Souls Are in God’s Hand
Deuteronomy Rabbah 5:4
5th–10th Century
Two things are in God’s hand: the soul and justice. The soul, as it is written: In His hand is the soul of all the living (Job 12:10). And justice, as it is written: And My hand lays hold on judgment (Deuteronomy 32:41). God says, “The soul and justice are given over to my hand. You guard justice, and I will guard your souls.” Hence: You shall appoint judges and magistrates (Deuteronomy 16:18).
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
You may also like
Loving Wisdom and Keeping Laws
Immortality Is the Reward for Martyrdom
4 Maccabees 17:11–16
Abraham’s Return to His Ancestors
Questions and Answers on Genesis 3.11
Seeing God and Becoming Stars
2 Esdras (4 Ezra) 7:88–99
The Soul Is to the Body as God Is to the World
Leviticus Rabbah 4:8
Righteous Souls under God’s Throne of Glory
b. Shabbat 152b
Places:
Ancient Corpus:
Related Guide
Immortality of the Soul in Early Jewish Texts
Related Guide
Death and the Next World in Ancient Judaism
Related Guide
Jewish Daily Life in Roman-Era Palestine
You may also like
Loving Wisdom and Keeping Laws
Immortality Is the Reward for Martyrdom
4 Maccabees 17:11–16
Abraham’s Return to His Ancestors
Questions and Answers on Genesis 3.11
Seeing God and Becoming Stars
2 Esdras (4 Ezra) 7:88–99
The Soul Is to the Body as God Is to the World
Leviticus Rabbah 4:8
Righteous Souls under God’s Throne of Glory
b. Shabbat 152b