back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 19932

[from 'Tractatus Theologico-Politicus' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 3. Alienating rights ]

Full Idea

The Hebrews being in this natural state, they resolved, on the advice of Moses in whom they all had the greatest trust, to transfer their right to no mortal man but rather to God alone.

Gist of Idea

The early Hebrews, following Moses, gave up their rights to God alone

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 17.07)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.213


A Reaction

[He cites Exodus 24:7] He calls this the first Hebrew state, which seems to have depended heavily on Moses. Priests and prophets become crucial in this situation, and they may be in conflict about God's commands.