על הנטיעה ל״דConcerning Noah's Work as a Planter 34
א׳
1[139] We have discoursed to the best of our ability concerning the earliest and most sacred husbandry, plied by the First Cause in dealing with the world, that most fertile of plants; and concerning the husbandry that comes next in order, carried on by the man of worth; and concerning the number 4 which carries off the prizes conferred upon it by the injunctions and directions found in laws.
ב׳
2[140] Let us now turn our attention to the righteous Noah’s work on his vineyard, which is a special form of husbandry. The account runs: “Noah began to be a husbandman, a tiller of the soil: and he planted a vineyard and drank of the wine, and became drunk” (Gen. 9:20 f.). We see from these words that the righteous man tills the tree, that is the means of drunkenness, with skill and knowledge, while those who are devoid of good sense tend it in an unskilful and faulty way.
ג׳
3[141] This renders it necessary for us to make some pertinent remarks regarding drunkenness; for, as we treat of it, we shall ascertain also the powers and properties of the tree which furnishes it with the material which produces it. The Lawgiver’s words regarding drunkenness we shall acquaint ourselves with another time: let us at present engage in a thorough investigation of the sentiments of other persons.
