We often skim past the stark pronouncements in the Torah, like "And all flesh capable of motion perished" (Genesis 7:21), without truly grasping the implications. But what exactly does that phrase even mean?
That’s the question the Midrash of Philo, a fascinating and often overlooked source, tackles head-on.
Now, the phrase "all flesh capable of motion" seems straightforward, right? Everything that moved, died. End of story. But hold on. The sages, bless their inquisitive hearts, weren’t satisfied with the surface level. They dug deeper. Why this specific wording? Why not just "all flesh perished"? What’s with the "capable of motion" bit?
The Midrash of Philo, in its characteristic style, homes in on that specific phrase. It's as if they're saying, "Okay, Torah, you chose these words. We're going to unpack them." They saw in the words "capable of motion" a crucial distinction.
Perhaps it hints at a deeper understanding of life, death, and divine judgment. Maybe it points to the active, conscious existence that was being judged, rather than mere physical existence. It's a subtle but powerful nuance.
This kind of close reading, paying meticulous attention to every word, every phrase, is the hallmark of Midrash. It's not just about understanding the story; it's about understanding the why behind the story, the message embedded within the text itself. It's about wrestling with the divine word to glean hidden truths.
So, the next time you read about the Flood, pause for a moment on that seemingly simple phrase: "And all flesh capable of motion perished." Remember the Midrash of Philo, and consider the depth of meaning that lies beneath the surface. It might just change the way you understand the entire story. What does it mean to truly live and what is the role of our actions in the grand scheme of things? These are the kinds of questions the sages wanted us to ask.