Il sogno di Giacobbe e la conoscenza profetica in Mosè Maimonide

The article focuses on Maimonides’ political philosophy (and theology of history), taking the cue from his interpretations of Jacob’s dream (Gen. 28, 12-14), as presented in Mishneh Torah, Yesodei ha-Torah (7, 3), in the Epistle to Yemen, and in the Guide (Introduction; I, 15, II, 10). Key-themes (such as the nature of prophecy, messianic redemption, and our knowledge of physical and metaphysical realities) are addressed by comparing Maimonides’ approach to Midrashic and Talmudic traditions, to the ‘Platonism’ of al-Fārābi, and to ibn Bājja’s ideal of solitary life. Finally, Maimonides’ Jacob (a philosopher and prophet) is put vis-à-vis Yehudah ha-Lewi’s Jacob: the last single individual who was in direct contact with the divine power, before begetting the Twelve Tribes.