Abraham Ibn Ezra's Non-Literal Interpretations - Hakirah.org

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286 : Hạkirah, the Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and ThoughtTalmud and Rabbinic laws to the Torah. He condemned him foroverruling the opinion of the Rabbinic sages. He charged that IbnEzra’s interpretations gave comfort to the Karaites and other heretics.23In view of the above, it is startling to discover that Ibn Ezra’scommentaries contain much more than a literal interpretation ofScripture. His comments are often based on astrology, numerology,magic, and philosophy. They are often far from the plain meaning ofthe text.Ibn Ezra claims that the ephod worn by the high priest was an astrologicalinstrument. 24 He similarly explains the terafim. He hints thatthe flood resulted from an evil convergence of the heavenly bodies,and that Noah waited seven days each time he sent out the dove, becauseNoah observed the “watches.” 25Ibn Ezra claims that the Tetragrammaton has numerical significance.Yod equals ten. Ten is a variant of one, which is the foundationof all numbers. He further argues that heh and vav, which are equivalentto 5 and 6, are important numbers because they are intermediarybetween 1 and 10. 26Ibn Ezra quotes an opinion with apparent approval that nine ofthe statements of the Decalogue correspond to the celestial spheres.He writes:One of the wise men of this generation said: We know that ninespheres correspond to the nine numbers that are the basis of allnumbers. It is the same with these nine statements.The first statement, which corresponds to the glory of God theRevered who speaks, is not included among the nine statements,for it is the first of the ten in number.The second statement, which is “Do not have any other gods beforeme…” (Ex. 20:3), corresponds to the highest sphere, whichmoves from west to east and propels the other spheres to make atwenty-four hour east-to-west circuit in contrast to its own motion.It is in reference to this sphere that Scripture states, “other gods.”It says this to let us know that the spheres are run by the power of23 Yam Shel Shelomo, Introduction to Chullin.24 Ibn Ezra on Gen. 7:425 Ibid. 8:5.26 Ibid. Ex. 3:15.
Abraham Ibn Ezra’s Non-Literal Interpretations : 287God. Many considered this sphere to be the Creator because it isincorporeal.The third statement, namely, “Do not take the name of God yourLord in vain” (Ex. 20:7), corresponds to the sphere of the constellationswherein are all the hosts of heaven, with the exception ofthe seven moving stars. Now this important sphere encompassesall the forty-eight bodies and their forms. God’s power is there revealedto the eye. There are places in this sphere that contain manystars. There are other places in it that have no stars. It is impossiblefor a man to know this secret. Many of those deficient in wisdomthink that these forms in their arrangement were created in vain.The astrologers tell us that each one of the moving stars has a certainday in the week when its power is manifest.The fourth statement, the statement about the Sabbath, correspondsto the sphere of Saturn. The astrologers tell us that eachone of the moving stars has a certain day in the week in which itspower is manifest. The star is the dominant power the first hour ofthe day. The same is true concerning the star that is the dominantpower in the first hour of the night. They say that Saturn and Marsare harmful stars. Hence harm befalls anyone who begins any workor sets out on a journey when one or the other dominates. Thesages therefore said that permission was given for harming onWednesday night and on the eve of the Sabbath. Now we do notfind these two “demons” ruling night and day, back to back, on anyother day of the week except for Saturday. It is therefore unfit forone to occupy himself on Saturday with everyday matters. On thecontrary, one should devote himself on this day to the fear of God.The fifth statement, namely, “Honor your father and mother,” correspondsto the sphere of Jupiter, which indicates peace, righteousness,mercy, and the obligation to reward and honor those towhom we owe a debt of gratitude.The sixth statement, “Do not commit murder,” corresponds tothe sphere of Mars, which points to bloodshed and wounding.The seventh statement, namely, “Do not commit adultery,” correspondsto the sphere of Venus, the nature of which points to allacts of intercourse and harlotry…The eighth statement, namely, “Do not steal,” corresponds to thesphere of the sun and indicates force. It removes the power of anyplanet that is in conjunction with it so that its light is not seen.
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Abraham Ibn Ezra's Non-Literal Interpretations - Hakirah.org

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