It’s a question that’s puzzled thinkers for ages, and surprisingly, we find some intriguing early thoughts on it in the writings attributed to Philo of Alexandria, an important Jewish philosopher from the 1st century CE.
Now, when we say "The Midrash of Philo," it's important to clarify we aren't talking about a midrash in the classic rabbinic sense. Instead, it refers to interpretations and elaborations on biblical text found within Philo’s philosophical works. Philo's writings, though influenced by Greek thought, offer a unique lens through which to view Jewish tradition.
Here, Philo grapples with the idea of the ruach hakodesh, the divine spirit, and how it interacts with humanity. Is it something constant? Something fleeting? Like an oracle, he suggests that the divine spirit operates almost like a law, not merely a gust of wind.
The divine spirit, he emphasizes, isn't just some airy-fairy notion, but rather, intellect and wisdom itself. Think about Bezalel, the incredibly skilled artisan who built the mishkan, the Tabernacle. As the scripture says, God “filled him with the divine spirit of wisdom and understanding.” (Exodus 31:3). So, the spirit definitely descends upon people.
But here's the kicker: Philo suggests that this spirit doesn’t necessarily stick around. It comes, but it doesn't necessarily abide or persevere within individuals. Why not?
The reason, according to Philo, echoing a verse from Genesis (6:3), is “because they are flesh.” In other words, our physical, earthly nature can be a barrier to maintaining that connection with the divine. The desires and inconsistencies of the flesh can cloud our judgment and hinder our access to true wisdom.
The disposition of the flesh, Philo argues, is inconsistent with wisdom because it aligns itself with desire. It’s a fascinating idea, isn't it? That our very physicality, our human desires and impulses, can actually get in the way of spiritual insight.
So, what's the solution? Philo suggests that "incorporeal and light souls" – those unburdened by the constraints of the flesh – are better equipped to understand the nature of things. They aren’t hindered by earthly desires. A pure disposition, acquired together with constancy, allows for a clearer discernment and comprehension.
Ultimately, Philo's thought is a call for self-reflection. Are we allowing our "fleshly" desires to cloud our judgment and prevent us from accessing deeper wisdom? It's a question worth pondering, even today.