My understanding of the image of blades ons is a bit more straightforward. Reish Lakish insists upon a certain idea, and Yochanan takes a cheap jab that could be translated in modern terms as "Well, I guess you're the expert."
The idea (as I see it) is that Yochanan was humbled in the argument and lashed back by bringing up a reminder of Reish Lakish's past: that he (Lakish) was once once a highwayman, and would therefore know loads about edged weapons. Terribly poor form, as one isn't supposed to remind a ba`al teshuvah of his past.
I agree with you that the "free exchange among equals" interpretation it pretty far out there, given what we know about the Amoraic beit midrash.
You may be interested to know that the person who taught me this passage said that Yochanan's response ("I brought you under the wings of the Shekhinah!") doesn't show up in manuscript versions. It was probably added by someone (a printer?) who was uncomfortable with Yochanan letting Reish Lakish get in the last word.
(Eek! LJ's spell checker wants me to replace "Yochanan" with "Buchanan.")
no subject
The idea (as I see it) is that Yochanan was humbled in the argument and lashed back by bringing up a reminder of Reish Lakish's past: that he (Lakish) was once once a highwayman, and would therefore know loads about edged weapons. Terribly poor form, as one isn't supposed to remind a ba`al teshuvah of his past.
I agree with you that the "free exchange among equals" interpretation it pretty far out there, given what we know about the Amoraic beit midrash.
You may be interested to know that the person who taught me this passage said that Yochanan's response ("I brought you under the wings of the Shekhinah!") doesn't show up in manuscript versions. It was probably added by someone (a printer?) who was uncomfortable with Yochanan letting Reish Lakish get in the last word.
(Eek! LJ's spell checker wants me to replace "Yochanan" with "Buchanan.")