[10] Some are of opinion that the term “weeks” is not to be taken literally, but in the sense of “year,” or “a period of seven years.” There is, however, no proof for such interpretation. The many attempts to explain the seventy year-weeks have without exception proved a failure. [↑]
[12] It is, however, possible that דברי, lit. “words,” means here “history.” [↑]
[13] The Talmud is also called ש״ס (Shass), the initials of ששה סדרים. [↑]
[14] The word יד is intended to indicate the number 14, the work being divided into 14 books. [↑]
[15] According to Rashi, Rabbi Hillel meant to say that the Jews would not be redeemed by any Messiah, but by God Himself. Comp. Haggadah for Seder-evening, “And I will pass through the land of Egypt; I myself, and not an angel.” [↑]
[17] See Essays on the Writings of Ibn Ezra, by M. Friedländer, p. 7 note 1. [↑]
[18] The Piel of a verb has frequently this meaning, e.g., קדש “to be holy;” Pi., “to declare as holy;” טהר “to be pure;” Pi., “to declare as pure;” so כלה “to be at an end;” Pi., “to declare as being finished.” [↑]
[19] Die Religions-Philosophie der Juden, by S. Hirsch. p. 445 ff. [↑]