Philo, a Jewish philosopher living in Alexandria around the time of Jesus, offers a unique allegorical interpretation of the Torah. And in this particular midrash, number 16, he tackles the curious description of the ark having "two and three stories" in its lower part (Genesis 6:16).
Philo sees these "stories" not just as levels for animals, but as a symbolic representation of our digestive system! Specifically, the intestines. He calls them "receptacles of food," cleverly linking the physical structure of the ark to the very human need for sustenance.
Why two or three stories, though? Philo argues that the intricate, multi-layered design of our intestines is no accident. It's a testament to the Creator's providence, a divine solution to ensure we're adequately nourished.
Think about it: If our digestive tract were a straight shot from stomach to… well, you know… things would get messy, and fast! As Philo puts it, "some awkward circumstances must have taken place." We'd be constantly hungry, prone to "sudden evacuations," and consumed by a "greediness" born of perpetual emptiness.
The long coils and windings, the "two and three stories," allow for a more efficient and controlled process. Food lingers, its nutrients are extracted, and the body has time to process what it needs. First, the food's "strength" is drawn out in the belly. Then, it's "armed" in the liver. Finally, according to Philo, the essential flavors are distributed throughout the body, fueling growth and strength. Waste is collected and eliminated.
It's a beautiful, if somewhat graphic, picture of the body as a carefully designed vessel. And that’s not all. Philo takes the analogy even further. He declares that the ark itself is a metaphor for the human body. Just as the ark contained all living creatures, so too does our body contain and sustain us.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting. Philo suggests that by contemplating the ark, "made by art," we can better understand ourselves. "Men beholding by means of that which was made by art, a comparison and analogy to the human body, might in that manner be more manifestly taught..."
Why? Because, according to Philo, the "essential humours of the body" – our physical desires and imperfections – are what keep us "in a servile condition." The "vicious pleasures and desires" arising from our physical nature are the root of much human suffering.
So, the ark, the body, the digestive system… they're all connected. By understanding the intricacies of our physical selves, we can begin to overcome the limitations and desires that hold us back.
Philo's midrash isn't just about anatomy; it's about spiritual growth. It suggests that even the most seemingly mundane details of the Torah – like the dimensions of an ark – can offer profound insights into the human condition and our potential for transcendence. It reminds us that we are not just physical beings, but spiritual ones as well, and that understanding our bodies is a crucial step in understanding ourselves.
What do you think? Could the measurements of Noah's Ark really hold the secrets to understanding the human body and our spiritual nature? Maybe next time you're feeling a bit "empty," you'll remember Philo's words and consider the amazing, multi-storied vessel that sustains you.