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‘It is the strongest of all powers,
the force of all forces.
It overcomes every subtle thing,
and penetrates every solid substance.’
Emerald Tablet
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The glosses in the biblical text make it clear
that this tale has been ‘recommissioned’ for use in the canon.
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It is also clear from the related marriage customs which set-up the riddle
that the Philistines were a matriarchal community.
A bride-price is demanded rather than a dowry offered.
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Most weird of all, perhaps, is the riddling episode itself.
It is the only example of an overt riddling sequence in the Old Dispensation.
And it is ‘all wrong’…
Continue reading at The Silent Eye
France & Vincent 