Specifically, the Letter of Aristeas. This isn't a letter in the Bible, but a letter about the Bible – or rather, about its translation into Greek, which became known as the Septuagint.
Imagine you're King Ptolemy II Philadelphus, ruler of Egypt way back in the 3rd century BCE. You've got a burning desire to fill your legendary Library of Alexandria with all the world's knowledge. But there’s a problem. You're missing a key piece: the Jewish Torah.
So, what do you do? You write a letter.
According to the Letter of Aristeas – and remember, this is our source, so we’re hearing their version of events – Ptolemy sends a delegation led by Andreas, the chief of his bodyguard, and Aristeas, a respected courtier (hence the letter's name), to Eleazar, the High Priest in Jerusalem.
Here's a snippet of Ptolemy's message: "I have sent Andreas, the chief of my bodyguard, and Aristeas - men whom I hold in high esteem - to lay the matter before you and present you with a hundred talents of silver, the first fruits of my offering for the temple and the sacrifices and other religious rites."
Now, a hundred talents of silver? That's no small gift! Ptolemy wasn't just asking nicely. He was making an offer Eleazar couldn't refuse. He continues, "If you will write to me concerning your wishes in these matters, you will confer a great favour upon me and afford me a new pledge of friendship, for all your wishes shall be carried out as speedily as possible. Farewell."
Talk about royal persuasion! It’s clear Ptolemy really wants this translation. He's not just interested in acquiring another book for his library; he views it as a religious obligation, offering “first fruits” for the Temple.
And how did Eleazar respond?
"Eleazar the High priest sends greetings to King Ptolemy his true friend. My highest wishes are for your welfare and the welfare of Queen Arsinoe your sister and your children. I also am well."
A diplomatic response, to say the least! It's a formal greeting, acknowledging Ptolemy's power and wishing him well. But it's also a necessary step in what's about to become a truly remarkable, and some might say, miraculous undertaking.
The stage is set. The king has made his request, the High Priest has acknowledged it... but what happens next? That's where the real story, the story of 72 scholars, divine inspiration, and the creation of the Septuagint, truly begins. We'll have to delve deeper into the Letter of Aristeas to uncover it. What do you think – could a translation ordered by a king truly capture the essence of sacred scripture?