Page 137 - ירושלים: גיליון רפואי

Transgression and Punishment

The Agony of the Afflictions of the Kings of Judah

The afflictions mentioned in the Bible are perceived as punishments for transgressions
and impiety, particularly when applied to rulers and authorities. Rulers, because of
their earthly jurisdiction, are tested for their faith and severely judged for any minor
transgression. Four kings of Judah are mentioned as having been struck by severe illnesses
as punishment for deviating from righteousness. King Asa was afflicted in his legs, but
even during his illness he asked for advice from doctors rather than putting his faith in
God. Jehoram, the sinner, died in agony from an intestinal disease, and King Uzziah was
afflicted with leprosy as a punishment for his arrogance. Hezekiah suffered a skin disease,
but his prayers were answered, and he recovered. Herod, a cruel and controversial leader,
suffered a similar fate: in the period of the Second Temple, the historian Josephus Flavius
described the affliction of Herod, who died in agony despite all efforts to cure him.

‫אספלט לריפוי וחניטה‬
‫ וכך עבר את הירדן כדי‬.‫] ותוך ציפייה לישועה היה עוסק ברפואות‬...[“
”‫ המים שיורדים לים האספלט‬,‫לרחוץ באמבטאות החמות של קלירוהי‬

‫ שכונה‬,‫ מים המלח‬.)‫ ה‬,‫ לג‬,‫ ‘מלחמת היהודים’ א‬,‫(יוסף בן מתתיהו‬
‫ נפלט אספלט ששימש לתרופות שונות‬,’‫גם ‘ימת יהודה‬
‫ובתהליך החניטה במצרים‬

Asphalt as a remedy and material for embalming
“[…] he […] still had a desire to live, and hoped for recovery
[…] Accordingly, he went over Jordan, and made use of those

hot baths at Callirrhoe, which ran into the lake Asphaltitis”
(Josephus Flavius, The War of the Jews, I, 33,5). Asphalt, used

in various remedies and during the embalming process in
Egypt was discharged from the Dead Sea,
also known as the ‘Sea of Judah’

135 ■ ‫החטא ועונשו‬