לְ֭כוּ לַחֲמ֣וּ בְֽלַחֲמִ֑י וּ֝שְׁת֗וּ בְּיַ֣יִן מָסָֽכְתִּי׃
Vinde, comei do meu pão, e bebei do vinho que tenho misturado.
Ruth Rabbah
Rabbi Simon in the name of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi and Rabbi Ḥama, father of Rabbi Hosea in the name of Rabbi: Chronicles was given only to be expounded;53The midrash will continue by citing and expounding three verses from Chronicles. One opinion interprets the verses as alluding to Raḥav, one opinion interprets them as alluding to David, and another opinion interprets them as referring to Moses. that is what is written: “The sons of Shela, son of Judah: Er, father of [avi] Lekha” (I Chronicles 4:21) – the President of the Court [Av Beit Din] of Lekha. “And Lada, father of [avi] Maresha” (I Chronicles 4:21) – the President of the Court [Av Beit Din] of Maresha.
“And the families of the house of those who wrought fine linen” (I Chronicles 4:21) – this is Raḥav the prostitute, who concealed the spies in flax;54Linen is made of flax. that is what is written: “She hid them in stalks of flax” (Joshua 2:6). Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon said: Her occupation was with perfumes.55Perfumed branches, including flax branches. “To the house of Ashbea” (I Chronicles 4:21), as the spies took an oath [nishbe’u] to her, as it is stated: “Now, please, take an oath to me by the Lord” (Joshua 2:12). “And Yokim” (I Chronicles 4:22), as they fulfilled [shekiyemu] the oath to her; that is what is written: “The young spies came, [and took out Rahab…and they took out all her families…]” (Joshua 6:23). Why does the verse state: “And they took out all her families”? Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai taught: Even if her family consisted of two hundred people, and they went and joined two hundred other families, they would all be rescued, thanks to her. All her family is not stated, but rather “all her families.” “And the people of Kozeva” (I Chronicles 4:22), as she deceived [kizva] the king of Jericho, as it is stated: “She said: Yes, the men came to me…” (Joshua 2:4).56She continued: “I do not know from where they were, they fled, and I do not know where they went.” “And Yoash” (I Chronicles 4:22), because she despaired [nitya’asha] of life.57She endangered her life to protect the spies. “And Saraf” (I Chronicles 4:22), as she prepared herself to be burned [lisrufin]. “Who had dominion over Moav [ba’alu leMoav]” (I Chronicles 4:22), she came [ba’a] and cleaved to Israel, and her actions arose [alu] to her Father [le’aviha] in Heaven. “And Yashuvi Laḥem ” (I Chronicles 4:22), she cleaved to Israel, who received the Torah in which it is written: “Come eat of my bread [laḥmi]” (Proverbs 9:5).58Torah is likened to bread; just as bread provides physical sustenance, Torah provides spiritual sustenance. “And the matters are ancient” (I Chronicles 4:22) – Rabbi Aivu and Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon say: These matters are vague here, but explicit elsewhere.59In the book of Joshua.
“They are the potters” (I Chronicles 4:23) – these are the spies; that is what is written: “Joshua bin Nun sent from Shittim [two men, spies, secretly [ḥeresh], saying…]” (Joshua 2:1). Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Neḥemya, one said: They had carpenter’s tools in their hands; spies, carpenters [ḥarash], saying...”60The word ḥeresh should be read ḥarash, carpenter. Thus, the verse means that the spies were to say that they were carpenters. Rabbi Neḥemya says: Earthenware vessels were in their hands, “crafting earthenware [ḥeres], saying.61Thus, the verse means that the spies were to say they were potters engaged in crafting earthenware vessels. Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai taught: Ḥeresh, in its plain sense [of one who is deaf and mute]; he said to them: Conduct yourselves like deaf mutes and you will ascertain their secrets. Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar says: By conducting yourself like deaf mutes you will ascertain their conduct.
“And the dwellers among the plants” (I Chronicles 4:23), as they were experts in planting, on the basis of what is said: “They cut a vine branch from there” (Numbers 13:23). “And a fence” (I Chronicles 4:23), as she [Raḥav] concealed them behind the fence, as it is stated: “She said to them: Go to the mountain” (Joshua 2:16).62She advised them on where to hide in such a way that they would be concealed as one who is behind a fence. Some say that the Divine Spirit rested upon her before Israel entered the Land. How did she know that they would return in three days?63She advised the spies to hide in the mountains for three days, until the pursuers would cease their pursuit and return to the city (Joshua 2:16). From here [it may be derived that] the Divine Spirit rested upon her. “They dwelt there with the king in his service” (I Chronicles 4:23) – from here they said: Ten priests, prophets, emerged from Raḥav the prostitute: Jeremiah, Ḥilkiya, Seraya, Maḥseya, Ḥanamel; Shalum, Barukh, Neriya, Ezekiel, Buzi. Some say: Ḥulda the prophetess, too, was among the descendants of Raḥav the prostitute.
“And the families of the house of those who wrought fine linen” (I Chronicles 4:21) – this is Raḥav the prostitute, who concealed the spies in flax;54Linen is made of flax. that is what is written: “She hid them in stalks of flax” (Joshua 2:6). Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon said: Her occupation was with perfumes.55Perfumed branches, including flax branches. “To the house of Ashbea” (I Chronicles 4:21), as the spies took an oath [nishbe’u] to her, as it is stated: “Now, please, take an oath to me by the Lord” (Joshua 2:12). “And Yokim” (I Chronicles 4:22), as they fulfilled [shekiyemu] the oath to her; that is what is written: “The young spies came, [and took out Rahab…and they took out all her families…]” (Joshua 6:23). Why does the verse state: “And they took out all her families”? Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai taught: Even if her family consisted of two hundred people, and they went and joined two hundred other families, they would all be rescued, thanks to her. All her family is not stated, but rather “all her families.” “And the people of Kozeva” (I Chronicles 4:22), as she deceived [kizva] the king of Jericho, as it is stated: “She said: Yes, the men came to me…” (Joshua 2:4).56She continued: “I do not know from where they were, they fled, and I do not know where they went.” “And Yoash” (I Chronicles 4:22), because she despaired [nitya’asha] of life.57She endangered her life to protect the spies. “And Saraf” (I Chronicles 4:22), as she prepared herself to be burned [lisrufin]. “Who had dominion over Moav [ba’alu leMoav]” (I Chronicles 4:22), she came [ba’a] and cleaved to Israel, and her actions arose [alu] to her Father [le’aviha] in Heaven. “And Yashuvi Laḥem ” (I Chronicles 4:22), she cleaved to Israel, who received the Torah in which it is written: “Come eat of my bread [laḥmi]” (Proverbs 9:5).58Torah is likened to bread; just as bread provides physical sustenance, Torah provides spiritual sustenance. “And the matters are ancient” (I Chronicles 4:22) – Rabbi Aivu and Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon say: These matters are vague here, but explicit elsewhere.59In the book of Joshua.
“They are the potters” (I Chronicles 4:23) – these are the spies; that is what is written: “Joshua bin Nun sent from Shittim [two men, spies, secretly [ḥeresh], saying…]” (Joshua 2:1). Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Neḥemya, one said: They had carpenter’s tools in their hands; spies, carpenters [ḥarash], saying...”60The word ḥeresh should be read ḥarash, carpenter. Thus, the verse means that the spies were to say that they were carpenters. Rabbi Neḥemya says: Earthenware vessels were in their hands, “crafting earthenware [ḥeres], saying.61Thus, the verse means that the spies were to say they were potters engaged in crafting earthenware vessels. Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai taught: Ḥeresh, in its plain sense [of one who is deaf and mute]; he said to them: Conduct yourselves like deaf mutes and you will ascertain their secrets. Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar says: By conducting yourself like deaf mutes you will ascertain their conduct.
“And the dwellers among the plants” (I Chronicles 4:23), as they were experts in planting, on the basis of what is said: “They cut a vine branch from there” (Numbers 13:23). “And a fence” (I Chronicles 4:23), as she [Raḥav] concealed them behind the fence, as it is stated: “She said to them: Go to the mountain” (Joshua 2:16).62She advised them on where to hide in such a way that they would be concealed as one who is behind a fence. Some say that the Divine Spirit rested upon her before Israel entered the Land. How did she know that they would return in three days?63She advised the spies to hide in the mountains for three days, until the pursuers would cease their pursuit and return to the city (Joshua 2:16). From here [it may be derived that] the Divine Spirit rested upon her. “They dwelt there with the king in his service” (I Chronicles 4:23) – from here they said: Ten priests, prophets, emerged from Raḥav the prostitute: Jeremiah, Ḥilkiya, Seraya, Maḥseya, Ḥanamel; Shalum, Barukh, Neriya, Ezekiel, Buzi. Some say: Ḥulda the prophetess, too, was among the descendants of Raḥav the prostitute.
Bamidbar Rabbah
The Holy One blessed be He loved them with a great love, as he arranged them according to banners like the ministering angels, so that they would be distinguishable. From where is it derived that it was love for Israel? It is as Solomon says: “He brought me to the banquet house, and his banner of love is upon me” (Song of Songs 2:4). Rabbi Abahu said: Why does the verse state: “He brought me to the banquet house…”? To what is the matter comparable? It is to a wealthy man who had a storehouse full of wine. He entered to check it and discovered that it was all vinegar. He came to leave the storehouse and discovered one barrel of fine wine. He said: ‘For me, this wine is as dear as a full storehouse.’ So, the Holy One blessed be He created seventy nations, and of all of them, He derived pleasure only from Israel, as it is stated. “He brought me to the banquet house.” From where is it derived that wine [yayin] equals seventy? Yod – ten, Yod – ten, and nun – fifty; that is seventy. Of all of them: “His banner of love is upon me.”
Rabbi Yehuda says: “He brought me to the banquet house,” to the great wine cellar, this is Sinai, and Moses taught me Torah that is expounded in forty-nine aspects; “and his banner [vediglo]2Vav – 6, dalet – 4, gimel – 3, lamed – 30, vav – 6 = 49. of love is upon me.”
Rabbi Ḥanina said: Initially, anyone who would point to the image of a king with his finger would be killed, but the children go to the study hall and point to the mentions of God’s name with their finger. God said: “His banner [vediglo] of love is upon me” – his finger [vegudalo]3These are the same Hebrew letters which appear in the word vediglo. is beloved by Me. Rabbi Yisakhar says: “His banner [vediglo] of love is upon me” – even a person who sits and engages in Torah study and skips [umdaleg] from halakha to halakha and from verse to verse, the Holy One blessed be He says: ‘It is dear to Me,’ – “His banner [vediglo] of love is upon me,” – his skipping [dilugo] is beloved by Me.4Even though he does not study in a methodical manner, his studying is beloved.
Another matter, “and his banner of love is upon me.” The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘The nations of the world have banners, but only the banner of Jacob is dear to Me.’ That is what is written: “And his banner of love is upon me.”
Another matter, “he brought me to the banquet house,” when the Holy One blessed be He appeared upon Mount Sinai, twenty-two myriads of angels descended with him, as it is stated: “The chariots of God are myriad, thousands upon thousands of companies” (Psalms 68:18), and they were all arranged according to banners, as it is stated: “Preeminent [dagul] among a myriad” (Song of Songs 5:10). When Israel saw that they were all arranged according to banners, they began desiring banners. If only we could be arranged according to banners like them. Therefore, it is stated: “He brought me to the banquet house, [and his banner of love is upon me],” this is Sinai, at which the Torah, which is likened to wine, was given. “And drink of the wine which I have mixed” (Proverbs 9:5); that is “to the banquet house,” this is Sinai. “And his banner [vediglo] of love is upon me,” they said ‘if only He would show great love to me.’ Likewise it says: “We will sing with joy at your salvation [and raise banners in the name of our God]” (Psalms 20:6). The Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘How you have desired to be arranged according to banners, by your life, I will fulfill your wish’ – “May the Lord fulfill all your wishes” (Psalms 20:6). Immediately, the Holy One blessed be He informed Israel and said to Moses: ‘Go and arrange them according to banners, as they desired.’
Rabbi Yehuda says: “He brought me to the banquet house,” to the great wine cellar, this is Sinai, and Moses taught me Torah that is expounded in forty-nine aspects; “and his banner [vediglo]2Vav – 6, dalet – 4, gimel – 3, lamed – 30, vav – 6 = 49. of love is upon me.”
Rabbi Ḥanina said: Initially, anyone who would point to the image of a king with his finger would be killed, but the children go to the study hall and point to the mentions of God’s name with their finger. God said: “His banner [vediglo] of love is upon me” – his finger [vegudalo]3These are the same Hebrew letters which appear in the word vediglo. is beloved by Me. Rabbi Yisakhar says: “His banner [vediglo] of love is upon me” – even a person who sits and engages in Torah study and skips [umdaleg] from halakha to halakha and from verse to verse, the Holy One blessed be He says: ‘It is dear to Me,’ – “His banner [vediglo] of love is upon me,” – his skipping [dilugo] is beloved by Me.4Even though he does not study in a methodical manner, his studying is beloved.
Another matter, “and his banner of love is upon me.” The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘The nations of the world have banners, but only the banner of Jacob is dear to Me.’ That is what is written: “And his banner of love is upon me.”
Another matter, “he brought me to the banquet house,” when the Holy One blessed be He appeared upon Mount Sinai, twenty-two myriads of angels descended with him, as it is stated: “The chariots of God are myriad, thousands upon thousands of companies” (Psalms 68:18), and they were all arranged according to banners, as it is stated: “Preeminent [dagul] among a myriad” (Song of Songs 5:10). When Israel saw that they were all arranged according to banners, they began desiring banners. If only we could be arranged according to banners like them. Therefore, it is stated: “He brought me to the banquet house, [and his banner of love is upon me],” this is Sinai, at which the Torah, which is likened to wine, was given. “And drink of the wine which I have mixed” (Proverbs 9:5); that is “to the banquet house,” this is Sinai. “And his banner [vediglo] of love is upon me,” they said ‘if only He would show great love to me.’ Likewise it says: “We will sing with joy at your salvation [and raise banners in the name of our God]” (Psalms 20:6). The Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘How you have desired to be arranged according to banners, by your life, I will fulfill your wish’ – “May the Lord fulfill all your wishes” (Psalms 20:6). Immediately, the Holy One blessed be He informed Israel and said to Moses: ‘Go and arrange them according to banners, as they desired.’
Midrash Tehillim
“Be sincere [literally: kiss with purity]” (Psalms 2:12). [Once again, the Midrash reads the verse as “kiss the wheat”; or more specifically, “kiss the bread”]. Rav and Rav Acha said, “kiss the bread of the Torah,” as it is said, “Come and eat my bread” (Proverbs 9:5). [They should do so] before [God’s] attribute of justice stands up against them, and the way of the Torah will be lost [to them]; “your way [will] be doomed” (Psalms 2:10). You shouldn’t think that I require camps [of troops] with trumpets. Rather, I need just one spark, and I will ignite [a flame] and destroy the world that I created.