Healing from Arrogance: Solomon’s Aphorism in the Targumic Tosefta of 1 Kings 5:12–13
Mattia Seu
Redemptoris Mater Study Center , Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0009-0009-9053-4586
Andrea Lamonaca
Independent Scholar , Italyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5977-8939
Abstract
The Targumic Tosefta attributed to Solomon provides an interpretation of the biblical text of 1 Kgs 5:12–13. By analysing the symbolic differences between the two plants mentioned and by interpreting parallel passages in the rabbinic tradition, the study aims to verify whether the Tosefta allows for a theological reinterpretation of the figure of Solomon and his encyclopaedic knowledge. The main novelty is a reappraisal of the figure of the king who, through the aphorism, gives a lesson in humility: a man who becomes arrogant in his great knowledge becomes as sick as a leper, isolated from his context, and can be healed by recovering a humble attitude, like the biblical hyssop, crushed by all.
Keywords:
Targum Jonathan, cedar of Lebanon, hyssop, Bible plants, wisdom, leprosy, rabbinic interpretationReferences
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