Topical Bible: Access to God: Moses

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Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his unique and profound access to God. As the leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, Moses' relationship with God is characterized by direct communication, divine encounters, and a mediatory role between God and His people.

Divine Calling and Commissioning

Moses' access to God begins with his divine calling at the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus 3. Here, God reveals Himself to Moses, saying, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6). This encounter marks the beginning of Moses' mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God speaks to Moses directly, commissioning him with the task of confronting Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Israelites.

Theophany on Mount Sinai

One of the most significant demonstrations of Moses' access to God occurs on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19-20, Moses ascends the mountain to receive the Law. The Bible describes this event with awe-inspiring imagery: "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire" (Exodus 19:18). Moses' ascent into the divine presence signifies his unparalleled access to God, as he receives the Ten Commandments and other laws that would govern the covenant community.

Face-to-Face Communication

Moses' relationship with God is further highlighted by the unique manner in which God communicates with him. In Exodus 33:11, it is written, "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" . This intimate form of communication underscores the special status Moses holds as a prophet and leader. Unlike other prophets who received visions or dreams, Moses' direct dialogue with God sets him apart as a mediator of the covenant.

Intercession for Israel

Moses' access to God is also evident in his role as an intercessor for the people of Israel. After the incident of the golden calf, God expresses His anger towards the Israelites, but Moses pleads on their behalf. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses appeals to God's promises and character, successfully interceding for the people. This act of intercession demonstrates Moses' deep understanding of God's nature and his ability to approach God on behalf of others.

The Tent of Meeting

The Tent of Meeting serves as another focal point for Moses' access to God. Described in Exodus 33:7-11, this tent is where Moses would meet with God outside the camp. The pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance while the LORD spoke with Moses. This regular communion with God at the Tent of Meeting further illustrates the unique relationship Moses had with the Divine.

The Glory of God

In Exodus 34, Moses experiences a profound encounter with God's glory. After interceding for the people, Moses requests to see God's glory. God responds by allowing Moses to see His goodness and proclaim His name, while shielding Moses from the full radiance of His glory. This encounter leaves Moses' face radiant, a visible sign of his intimate access to God (Exodus 34:29-35).

Legacy of Access

Moses' unparalleled access to God establishes him as a prototype of the ultimate mediator, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, who provides believers with direct access to God through His atoning work. Moses' life and ministry exemplify the profound relationship between God and His chosen servant, highlighting themes of obedience, intercession, and divine revelation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 24:2
And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come near; neither shall the people go up with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 34:4-7
And he hewed two tables of stone like to the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... Moses lived near God, and had the freest and most unhindered and boldest access
to God, but this, instead of abating the necessity of prayer, made it more ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
... man upon his brother." This call of Moses is as ... had no inheritance with their brethren;
the Lord God was their ... They had access to His dwelling and His presence ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xv the covenant of.htm

What God is to Us.
... contrary to light, according to the access or recess ... holiness, as with a garment,
which God shall delight ... come to the Lord's satisfying of Moses' desire, and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ix what god is.htm

The Law Anterior to Moses.
... be believed to have given a law through Moses to one ... even proselytes out of the nations
to have access to it ... as is congruous with the goodness of God, and with ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ii the law anterior to.htm

Mount Zion.
... All these things are contained in access unto God. ... But the day of atonement was not
a revelation of God. ... Nothing is said in the books of Moses concerning the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xv mount zion.htm

On the Necessity of the Christian Religion
... either man could have had no hope of access to God ... from the very form of the narration
given by Moses. ... God is also the object of the Christian religion, both ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxii on the necessity.htm

Prayer --A Privilege, Princely, Sacred
... influence in the soul's approach to God, unlimited and unhesitating in its access
and its ... Moses knew how to do wonderful praying, and God knew how to ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/i prayera privilege princely sacred.htm

That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ...
... A glorious dispensation, and gloriously executed, was it by Moses, by Ezra, by ... fire
descends, for none but the earnest man gets access to the ear of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ii that we ought.htm

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
... pertaining to God' (Hebrews 5:1); or, as it is said by Moses (Deuteronomy 10:8 ... what
he needs for pardon, is led to seek full priestly access to God, he feels ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirtieth lesson an holy priesthood.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... she had compassion on him" (Exo.2:6)! Accordingly, the young life was spared and
later Moses became the adopted son of this princess! God has access to the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm