Adam Fell that Men Might Be

[volgadon]

With all of the recent activity around Psalm 82, I recalled a fascinating reference to it in the Babylonian Talmud. Reish Lakish (that is, r. Shimon b. Lakish) a sage of the 3rd century, has this to say.

Let us remember kindly (or count it to them as good) our fathers for had they not sinned we would not have entered this world, as it is said (ps 82) I said ye are gods and sons of the Most High (Elyon)all, ye have perverted your deeds and verily shall die as men, and so on.

[WalkerW]

With all of the recent activity around Psalm 82, I recalled a fascinating reference to it in the Babylonian Talmud. Reish Lakish (that is, r. Shimon b. Lakish) a sage of the 3rd century, has this to say.

Let us remember kindly (or count it to them as good) our fathers for had they not sinned we would not have entered this world, as it is said (ps 82) I said ye are gods and sons of the Most High (Elyon)all, ye have perverted your deeds and verily shall die as men, and so on.

Reminds me of Heiser's quote about the same parallel.

[volgadon]

How embarrassing, I forgot to post the reference.

It is T. Bavli, m. Avodah Zarah 5a.

[David Bokovoy]

Thank you for drawing our attention to this passage. This is outstanding. Contrary to popular assessment, I really do enjoy reading Rabbinic thought.

Best,

--DB

[J Green]

Volgadon,

Does this refer to Adam, or to the Golden Calf episode?

Cheers.

[volgadon]

Adam, as it follows with "had they not sinned they would not have given birth, as is written (Gen 9:7) be fruitful and multiply", though it segues into the Sinai incident.

[J Green]

Thanks, Volgadon. Nice reference.

[littlechild]

With all of the recent activity around Psalm 82, I recalled a fascinating reference to it in the Babylonian Talmud. Reish Lakish (that is, r. Shimon b. Lakish) a sage of the 3rd century, has this to say.

Let us remember kindly (or count it to them as good) our fathers for had they not sinned we would not have entered this world, as it is said (ps 82) I said ye are gods and sons of the Most High (Elyon)all, ye have perverted your deeds and verily shall die as men, and so on.

So, no men prior to Adam, eh ?

[volgadon]

I don't see this as supporting the idea that there were men on the earth before Adam, the way these midrashim work is that there has to be some sort of scripture, even if taken somewhat out of context. Besides, Adam and Eve were two people, so the plural fits.