The Pit of Snakes and Scorpions

And the pit was empty, there was no water in it.                                                        Genesis 37:25 But there were snakes and scorpions in the pit.                               Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 22a All that happened to Joseph happened as well to Zion (all of the nation of Israel).                              Midrash Tanḥuma [vaYigash 10]

          Rabbi Kook quotes the verse in Zachariah [9:11], which refers to the Diaspora as “a pit without water”, and explains that throughout the centuries of exile of the Jewish People there were those who entertained the idea that the Jews’ suffering in the Diaspora is not inherent in their exile, and if the Jews would adapt properly, they would find true peace in their exile. This approach saw the exile as a pit full of water, where only one who is careless enough to fall in will be hurt, while one who uses it properly will benefit by drawing water from the pit. However, Jewish history has demonstrated the fallacy of this approach. Even if the Jews attempt to adapt a new life style to allow them to adjust to life in exile, they are destined to encounter obstacles which will prevent their success. Thus the Talmud compares the pit not to one which is merely empty of water and therefore has the potential to be beneficial, but to a pit full of snakes and scorpions, from which it is not possible to derive any benefit. However, Rabbi Kook notes, this curse conveys a blessing as well, in keeping the eyes and hearts of Israel focused on the Holy Land, and reminding us that the lands of exile will never be a suitable place for “the flock of Joseph.” [Psalms 80:2]