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Moses

philosophy religion Maturity 13-18 Vital Level 3 religion mythology war conflict Next article →

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Moses is a central figure in several major Abrahamic religions. He is the most important prophet in Judaism and Samaritanism. He is also a highly significant prophet in Christianity and Islam. Members of the Baháʼí Faith also honor him. Many traditions call him the "lawgiver of Israel." This title refers to his role in delivering sacred laws. These laws are recorded in the Torah. The Torah is the first section of the Hebrew Bible.

Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289
Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289

The biblical narrative begins in ancient Egypt. At that time, the Israelites lived there as an enslaved minority. The Egyptian Pharaoh feared their growing population. He feared they might join Egypt's enemies. To reduce the Hebrew population, Pharaoh ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed. Moses' mother, Jochebed, hid him in bulrushes by the Nile river. Pharaoh's daughter found the infant and adopted him. Moses grew up as a member of the Egyptian royal family.

Moses - Alta-Tadema
Moses - Alta-Tadema

As an adult, Moses' life changed through a series of events. He killed an Egyptian slave-master who was beating a Hebrew. To avoid the death penalty, Moses fled to Midian. While in the desert, he encountered the Angel of the Lord. This happened at Mount Horeb within a burning bush. God commanded Moses to return to Egypt. His mission was to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Moses was worried because he could not speak eloquently. Therefore, God allowed his brother, Aaron, to speak for him.

The journey to freedom involved many difficult stages. After ten plagues were sent upon Egypt, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave. Moses led the Exodus across the Red Sea. Later, the people arrived at Mount Sinai. There, Moses received the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This event established a covenant between God and Israel. Moses also provided instructions for the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a mobile shrine for the people.

Life in the desert lasted for forty years. During this time, the Israelites wandered through the wilderness. Some people rebelled against Moses and God. One group even made a golden calf to worship as an idol. Moses eventually led the people east toward the Promised Land. He died at the age of 120 on Mount Nebo. From that mountain, he could see the land of Canaan. However, he did not enter it himself.

Memorial of Moses, Mt. Nebo
Memorial of Moses, Mt. Nebo

Scholars hold many different views regarding the historicity of Moses. Some historians see him as a legendary or mythical figure. Others suggest a Moses-like figure may have existed in the 13th century BCE. There is no archaeological evidence to prove or disprove his existence. Some scholars argue the story is a mix of history and legend. Because there are no traces of him outside of tradition, his life remains a subject of debate.

Linguists also study the origins of the name Moses. Some suggest an Egyptian root, such as "msy," meaning "child of." This matches names like Thutmose or Ramose. Others look at the Hebrew etymology. The Hebrew root "m-š-h" means "to draw out." This connects to the story of him being drawn from the water. Ancient writers like Philo and Josephus also discussed these different origins. The name remains a fascinating subject for both religious and academic study.

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File:Embarkation of the Pilgrims.jpg
Embarkation of the Pilgrims.jpg
File:'Moses' by Michelangelo JBU160.jpg
'Moses' by Michelangelo JBU160.jpg
File:Nabi Musa jerico-Jerusalam.jpg
Nabi Musa jerico-Jerusalam.jpg
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Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 079.jpg
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VictoryOLord.JPG
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FirstCommitteeGreatSealReverseLossingDrawing.jpg
File:SyriacBibleParisFolio8rrMosesBeforePharaoh.jpg
SyriacBibleParisFolio8rrMosesBeforePharaoh.jpg
File:Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments film trailer.jpg
Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments...
File:Moses - Alta-Tadema.jpg
Moses - Alta-Tadema.jpg

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