Midrash Al Yithallel (Hebrew: מדרש אל יתהלל) is a small midrash containing stories from the lives of the wise Solomon, the mighty David, and the rich Korah, illustrating Jeremiah 9:23, hence the title:

Thus said the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom (אל יתהלל חכם בחכמתו); Let not the strong man glory in his strength (ואל יתהלל הגבור בגבורתו); Let not the rich man glory in his riches (אל יתהלל עשיר בעשרו). But only in this should one glory: In his earnest devotion to Me. For I the Lord act with kindness, justice, and equity in the world; For in these I delight —declares the Lord.[1]

The text has been published according to a manuscript at Munich by A. Jellinek,[2] and according to a manuscript from Yemen by Grünhut,[3] with valuable references to sources and parallels. The story of Solomon may be compared the passage cited in Jellinek;[4] the history of David is similar to the midrash of Goliath;[5] and that of Korach to the passage in the Midrash Tehillim.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Jeremiah 9:22–23, JPS translation
  2. ^ B. H. vi. 106-108
  3. ^ Sefer ha-Liḳḳuṭim, i. 21 et seq.
  4. ^ l.c. ii. 86 et seq., from the Emeḳ ha-Melek
  5. ^ ib. iv. 140 et seq.
  6. ^ ed. S. Buber on Psalms 1:15

  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainSinger, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). "Smaller Midrashim". The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls.

Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography

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  • A. Jellinek, B. H. iv., p. xiii.; vi., pp. xxvi. et seq.