Topical Bible: The Jews: National Character of Attachment to Moses

◄ The Jews: National Character of Attachment to Moses ►

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The Jewish people have long been characterized by a profound attachment to Moses, a central figure in their religious and national identity. This attachment is deeply rooted in the historical, spiritual, and cultural fabric of Judaism, as Moses is regarded as the greatest prophet and the lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness to the brink of the Promised Land.

Moses as Lawgiver and Prophet

Moses' role as the lawgiver is foundational to the Jewish faith. He is credited with receiving the Torah, the divine law, from God on Mount Sinai. This event is pivotal in Jewish history and is seen as the moment when the Israelites were constituted as a nation under God. The Torah, which includes the first five books of the Bible, is central to Jewish life and practice. In Deuteronomy 34:10-12 , it is written, "Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. For all the signs and wonders the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh and all his officials and all his land, and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel."

Moses as Deliverer

Moses is also revered as the deliverer who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This act of deliverance is commemorated annually during the Passover festival, which celebrates the Exodus and the liberation of the Israelites. The narrative of the Exodus, as recounted in the Book of Exodus, highlights Moses' leadership and his role as an intermediary between God and His people. In Exodus 14:31 , it is stated, "When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses."

Moses in Jewish Tradition

The attachment to Moses is further reinforced through Jewish tradition and liturgy. The recitation of the Shema, a central declaration of faith, and the reading of the Torah in synagogues are practices that underscore the enduring influence of Moses. The Mishnah and Talmud, key texts in Rabbinic Judaism, frequently reference Moses, emphasizing his role in interpreting and transmitting God's law.

Moses and the Prophetic Tradition

Moses is often seen as the archetype of the prophet, setting a standard for those who followed. His unique relationship with God, described as "face to face," sets him apart from other prophets. This special status is acknowledged in Numbers 12:6-8 , where God says, "Listen to My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD."

Moses in the New Testament

The New Testament also reflects the Jewish attachment to Moses, acknowledging his significance while presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the law. In John 1:17 , it is written, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." This verse highlights the continuity and fulfillment of the Mosaic law in the person of Jesus, who is seen as the ultimate revelation of God's will.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Throughout history, the figure of Moses has been a source of inspiration and identity for the Jewish people. His leadership, faithfulness, and dedication to God's commandments serve as a model for Jewish life and ethics. The attachment to Moses is not merely historical but continues to influence Jewish thought, practice, and identity to this day.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 9:28,29
Then they reviled him, and said, You are his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 6:11
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... in promulgating a religion, intended to abolish national distinctions, and ... they were
all Grecians, or Jews of the ... how high must have been the character of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... the growing compass of the national literature and ... Whatever divine character the
reflecting attributed to the ... Pentateuch was most highly venerated by the Jews. ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... decide concerning the interpretation of their national law, and ... sinners of the most
worthless character, are "washed ... under the toleration granted to the Jews. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
... The character which essentially distinguishes Israel among theocratic ... Caring little
for the national dynasty or political ... up to our time, the Jews did during ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter i place of jesus.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... for who did not know, that the Jews waited with ... of the Messiah, to restore their
national independence ... Were it exhibited in its genuine character, it might not ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

The Persecutions of the Apostolic Church, and Its Condition at the ...
... illustrious of His race, in the character of the ... and spiritual religion was inflamed
by national pride combined ... chief city the power of the Jews sustained a ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter xi the persecutions of.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... credulity of the Jews, and of their national pride, which ... thought, that he would
assume the character of a ... world; to bear public testimony to Jews and Gentiles ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

The Poetical Books.
... enumerated were in attributing the collections of national maxims to the ... That such
is the character of the book and ... it relates the history of the Jews from the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... which he felt, in consequence of his national and religious ... a change of system, as
allowed the Jews to keep ... There is one feature in the character of all the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... by a reference to the national manners, that the ... from that untoward generation."
This character is descriptive ... The converted Jews had undergone a very sudden ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm