Miscellanies 6.3.32

But we shall discuss these matters at the proper time, as our writing proceeds, in the account of angels. Democritus, foretelling many things from observing the heavens, was nicknamed Wisdom. When his brother Damasus received him kindly, he judged from certain stars that there would be much rain and foretold it. Those who believed him gathered in their crops (for it was summer and they were still on the threshing floors); but the others lost everything when an unexpected, heavy rain burst down. How, then, will the Greeks still disbelieve the divine manifestation at Mount Sinai, when fire blazed without consuming any of the things growing on the mountain, and the sound of trumpets was carried, blown without instruments? For that so-called descent of God upon the mountain is a manifestation of divine power pervading the whole world and proclaiming the unapproachable light. Such is the allegory according to Scripture. The fire, however, was seen, as Aristobulus says, by the whole multitude, not less than a million, apart from those under age, assembled around the mountain, whose circuit was not less than five days' journey.