Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/344

Rh The Book of Genesis

Z2(>

was exceedingly taken

all

moment's

bitter.

The

Nor nor make

hesitation.

tion or question,

slave took the fruit as he had

and

the master's gifts,

ate

it

without a word or a

did he offer the slightest objecthe least sign that the fruit had

When he had finished, one of "How couldst thou eat so bitter

a bitter and unpleasant taste. the master's friends asked,

a fruit without complaining or making some sign?"

But the

"My

master has always treated me with utmost kindness and love. He has showered untold blessings upon me. And everything he has done, I have seen repeatedly, has behind it some wise purpose of goodness faithful slave answered,

Now

and

love.

me

something

that for the first time in

bitter

all

my

of which to taste, should

complain, or refuse to do his bidding?

Should

life I I

he gives

doubt, or

rather not

take the occasional bitter which he gives to me, together with

abundant sweet, and trust that this, too, is for good, I do not understand?" This is the true faith in God which Judaism has always taught, and in which its followers have always found strength and courage to bear the many hard and cruel blows which have befallen them. Israel's history has been bitter indeed, and full to overflowing with trial and suffering and sacrifice. But Israel's men and women have always trusted in God, the

even though

God of their fathers, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and have never hesitated nor doubted nor complained too much. Bravely and nobly they have made their sacrifices for God, and calmly they have repeated in absolute faith and trust

the

the inspiring words of the great sufferer of old,

Though He

Though

slay me, yet will

I

trust in Ilim.

(Job XIII,

15.)

the way oft seemed too long and hard, and the goal was hidden in darkness, yet they knew with perfect faith that God was still leading them on in His pillar of cloud and fire unto His promised land of peace and happiness and love. And though men meant evil against them, still in His \n