2. Rabbi Chanina, suffragan of the priests, said, “pray for the peace of the kingdom, for, were it not for its fear, men would swallow each other alive.” Rabbi Chanina, son of Theradion, said, “two who are sitting together and speak not of the law are an assembly of scorners; as is said, ‘Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.’ ”(472) But two who sit together, and speak of the law, the DIVINE PRESENCE (Shechinah) rests between them; as is said, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord; and for them that thought upon His name.”(473) This refers to two; but whence may we infer, that if but one sits engaged in the study of the law the Holy One, blessed be He, will appoint him a reward? Because it is said, “He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.”(474) 3. Rabbi Simon said, “three who have eaten at one table and have not spoken of the law, are to be considered as if they had eaten of the sacrifices of the dead, for it is said, ‘For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.’(475) But three who have eaten at one table and have spoken of the law, are considered as if they had eaten at GOD’S table, as is said, ‘And he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.’ ”(476) 4. R. Chanina, son of Chanina, said, “he who wakes in the night and travels in the road alone, and turns his heart to vanity, is guilty of the death of his own soul.” 5. R. Nechunya, son of Hakana, said, “whoever lays on himself the yoke of the law is relieved from the yoke of the kingdom and the yoke of the custom of the world, and whoever breaks off the yoke of the law, imposes on himself the yoke of the kingdom and the yoke of the custom of the world.” 6. R. Chalaphta of the village of Chananya said, “ten men who assemble together and study the law, the Shechinah rests among them, as is said, ‘God standeth in the congregation of the mighty.’ ”(477) And hence it is inferred that it is also so with five, because it is said, “and hath founded his troop in the earth.”(478) And hence it is inferred that it is likewise so with three, because it is said, “He judgeth among the gods.”(479) And hence it is inferred that it is also thus with two, because it is said, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard, etc.”(480) And hence it is inferred that it is likewise so with one, because it is said, “In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.”(481)