This question becomes even more pronounced when we note that the Torah itself describes many of Klal Yisrael’s greatest figures, renowned for their wisdom and spiritual stature, as possessing remarkable physical beauty as well.
Of Yosef it is written (Bereishis 39:6): “And Yosef was handsome in form and beautiful in appearance.” Concerning Shaul, the pasuk says (I Shmuel 9:2): “His name was Shaul, a choice and handsome man; there was none among Bnei Yisrael more handsome than he; from his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people.” The meforshim (Targum Yonasan, Radak, Metzudas Dovid, Malbim, and others) explain that this means he was beautiful in appearance. Of Dovid Hamelech it says (I Shmuel 16:12): “He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a good appearance.” And again (I Shmuel 16:18): “Behold, I have seen a son of Yishai of Beis Lechem who knows how to play, is mighty and valiant, a man of war, prudent in speech, of handsome appearance, and Hashem is with him.” Daniel, Chananya, Mishael, and Azarya are also described as (Daniel 1:4): “Young men in whom there was no blemish, of good appearance, and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge and understanding of science.”
How can the Torah praise both wisdom and beauty in the same pasuk, seemingly refuting Rabbi Yehoshua’s assertion that the two do not go together?
