Presence

Last night, R. Gottlieb's Chumash shiur covered the issue of "in the Image of God."

For those that don't recall, review my previous thoughts on the subject.

Previously, I was unaware of any commentary that agreed with my interpretation; R. Gottlieb cited R. Saadya Gaon, whose, although tersely, essentially offers the same understanding (I do not have R. Saadya Gaon's perush; where does one find it?). Not to mention that, after further reflection, I believe pshat in Onkeles is like me as well.

It's also interesting to note that Gen 9:6, which reads:

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made He man. [JPS Translation]

based on this interpretation, would be read differently. Traditionally, this verse is understood at reenforcing the importance of each individual life. But if we understand "the Image of God" as referring to Man acting as Ruler or Judge, then perhaps the focus of the verse is to state that as Man was created to rule, he must therefore take upon himself even the ultimate responsibility of capital punishment. The novelty is not that murder is a sin; rather, it is that Man can enact Justice wheras before this was strictly the purview of the Divine.

The shiur should be posted online on the Shomrei shiurim page in due time. Look for the 2/8 episode.