Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/35

Rh Jacob, what relief may we not expect from Thee, thou Father of Mercies!" God heard his prayers; there came plenty of rain, the earth was fertilized, and the distressed people relieved.

Genesis Rabba, § XXXIII; Leviticus Rabba, § XXXIV.

Scripture Impartiality Vindicated by Rabbi Jose

" author of the books you call holy," said a certain Roman matron to Rabbi Jose, "appears to me very partial in his accounts of past events: nay, some of them appear incredible. Is it possible that Joseph, a poor and wretched slave, and in the very prime of youth, could have resisted the repeated solicitations and the alluring charms of his rich, powerful, and enamoured mistress?" "Thou wouldst not have spoken thus," replied Jose, "hadst thou read the books, of which thou appearest to have some knowledge, with due attention." He then reminded her of the narratives of Reuben and Bilhah, Judah and Tamar. "These persons," continued the Rabbi, "were superior to Joseph in age and in dignity, yet the divine Historian did not conceal their faults, but laid them open to the view of their descendants." It is the peculiar characteristic of our holy books to represent the actions