Guiding the Perplexed

Rambam begins his discussion of the difficult question of theodicy by describing what led many philosophers to conclude that God doesn't know what is happening in His universe.

In chapter 14, Rambam describes why it is unreasonable to think that God created the world for the sake of human beings, as we are but a tiny speck within the vast universe. He also explains that the sages were only competent in scientific matters according to their time. In 15 Rambam describes why God cannot do the impossible.

Rambam discusses the idea that every creation was created for its' own significance, not for the purpose of serving something else. All of creation, every creature, every being, every moment, is significant for itself. The question of the purpose or end of creation is not a proper question.

In 12b Rambam describes how the quest for unnecessary luxuries is often the cause of our suffering the loss of even necessities. In 13b we learn of the futility in searching for the ultimate purpose of our existence. Rambam emphasizes the special significance of every created being and object, each of which is important, human beings are not the purpose of the universe.

Rambam describes how most evil in the world does not come from God but from our own selfishness.

Rambam describes how evil is the absence of good, and that everything God does is good.

Rambam describes in chapter 8 how the human form is defined by its intelligence and ability to understand and comprehend, while the matter of which we are made brings us base and vulgar physical desires. It is our job to perfect our form and stay away from our physical failings. He also discusses the nature of holiness. In Chapter 9 Rambam teaches us about the cloudy dark veil of matter that divides between us and the divine.

In 6 and 7, Rambam continues to explain Ezekiel's vision of the chariot. in 8a, Rambam begins a discussion of form and matter, and how the destructive forces all come from matter.

Rambam continues his commentary on Ezekiel's vision of the chariot. Rambam explains the meaning using Aristotelian Physics.

Rambam begins his commentary of Ezekiel's vision of the chariot.