Moses A Very Important Prophet

Highly Honoured in Jewish Tradition Moses is THE: LEADER FOUNDING FATHER PROPHET LAWGIVER “Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses.” Dt. 34.10

A bit of history: Born in Egypt Parents from tribe of Levi Saved from decree of Pharaoh ordering killing of all boys Moses, “because I drew him out of water.” “is born” in Egyptian

More of the story Two siblings: Aaron, and Miriam Raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, Wet-nursed by his own mother Identified with his Hebrew ancestry (how would he know?) Killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave Had to flee

In Midian Helps women water their herd Welcomed by Jethro Marries Zipporah two children: Gershom & Eliezer Read together “The Revelation of the Name of God: the Call of Moses” page 66 (Exodus 3.1-15)

The Name of God Moses received a new name for God “I am who am.” “I am who is.” “I am who I shall be.” “I shall be who I am.” “I am.”

Another take on God’s name A promise: “I will show you who I am in my being with you,” Or “I will be with you tomorrow as I have been up to now.”

YHWH (the Tetragrammaton) Greek for “word with four letters” God’s holy name In worship, replaced by “Adonai” or “my Lord” Pronounced in temple worship only once a year by the High Priest

Tennessee Williams “For we are all little children, playing with alphabet blocks and trying endlessly to spell out the ineffable Name.”

Moses’ Mission God calls Moses to be a prophet An intermediary between God and the people Prophets are messengers of God i.e., they speak on God’s behalf Read Ex. 4.10-16 Moses serves as the mouth of God to Aaron and to the people Bring them to mountain of the Lord

Exodus chapter 5-12 Moses and Aaron try to convince Pharaoh to let the people go Passover meal  leaving land of oppression Eventually escape  mountain of the Lord

Israel at Mount Sinai & the Decalogue Exodus 19 (Read text p 68-69) Exodus 20 (pages 69) Compare the Ten Commandments p. 70

The Traits of Covenants Covenants were treaties between a sovereign nation and a vassal nation. (e.g. Hittites) Preamble (name, titles, attributes of Great Hittite King…) Historical prologue (historical overview describing previous relations; benefits bestowed; an essential component: times of aid & support) The Submission (what the sovereign expects, i.e., conditions: loyalty, payment of taxes…) The Witnesses (legal documents need witnesses) The blessings and curses (what happens if faithful, or unfaithful)