Midrash Vayosha


Midrash Vayosha is an 11th-century CE midrash, one of the smaller midrashim. It is based on Exodus 14:30-15:18. It is an exposition in the style of the later aggadah, and seems to have been intended for Shabbat Shirah or for the seventh day of Passover.

Contents

The sections begin for the most part with the words "ameru hachamim," though Rabbi Joshua ben Levi and Rabbi Samuel b. Naḥmani are occasionally given as the authors.
In the exposition of Exodus 15:18 on the sorrows and the redemption in the Messianic time, the terrible figure of King Armilus is described, and it is said that he will slay the Messiah son of Joseph, but will himself be slain by the Messiah who is the son of David; God will then gather together the scattered remnant of Israel and hold the final judgment; and the wonderful beauty of a new world full of joy and happiness is revealed.

Editions

The midrash was first published at Constantinople in 1519, and has been reprinted by A. Jellinek.

Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography