Moreover, he has rightly detested the weasel. For he means, “Thou shalt not be like to those whom we hear of as committing wickedness with the mouth,145 on account of their unclean- ness; nor shall thou be joined to those impure women who commit iniquity with the mouth. For this animal conceives by the mouth.” Moses then issued146 three doctrines concerning meats with a spiritual significance; but they received them according to fleshly desire, as if he had merely spoken of [literal] meats. David, however, comprehends the knowledge of the three doctrines, and speaks in like manner: “Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly,”147 even as the fishes [referred to] go in darkness to the depths [of the sea]; “and hath not stood in the way of sinners,” even as those who profess to fear the Lord, but go astray like swine; “and hath not sat in the seat of scorners,”148 even as those birds that lie in wait for prey. Take a full and firm grasp of this spiritual149 knowledge. But Moses says still further, “Ye shall eat every animal that is cloven-footed and ruminant.” What does he mean? [The ruminant animal denotes him] who, on receiving food, recognizes Him that nourishes him, and being satisfied by Him,150 is visibly made glad. Well spake 144 [Moses], having respect to the commandment. What, then, does he mean? That we ought to join ourselves to those that fear the Lord, those who meditate in their heart on the com- mandment which they have received, those who both utter the judgments of the Lord and observe them, those who know that meditation is a work of gladness, and who ruminate151 upon the word of the Lord. But what means the cloven-footed? That the righteous man also walks in this world, yet looks forward to the holy state152 [to come]. Behold how well Moses legislated. But how was it possible for them to understand or comprehend these things? We then, rightly understanding his commandments,153 explain them as the Lord intended. For this purpose He circumcised our ears and our hearts, that we might understand these things. 145 Cod. Sin. has, “with the body through uncleanness,” and so again in the last clause. 146 Cod. Sin. inserts, “having received.” 147 Ps. i. 1. 148 Literally, “of the pestilent.” 149 Cod. Sin. reads, “perfectly,” instead of “perfect,” as do most mss.; but, according to Dressel, we should read, “have a perfect knowledge concerning the food.” Hilgenfeld follows the Greek. 150 Or, “resting upon Him.” 151 Cod. Sin. here has the singular, “one who ruminates.” 152 Literally, “holy age.” 153 Cod. Sin. inserts again, “rightly.” 386 Chapter X.—Spiritual significance of the precepts of Moses respecting different…