, that one shall not teach a disciple of bad character.' R. Jochanan said: "If the head of a college is to be exiled, then the whole college should be exiled with him." Is that so? Did not R. Jochanan say: Whence do we infer that the study of the Torah is a protectorate [for one who deserves exile]? From the following verse (Ib., ib) And Bezer in the wilderness, and immediately after this it is written, And this is the law [hence a scholar could not be exiled?] This presents no difficulty. It relieves only at the time he is occupied with study, but not otherwise. And if you please, I say that the above relief refers to that received from the Angel of Death; as it happened with R. Chisda, who was studying continuously, that the Angel of Death could not come near him because he did not stop studying, until the Angel climbed a cedar-tree in the yard of the college, when the tree broke down, the noise stopped his study, and the Angel of Death took hold of him.

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R. Illai b. Barachia said: "Were it not for the prayer of David all Israel would have been cheap peddlers, as it is said (Ps. 9, 21) Place, O Lord, fear over them; let nations know that they are but mortals, Selah." R. Illai b. Barachia said further: "Were it not for the prayer of Chabakuk the prophet, two scholars would have been compelled to cover themselves with one cloak and study the Torah, as it is written (Hab. 3, 2) O Lord, I have heard Thy fame and was afraid; O Lord, my work — in the midst of the years of sorrow revive Thou it. Do not read in the midst of the years, but in the midst of two.'" R. Illai b. Barachia said further: "Two scholars who walk on the road without discussing the words of the Torah deserve to be burned, as it is said (II Kings 2, 11) And it came to pass, as they went on speaking, as they were going, that behold, there came a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by storm and wind to heaven, etc. The reason for their not being burnt is because they were going and speaking, hence if they would not have been speaking they would have been burned." R. Illai b. Baracha said further: "Two scholars who live in one town and are not fond of discussing Halacha one will die and the other will be exiled, as it is said (Deut. 4, 42) That thither might flee the man-slayer, who should kill his neighbor without knowledge, and the word unawares applies to nothing else but the Torah, as it is said (Hos. 4, 6) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." R. Juda, the son of R. Chiya said: 'Whoever studies the Torah while in state of poverty, his prayers will be answered, as it is said (Is. 30; 19) For all people of Zion that shall dwell in Jerusalem! Thou shalt indeed not weep; He will be surely gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry, etc. Immediately after this, it is written, And the Lord will give you bread in adversity, and water in oppression." R. Acha b. Chanina says: "For such a man even the court of Heaven is not shut up, as it is said in the above passage. And thy teachers shall not have to hide themselves in a corner any more." R. Abahu said: "Such an action will even be rewarded to receive the Divine presence, as it is said in the same passage, But thy eyes shall see thy teachers."