Мидраш к Шмот 22:23

Whoever lends at interest lusts for money; (according to Prov. 28:22:) HE DOES NOT KNOW THAT POVERTY WILL COME TO HIM. The Holy One is angry with him and causes him to perish from the world. What is written above on the matter (in Exod. 22:23 [24])? MY WRATH WILL BURN…. When? (Vs. 24 [25]:) IF YOU LEND TO MY PEOPLE. This text is related (to Prov. 28:8): THE ONE WHO AUGMENTS HIS WEALTH BY INTEREST. How? <When> Israel wanted to borrow from him [and a foreigner wanted to borrow from him], he said: It is better for me to lend to a foreigner from whom I shall get usury. So he made him a loan. It is about him that Solomon cries out (in Prov. 28:8): THE ONE WHO AUGMENTS HIS WEALTH [BY INTEREST AND USURY AMASSES IT FOR ONE WHO IS GENEROUS TO THE POOR]. Who is being GENEROUS TO THE POOR? This is Esau. But is Esau GENEROUS TO THE POOR? It is simply that, when the empire becomes jealous of him, it takes his money and with it provides for the needs of the many, <i.e.> paved roads²⁴Lat.: stratae. and public buildings.²⁵Gk.: demosia. Ergo (in Prov. 28:8): <HE> AMASSES IT FOR ONE WHO IS GENEROUS TO THE POOR.

Our sages contend that after his master heard her accusations against him, he wanted to kill him, for it is said: His wrath was kindled (ibid., v. 19). In this instance it is written: His wrath was kindled, and elsewhere it is stated: My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you (Exod. 22:23). However, she told her husband: “Do not waste your money, let him remain in prison unto you are able to sell him and recover your investment.” She suggested this in the hope that he would someday be reconciled to her. Each day she visited Joseph and implored him: “Comply with my request.” And he would respond: “I have taken an oath.” Then she would say: “I will blind thee,” and he would answer” The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind (Ps. 146:8). “You will remain in chains until the day of your death,” she would shout, and he would retort” The Lord looseth the prisoners (ibid.). “Then I will exile thee among people in a distant land,” she exclaimed, and he would reply: The Lord preserveth the strangers (ibid.).

What is written above this subject? If thou afflict them in any wise—for if they cry at all unto Me, I will surely hear their cry (Exod. 22:22). All the words in this verse are repeated in order to teach you that the curtain (for repentance) is never closed before Him. What is written following this? My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with a sword (ibid., v. 23). When is that? If thou lend money to any of My people.