The Sin Of David'S Census And Karaite Commentary

[volgadon]

There was a recent conference on Karaite Judaism hosted by the Goldstein-Goren International Center for Jewish Thought. One of the workshops was on the Karaite Yefet ben Eli's commentary on the Hebrew Bible, or, rather, how he tackled a thorny theological problem found in the account of King David's census. Karaites tended towards a more literal interpretation of the Bible than did many of their rabbinic counterparts, but they were also highly influenced by Shiite theology, particularly in regards to the sinless state of prophets. This video shows how they reconciled the biblical account to their worldview, so I think it will be time well spent for anyone with an interest in the history of biblical interpretation.

[blackstrap]

Thanks. That particular account has been a thorn in my side,a bee in my bonnet, a twist in my nickers etc. for quite some time now.

[volgadon]

Thanks. That particular account has been a thorn in my side,a bee in my bonnet, a twist in my nickers etc. for quite some time now.

You are welcome.

I know that even if one doesn't find the answers, looking at the problems a verse poses is helpful.

[theplains]

Karaites tended towards a more literal interpretation of the Bible than did many of their rabbinic counterparts, but they were also highly influenced by Shiite theology, particularly in regards to the sinless state of prophets.

Maybe the Karaites were not aware that the Quran identifies Muhammad as a sinner in suras 40:55, 48:2, and 47:19.

Regards,

Jim

[volgadon]

Maybe the Karaites were not aware that the Quran identifies Muhammad as a sinner in suras 40:55, 48:2, and 47:19.

Regards,

Jim

I doubt that most Karaites had read the Quraan. Not that it would have mattered to them, as they weren't Muslim.

Edited November 23, 2012 by volgadon

[wenglund]

I doubt that most Karaites had read the Quraan. Not that it would have mattered to them, as they weren't Muslim.

However, you did mention that the Karaites "were also highly influenced by Shiite theology, particularly in regards to the sinless state of prophets." I am guessing that Shiites are familiar with the Quraan. So, at the very least there is an indirect connection between Karaites and the Quraan. Right?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[DavidB]

Can someone provide a synopsis? I am unable to watch videos.

I believe the sin of the census was reliance on the strength of man rather than God. The people of Jacob asked for a King so that they could be like other Nations. I would think that Nations would boast of the numbers as a deterance just as armorments of today are intended as a deterant. David was saying "we have 'x' number of potential soldiers, fear us!" When he should have been saying "The Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is with us, let us live in peace lest the fate of the Egyptians befall you."