Aggada -- Translations into English; Bible. Old Testament -- Legends; Jewish legends; Midrash -- Translations into English
Nor do the other animals praise God less than the birds. Even the
beasts of prey give forth adoration. The lion says: "The Lord shall go
forth as a mighty man; He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war; He
shall cry, yea, He shall shout aloud; He shall do mightily against his
enemies." And the fox exhorts unto justice with the words: "Woe unto
him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by
injustice; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth
him not his hire."
Yea, the dumb fishes know how to proclaim the praise of their Lord.
"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters," they say, "the God of glory
thundereth, even the Lord upon many waters"; while the frog exclaims,
"Blessed be the name of the glory of His kingdom forever and ever."
Contemptible though they are, even the reptiles give praise unto their
Creator. The mouse extols God with the words: "Howbeit Thou art just in
all that is come upon me; for Thou hast dealt truly, but I have done
wickedly." And the cat sings: "Let everything that hath breath praise
the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."[194]
II
ADAM
MAN AND THE WORLD
With ten Sayings God created the world, although a single Saying would
have sufficed. God desired to make known how severe is the punishment
to be meted out to the wicked, who destroy a world created with as many
as ten Sayings, and how goodly the reward destined for the righteous,
who preserve a world created with as many as ten Sayings.[1]
The world was made for man, though he was the last-comer among its
creatures. This was design. He was to find all things ready for him.
God was the host who prepared dainty dishes, set the table, and then
led His guest to his seat. At the same time man's late appearance on
earth is to convey an admonition to humility. Let him beware of being
proud, lest he invite the retort that the gnat is older than he.[2]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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