That's the request King Ptolemy II Philadelphus supposedly received, and it kicks off the fascinating story we find in the Letter of Aristeas.

Now, this letter, attributed to someone named Aristeas, a courtier of the king, tells the story of how the 70 (or 72, depending on who you ask) Jewish scholars were brought from Jerusalem to Alexandria to translate the Hebrew Bible into Greek – a translation that would become known as the Septuagint. It’s a legendary tale, to be sure, filled with royal decrees, elaborate preparations, and divine providence.

But let's rewind a bit. What was Ptolemy’s initial reaction to this audacious request? According to Aristeas, he was willing to go along with it, despite its unusual nature. Why? Because, as he put it, "you have bestowed upon our citizens great and never to be forgotten benefits in many ways." This tells us that Ptolemy felt indebted to the Jewish community, perhaps for their loyalty, their skills, or their contribution to his kingdom. It's always about relationships, isn't it?

So, what did Ptolemy do next? He didn't just shrug and say, "Okay, sure, go translate the Bible." Instead, he immediately offered sacrifices. Sacrifices for you, for his sister, for his children, and for his friends. He had all the people pray, asking that "Almighty God might preserve your kingdom in peace with honour, and that the translation of the holy law might prove advantageous to you and be carried out successfully.”

Think about that for a moment. A pagan king, offering sacrifices and prayers to ensure the success of a Jewish endeavor. It speaks volumes about Ptolemy’s political savvy, his respect for the Jewish people, and maybe, just maybe, a genuine curiosity about their sacred text.

It also highlights the weightiness of the translation itself. This wasn't just about converting some scrolls into another language. It was about ensuring the stability of the kingdom, preserving honor, and seeking divine favor. The stakes were high!

And that’s just the beginning of the story of the Septuagint. We'll delve into the details of the translation process, the wisdom of the scholars, and the lasting impact of this monumental work. But for now, let’s just appreciate the unusual circumstances that set this incredible story in motion. What do you think? Was Ptolemy’s willingness genuine piety, political maneuvering, or a bit of both? And what does it say about the power of translation to shape history and culture? It's a lot to consider.