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]!

1. H:245-246;JN2:155.
2. Heb: mashal; often, “parable” or “analogy.” //Mechilta Ishmael, neziqin, 6.
3. Cf. T. San. 11:9.
4. // Mechilta Ishmael, neziqin, 6.
5. The textual evidence for this material is unreliable. See F:269, n.9.