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Lemekh's ConfessionTANAKH
Lemekh's Confession
TANAKH
Lemekh's confession reveals the complexities of guilt, justice, and mercy in the early biblical narrative. In the book of Genesis, Lemekh addresses his wives, Adah and Zillah, confessing that he has killed a man for wounding him and a young man for bruising him.
The Extraordinary Birth of NoahMIDRASH
The Extraordinary Birth of Noah
MIDRASH
Lemekh's son, Noah, was so extraordinary and supernatural that even his father was terrified of him. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century compilation, Legends of the Jews, recounts midrashic traditions that expand on biblical narratives, including the birth of Noah.
The Ethics of InnovationCOMMENTARY
The Ethics of Innovation
COMMENTARY
Lemekh's introduction of the sword and murder into the world raises profound ethical questions about the responsibility tied to technological advancements. Rabbeinu Bachya, a medieval Jewish commentator, explores the moral implications of Lemech's actions and the distinction between creating and using weapons.
The Corruption of Lemekh's GenerationMIDRASH
The Corruption of Lemekh's Generation
MIDRASH
Lemekh's generation exemplifies the moral and social corruption that can arise from the objectification and mistreatment of women. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, offers a detailed commentary on the behaviors and genealogies described in Genesis 4, providing moral and ethical insights.
The Confusion of Lemekh's WivesCOMMENTARY
The Confusion of Lemekh's Wives
COMMENTARY
Lemekh's wives mistakenly believed that the Flood would occur in their husband's time, leading to confusion about the timing and lineage. The Siftei Chakhamim, a supercommentary on Rashi’s Torah commentary, clarifies the confusion regarding the timing of the Flood and the descendants of Lemech.
The Fear of LemekhCOMMENTARY
The Fear of Lemekh
COMMENTARY
Lemekh's violent actions and threats instilled fear in his wives, highlighting the destructive potential of unchecked aggression. This contemporary midrashic commentary delves into the biblical narrative of Lamech, exploring the implications of his violent behavior and its impact on those around him.
Two WivesCOMMENTARY
Two Wives
COMMENTARY
The custom of men having two wives, one for procreation and one for beauty, reveals the societal norms and practices regarding marriage and childbearing during that time. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a Yiddish commentary on the Torah, provides insights into these customs and practices, making it accessible to those not fluent in Hebrew.
Lemekh's PleaCOMMENTARY
Lemekh's Plea
COMMENTARY
Lemekh's plea to his wives reveals his blindness and his argument that he did not deliberately kill anyone, raising questions about his culpability. The 13th-century Torah commentary Chizkuni by Rabbi Hezekiah ben Manoah provides a detailed explanation of Lemech's interaction with his wives in Genesis 4:23.
The Moral Lessons from Lemech's MarriagesCOMMENTARY
The Moral Lessons from Lemech's Marriages
COMMENTARY
Lemech's marriages to Adah and Tzillah resulted in offspring with distinct moral and spiritual implications. The Kli Yakar, a 17th-century Torah commentary, delves into the ethical and spiritual lessons from Lemech's family dynamics.
The First PolygamistCOMMENTARY
The First Polygamist
COMMENTARY
Lemech's polygamy led to domestic strife and jealousy, which he tried to quell with threats of violence. Radak, a medieval Jewish commentator, provides an insightful exegesis on Genesis 4:19, discussing Lemech's role as the first polygamist and the resulting familial discord.
The Prophetic Power of a NameCOMMENTARY
The Prophetic Power of a Name
COMMENTARY
Lemekh's wisdom in naming his son Noah set a positive vision for his future and paved the way for his great accomplishments. Rabbi Chaim Jachter’s contemporary commentary on the book of Ruth delves into the prophetic significance of names in Jewish tradition, drawing on insights from classic commentaries.
Lemekh's Moral CharacterSECOND TEMPLE
Lemekh's Moral Character
SECOND TEMPLE
Lemekh's actions are contrasted with the virtuous deeds of Abraham, Jacob, and Aaron, offering a moral lesson on character and intent. Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, provides an allegorical interpretation of biblical stories, blending Jewish theology with Greek philosophy.