Philonis Judaei Opera Omnia (Vol. 8)

that happened to each one, that is, of good and evil. Then concerning the ark of Noah and the life of Enos, and the punishment brought upon men during those times: finally concerning the propagation in the blessing of the three sons of Noah up to the birth of Abraham the firstborn.

§. 2. Then that other volume must be considered, where one finds the appearance of God made to Abraham by the oak of Mamre, the words of the promise, the promise confirmed by the event, the praise of his faith, the integrity kept among the Canaanites as if in a foreign land, and the multiplication through divine blessing; and what happened to his sons and descendants up to Moses: and the question concerning the ten nations, *) how the Jews were to bring them under their power. These and similar things, polished with excellent judgments and arranged in order, are contained in that (volume).

§. 3. But the things which are contained in the questions and responses on Exodus, following the example of the first creation, are treated mystically, at the beginning of spring **), when indeed it was commanded to the prophetic nation, propagated from the righteous themselves, that they should recognize the first of the months, Nisan, as the beginning of the other months; since it is the first in name, in fact, in order, in virtue, and in nature. And indeed, it was right that the beginning of salvation should occur for the nation beloved by God and prophetic at that very time in which the creation of things also (happened) from the beneficent power of God. For He who with a powerful word and will created all things in this very season of the year, He surely, at the same time of the year, brought the sons of the righteous out of dire servitude with His protection and power.

*) Which are commemorated by name only. Gen. XV. 19. Auch.
**) Where it is assumed, from Philo’s opinion, that the world was created in the spring season. Auch.