על הבריחה והמציאה ל״הOn Flight and Finding 35
א׳
1[194] Such are the springs of sinful deeds: let us investigate that of sound sense. To this Patience, called Rebecca, goes down, and, when she has filled the whole vessel of the soul, goes up; for the lawgiver speaks of the descent as an ascent with perfect truth to the nature of things, for a soul that resolves to come down from over-weening imposture is exalted thereby to virtue’s height.
ב׳
2[195] For it says: “And having gone down to the spring she filled the water-pot, and came up” (Gen. 24:16). This spring is the Divine Wisdom, from which both the several fields of knowledge are watered, and all contemplation-loving souls which are possessed by a love of that which is best.
ג׳
3[196] To this spring the sacred message applies most appropriate names, calling it “judgement” and “holy.” For it says: “They returned and came to the Spring of Judgement; this is Kadesh” (Gen. 14:7); and “Kadesh” means “holy.” One might think that it cries aloud that the wisdom of God is both holy, containing no earthy ingredient, and a sifting of all the universe, whereby all opposites are separated from each other.