Philonis Judaei Opera Omnia (Vol. 7)

that, however, which is subject to change, as it is accustomed to always suffer flux, neither receives its own nor divine demonstration.

Why does he say: Lord, by what shall I know that I will inherit it? original: "Genes. 15, 8."

§. 2. He seeks an indication for the knowledge of the promise. Indeed, two things are described that are worthy of study: one, which is an affection of the mind, to believe in God according to the aforementioned statement; and the other, to be carried by a supreme desire, so that he is not deprived even of certain signs, by which he might know the confirmation of the promise through the senses. But he pays the one who promised the veneration he deserves original: "In Armeniis verbis desideratur verbum praestat vel praestatur (veneratio)." through the statement, Lord: for I know, he says, that you are the Lord and prince of the universe, who also can do all things and there is no impotence in you. Truly, even if I have already believed your promise, P. A 169 nonetheless I wish to attain more quickly, if not the fulfillment, at least certain evident signs by which the conclusion might be indicated. For I am a creature; and even if I reach the highest integrity, I cannot always hold back the impulse of desire, so that when I have seen some good or heard it, I wish to attain it slowly and not immediately. Therefore, I pray that you provide me some knowledge through which I may comprehend those future things.

Why does he say: Take for me a three-year-old heifer and a three-year-old goat and a three-year-old ram, a turtledove and a pigeon? original: "Gen. 15, 9."

§. 3. He mentions five animals which are offered on the holy altar: for these are divided into sacrificial offerings, three from land animals, an ox, a goat, a sheep; and two from birds, a turtledove and a pigeon; for he celebrates the eternal sacrifices as having taken their origin from the patriarch, who also [was] of the nation...