Hebrew. LATER PROPHETS). With the commentary of DAVID BEN JOSEPH KIMCHI.

(BIBLE,

Sons of Gershom Soncino

Pesaro

1515-16

Title within four piece white-on-black woodcut border of Renaissance ornament. Letters of initial words within white-on-black decorative vignettes.

Vinograd, Pesaro 11; Adams B-1280

No doubt the leading exegete of the prodigious Kimchis, David wrote on all the Prophetic Books as well as Psalms, Chronicles and Genesis. His method follows that of the Peshat, yet often utilizes Derash, employing aggadic interpretations. As an adherent of Maimonides’ philosophical views, David Kimchi introduces Maimonidian ideas into his commentaries although also expoundingcertain events as “visions.” Notably, in his commentary upon the Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the Divine Chariot (Ezekiel, Chap. I), Kimchi presents a lengthy philosophical exposition concerning the Theophany. (See: M. Waxman, Vol. I, pp. 199-200; D. Amram, the Makers of Hebrew Books in Italy (1909) pp. 60-61. PROVENANCE: 1. The Augustinian Abbey of Santa Cruz de Coimbra, Portugal, with early ownership inscription on recto of final leaf. 2. The Rev. Aaron Levy Green (1821-1883), Honorary Secretary of Jews’ College, with his stamp on several leaves.