When Jerusalem was in the hands of the Romans, one of their philosophers asked of the Rabbis:—
"If your God dislikes idolatry, why does He not destroy the idols and so put temptation out of the way?"
The wise men answered:—
"Would you have the sun and the moon destroyed because of the foolish ones who worship them? To change the course of nature to punish sinners, would bring suffering to the innocent also."
Rabbi Judah said:—
"He who refuses to teach a precept to his pupil is guilty of theft, just as one who steals from the inheritance of his father; as it is written, (The law which Moses commanded us is the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.) But if he teaches him, what is his reward?"
Raba says, "He will obtain the blessing of Joseph."
Rabbi Eleazer said:—
"That house where the law is not studied by night should be destroyed.
"The wealthy man who aids not the scholar desirous of studying God's law will not prosper.