Philo's Interpretation of Korah

Full title
Philo's Interpretation of Korah
Research notes

reader checked|15/06/2012 AL

Reference type
Author(s)
Feldman, Louis H.
Editor(s)
Pomykala, Kenneth E.
Year
2008
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Israel in the Wilderness: Interpretations of the Biblical Traditions in Jewish and Christian Narratives
Number of volumes
0
Issue / Series Volume
10
Series Title
Themes in Biblical Narrative
Publisher
Brill
Place of Publication
Leiden
Pages
55-70
Alternative title
Themes in Biblical Narrative
Original Publication
Feldman, L. H., "Philo's Interpretation of Korah," Revue des Études Juives 162 (2003), 1-15
Label
09/02/2009
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.