על הנטיעה י״גConcerning Noah's Work as a Planter 13
א׳
1[54] It is possible that the words “Into the mountain of Thine inheritance” may suggest to many an inquiry as to how to account for them: for that God gives portions is a necessary truth, but it may appear a contradiction that He should obtain a portion, since all things belong to Him.
ב׳
2[55] This expression would seem to apply to those who are on a special footing of more intimate relationship with Him as their Master. So kings are rulers of all their subjects, but in an eminent degree of their household servants, of whose ministry they are accustomed to avail themselves for the care of their persons and their other requirements.
ג׳
3[56] Again these same rulers, though they are masters of all properties throughout the land, including those over which private citizens have apparent control, are reckoned to have those only which they place in the hands of bailiffs and agents, from which also they collect the yearly income. To these they frequently resort for holiday and enjoyment, laying aside the serious burden of the anxieties incident to government and sovereignty, and these estates of theirs go by the name of royal demesnes.
ד׳
4[57] Again, silver and gold, and other precious things which are kept in the treasuries of subjects, belong to the rulers rather than to those who have them. But in spite of this we speak of sovereigns’ private coffers in which the appointed collectors of dues deposit the revenues from the country.
ה׳
5[58] Marvel not at all, then, if the title of special portion of God the universal Ruler, to whom sovereignty over all pertains, is bestowed upon the company of wise souls, whose vision is supremely keen, the eye of whose understanding is clear and flawless, closing never, ever open in a gaze direct and piercing.