AḤA B. ISAAC:

A Palestinian amora of the third generation (fourth century), junior contemporary of Zeira I., Ami I., and Abba (Ba) b. Mamel (Yer. Shab. iii. 6a, vi. 8a). Speaking of the gloriesof Solomon's Temple, he relates that when King Solomon constructed the sacred edifice he placed in it all kinds of trees made of gold; and whenever any kind of tree blossomed outside, the corresponding one inside blossomed also. In proof of this, Aḥa quotes the Biblical passage (Isa. xxxv. 2), "It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon." Lebanon was the symbolic name of the Temple (Yer. Yoma, iv. 41d).

S. M.
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