Verse 42
So also is the resurrection of the dead - That is, the bodies of the dead, though all immortal, shall possess different degrees of splendor and glory, according to the state of holiness in which their respective souls were found. The rabbins have some crude notions concerning different degrees of glory, which the righteous shall possess in the kingdom of heaven. They make out seven degrees: -
- "The first of which is possessed by צדיקים tsaddikim , the just, who observe the covenant of the holy, blessed God, and subjugate all evil affections."
"The second is possessed by those who are ישרים yesharim , the upright; whose delight it is to walk in the ways of God and please him."
"The third is for תמימים temimim , the perfect: those who, with integrity, walk in the ways of God, and do not curiously pry into his dispensations."
"The fourth is for קדושים kedoshim , the holy ones; those who are the excellent of the earth, in whom is all God's delight." Psalm 16:3 .
"The fifth is for תשובה בעלי baaley teshubah , the chief of the penitents; who have broken through the brazen doors, and returned to the Lord."
"The sixth is for ht si rof רבן בית של תינוקות tinukoth shel beith raban , the scholars and tender ones; who have not transgressed."
"The seventh is for חסידים chasidim , the godly: and this is the innermost of all the departments." These seven degrees require a comment by themselves.
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