Commentary for Kiddushin 144:20

On his death bed, R. Yehudah Hanasi has some prophetic visions through which he identifies which parts of Babylonia are not kosher (and where they engage in some pretty salacious hanky-panky). He also identifies which places have apostate themselves. He can also see who had his bris (is sitting in Avraham’s lap) and who was born.

When one great leader passes away, another is born. God does not leave this world without proper leadership.

The verse in Eichah says that even in Exile, the Jewish people are surrounded by enemies. R. Judah interprets this in relation to Humania, which is full of Ammonites, and yet is right next to Pum-Nehara.

Rav and Shmuel disagree about the meaning of Ezekiel’s words when Pelatiah dies—one amora interprets that his words reflect a good reaction to what Pelatiah had done and the other reads it as a bad reaction.
The good interpretation begins with the governor of Meshan sending a message to his father-in-law, Nebuchadnezzar. The governor complains that he has not received any captives to serve as slaves.

Nebuchadnezzar wants to send an Israelite to serve his son-in-law, but Pelatiah convinces him to send the slaves. While I’m not sure I read this so positively, the Talmud does. Pelatiah saved the Jews from having to be slaves. This is why Ezekiel cries out—why did Pelatiah die so young.

According to this read of the situation, Pelatiah and his followers not only turned their backs towards the Temple, they defecated in that direction. Now that’s pretty bad. That’s why Ezekiel cried out—why should such an evil man die such a peaceful death?

According to this read of the situation, Pelatiah and his followers not only turned their backs towards the Temple, they defecated in that direction. Now that’s pretty bad. That’s why Ezekiel cried out—why should such an evil man die such a peaceful death?