- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Torah Teachings
Understanding Midrashim
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis
19 Cheshvan 5766
Question
You kindly answered my question about Og, king of Bashan. However, I am not clear on how to understand your last comment, "...is a Midrash and should be understood as such." Please clarify.
Answer
The Midrash (Aggadah) is a way of expounding on the verses of Tanach.
The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that the Midrash might not be meant to be understood literally as it has a deeper idea that is brought through a simple story or comment.
Same in your case, it might have a message or a deeper meaning and not to be literally understood.
(see also in the Disputation of Ramban 39)
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