על הבריחה והמציאה ל״זOn Flight and Finding 37
א׳
1[202] On the subject of springs all that the occasion required has now been said. But it is with a most carefully considered meaning that Hagar is represented by the sacred oracles as found by the spring but not drawing water from it (Gen. 16:7). For a soul, while making gradual progress, is not yet capable of availing itself of Wisdom’s untempered draught, but such a soul is not prevented from staying hard by her.
ב׳
2[203] Now the road of discipline is all a highway, thoroughly safe and well guarded. Wherefore it says that she was found in the way to Shur (ibid.), and “Shur” means “wall” or “straightening.” The inward monitor, then, speaking within the soul, says to it, “Whence comest thou, and whither art thou going?” (ibid. 8). In thus addressing her he does not express doubt or inquiry; rather he is reproaching and putting her to shame; for we may not think that an angel is ignorant of anything affecting us.
ג׳
3[204] Here is a proof of it: even the secrets of the womb, which are hidden from created beings, the angel knows with certainty, as his words shew: “Lo, thou art with child, and shalt give birth to a boy, and shalt call his name Ishmael” (ibid. 11). For it is not in the power of man to know that the embryo is a male, nor to know the principle that is to govern the life of one who is not yet born, that it will be the way of the rude country-side, not the refined one of civic life.
ד׳
4[205] So the words “Whence comest thou?” are spoken to rebuke the soul that is running away from the better judgement, “the mistress,” a mistress whom to serve as handmaiden could not but win her high renown, if the service be one of deeds rather than of name. And the words “Whither goest thou?” mean “Thou hast cast away acknowledged gains, and art running after uncertainties.”
ה׳
5[206] We may well praise her for receiving reproof with gladness. Of her gladness she has given plain evidence by not accusing her mistress, and by laying the blame of her flight upon herself, and by making no answer to the second question “Whither art thou going?” for it was uncertain, and regarding uncertainties suspension of judgement is not only safe but requisite.