I was once reading through the Babylonian Talmud (as you do) and I came across a stipulation by a certain Rabbi Ishmael that made me fall off my chair and burst into tears of laughter.
The rabbi's had a law for everything, not necessarily because they were concerned with inventing legalistic minutia, but because they wanted every area of life to be governed by the implications of God's law, and I mean every area! For those whose curiosity has been aroused I recommend you go and read the tractate b.Niddah 13.b.
The first part of the quote runs: "It was taught at the school of R. Ishmael, Thou shalt not commit adultery implies, Thou shalt not ..." I cannot complete it without blushing! Go have a look for yourself if you're not squimish.
Of course, the next time someone threatens to have me bound, hand and foot, I shall ask if they are implying something.
My thanks to Jim West at Biblical Theology for finding this reference.
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6 comments:
Mike, you said: "For those whose curiosity has been aroused..." I'm sure the pun was unintended. ;-)
Just a question, do you think they made up this rule because they were aiming to prevent this from even happening, or because someone actually tried this, and there were dire consequences?
Just for my own peace of mind...
Ahh, my introduction to the talmud. I'm not sure if I should thank you or not.
Mike, thanks for this reference... I think.
This is a topic pastors and scholars and other religious leaders have had problems with throughout the ages. The great English poet and pastor George Herbert comes to mind:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0836969154/qid=1133982806/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-1361893-2891042?n=507846&s=books&v=glance
Now that is just plain wicked, Jason.... ;-)
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