Pisqa’ 2371
1
“Then they spread out her night-dress” (Dt.22:17)—
that is, let the evidence be as clear
as [a blood-stain on] a night-dress!
This is one of the instances in which
R. Ishmael would interpret the Torah metaphorically. 2
A similar instance:
“If the sun rises upon him, he is responsible for the blood” (Ex.22:2)—
now, is the sneak-thief the only one
upon whom the sun rises?
What, then, can the Teaching mean by:
“If the sun rises upon him?”
Just as the sun’s light
augurs peace for the world
[by illuminating darkness],
so, too, had this guy known that
the intruder meant to be peaceful,
but [went and] killed him anyway—
he is indeed liable for the death.3
A similar instance:
“If he shall get up and walk about in the street upon his staff” (Ex.21:19)—
staff in this case represents
the patient’s restored well-being.
A similar instance:
“Then they spread out her night-dress” (Dt.22:17)—
that is, let the evidence be as clear
as [a blood-stain on] a night-dress!4
2
R. Akiva says:
And, similarly, Scripture says:
“Then they spread out her night-dress before the elders of the city” (Dt.22:17)—
that is, if the husband’s witnesses are found to be in collusion against her
[the stained night dress is acceptable evidence to restore her reputation].5
“Then they spread out her night-dress before the elders of the city” (Dt.22:17)—
that is, let the witnesses for each party
present their cases before the elders of the city.
R. Eliezer b. Jacob says:
Let matters stand as they are written
[without benefit of metaphorical exegesis]!