Ibn Ezra: Excess Blessing (Bechukotai)
God lays out blessings and curses as consequences of covenant. There are more curses than blessings, but Ibn Ezra says the opposite is true.
God lays out blessings and curses as consequences of covenant. There are more curses than blessings, but Ibn Ezra says the opposite is true.
During the Jubilee, land must revert to original owners. God’s explanation – “for the land is mine.” What is the significance of God’s ownership of land?
In Emor, a half-Israelite, half-Egyptian man blasphemes God and is then stoned to death. Why was he deemed a stranger? Could it have turned out differently?
You shall not steal. What does that have to do with charity? Abraham ibn Ezra suggests one can be a silent thief, robbing us of justice.
In discussing the proper ritual of animal sacrifice, the Torah emphasizes one should not consume blood, because blood is life. Ibn Ezra offers an image.