Philo's Interpretation of Korah

Full title
Philo's Interpretation of Korah
Research notes

11/03/2012 YP|reader checked

Reference type
Author(s)
Feldman, Louis H.
Year
2003
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Revue des Études Juives
Volume
162
Number of volumes
0
Issue / Series Volume
1-2
Pages
1-15
Alternative title
REJ
Abstract

Philo, in both of his major accounts of the rebellion, does not say anything about Korah, does not even mention his name, let alone tell us about his genealogy, his wealth, or his ability as a speaker and leader. The rebellion is presented as a mass movement. Philo’s chief concern is theological, and the Levites’ objection challenges the very concept of divine revelation. Thus, more than a personal contest between Moses and Korah is at stake. For Philo, the contest is between God and Korah’s impiety, between belief and disbelief. But it is also political, reflecting Philo’s personal involvement as the leader of the Alexandrian Jewish community.

Notes

Reprinted in Kenneth E. Pomykala, ed., Israel in the Wilderness: Interpretations of the Biblical Traditions in Jewish and Christian Narratives , Leiden: Brill, 2008, 55-70