Quotes from Philo

Currently in my research I am studying Philo’s understanding of the Jewish cultus and I really enjoy Philo.  Though, of course, one constantly wonder where he is deriving his allegorical meanings from, I think his heart is in the right place!  He wishes to encourage virtue and find significance in every ritual act performed – would that we had such care and intention in our own Christian traditions!  Here is a nice quote from ‘On Special laws’ where he is offering the meaning behind various parts of the preparation of the sacrifical animal:

‘And by the command that the feet of the victim should be washed, it is figuratively shown that we must no longer walk upon the earth, but soar aloft and traverse the air. For the soul of the man who is devoted to God, being eager for truth, springs upward and mounts from earth to heaven; and, being borne on wings, traverses the expanse of the air, being eager to be classed with and to move in concert with the sun, and moon, and all the rest of the most sacred and most harmonious company of the stars, under the immediate command and government of God, who has a kingly authority without any rival, and of which he can never be deprived, in accordance with which he justly governs the universe.’ (Spec.Leg. 1.207)

Sounds like fun!

[For those who have been told that Philo is a thoroughgoing Platonist, that should be qualified – he has no particular disdain for the material and the bodily – he finds meaning and purpose in the material, but does find special meaning in the world of ideas – see Runia and Borgen]