Samuel and King Shapur
About This Entry
Talmudic passages that describe relationships between rabbinic sages and Sasanian royalty are most likely fantastical. The passages below imagine Samuel of Nehardea and King Shapur I (r. 240–270 CE) as friends.
b. Sanhedrin 98a
King Shapur said to Samuel, “You say that the Messiah arrives on a donkey. I will send him one of my horses!” [Samuel] responded, “Do you have a donkey that is a thousand colors?”
b. Sukkah 53a
Samuel [would juggle] eight glasses of wine in King Shapur’s presence.
Translated by Shai Secunda.
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Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
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Engage with this Source
Talmudic passages that describe relationships between rabbinic sages and Sasanian royalty are most likely fantastical. The passages below imagine Samuel of Nehardea and King Shapur I (r. 240–270 CE) as friends.
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