Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 50 / §§128–132

Printed page 50 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §128, §129, §130, §131, §132. The opening continues §127 from the preceding page. consisted in the observance of the laws, and this end was attained much more by oral communication than by reading. From these and similar observations it was clear what were his feelings towards them. (VI) ELEAZAR'S APOLOGY FOR THE JEWISH LAW It is worth while briefly to mention the explanations given by him in reply to our inquiries. For I suppose that most men feel some curiosity about the regulations in the law{1} concerning meats and drinks and the animals which are considered unclean. Well, when we inquired why, although there was but a single creation, some things are considered unclean for food, and some even to the touch (for the law is scrupulous in most things, but in these matters it is excessively{2} scrupulous), he began his reply as follows :— "Thou seest," he said, "what an influence is exercised by intercourse and association. By associating with evil persons men become perverted and are rendered miserable all their life long, whereas, if they consort with the wise and prudent, they pass from ignorance and amend their lives. Our lawgiver, then, in the first place enjoined{3} piety and righteousness, and expounded them point by point, not merely by prohibitions but also by positive commands, making plain the harmful effects _of disobedience_ and the visitations sent by God upon the guilty. In the very first place of all he taught that God is one, and that His power is made manifest through all things, every place being filled with His sovereignty, and TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 50 {1} Cf. Lev. xi.; Deut. xiv. 3–20. Compare the treatment of the same subject in the Epistle of Barnabas, § 10. {2} Text doubtful; perhaps "doubly scrupulous." {3} Or "laid down the principles of."