Moses - Man or Myth?

Exile in Median

One day Moses "caught sight of a certain Egyptian striking a certain Hebrew of his brothers."  For years, Moses had enjoyed the best of both the Hebrews and Egyptian worlds.  But seeing a fellow Israelite beaten-perhaps in a life-threatening manner-moved Moses to make a dramatic choice.  (Exodus 2:11)  He "refused to be called a son of the daughter of Pharaoh choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God." - HEBREWS 11:24, 25. 

Moses took swift and irrevocable action:  "He struck the Egyptian down and hid him in the sand."  (Exodus 2:12)  This was not the act of someone "given to outbursts of anger," as one critic alleged. It was likely an act of faith-albeit misguided-in  God's  promise that Israel  would be delivered from Egypt.  (Genesis 15:13, 14)  Perhaps Moses naively believed that his actions would spur his people on to revolt.  (Acts 7:25)  To his chagrin. though, his fellow Israelites refuse to acknowledge his leadership.  When news of the killing reached Pharaoh, Moses was forced into exile. He settled in Midian, marrying a woman named Zipporah, the daughter of a nomadic chieftain named Jethro.

For 40 years, Moses lived as a simple shepherd, his hope of being a deliverer shattered.  One day, though, he drove Jethro's  flocks to a spot near Mount Horeb.  There, Jehovah's angel  appeared to Moses in a burning bush.  Picture the scene:  "Bring my people the sons of Israel out of Egypt,"   God commands.  The the Moses who replies is hesitant, diffident, unsure of himself."  "Who am I," he pleads.,  "that I should go to Pharaoh and that I have to bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?"  He even reveals a personal flaw that some moviemakers have obscured.  He evidently has a speech impediment.  How different Moses is the from the heroes of ancient myths and legends! His 40 years of shepherding have humbled and mellowed this man. Although Moses  is unsure of himself, God is confident that he is suited for leadership! -  Exodus 3:1-4, 20. 

Next time: Moses - Man or Myth - Deliverance From Egypt

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Moses - Man or Myth

 Adopted Into Pharaoh's Household

The fate of Jochebed's  infant was not left to chance.  She "put [the ark] among the reeds by the bank of the river Nile."  This was likely a spot where she hoped it might be discovered.  Here Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe, perhaps regularly." - EXODUS 2:2-4. 

The tiny ark was quickly spotted.  "When [Pharaoh's daughter ] opened it she go to see the child, and here the boy was weeping. At that she felt compassion for him, although she said: "This is one of the children of the Hebrews."  The Egyptian princess thus decided to adopt him.  Whatever name his parents had originally called him is long forgotten. Today he is known the world over by name his adoptive mother gave him - Moses. - EXODUS 2:5-10. 

Is it not farfetched, though, to believe that an Egyptian princess would take in such a child? No, for Egyptian religion taught that kind deeds were a requisite for entrance into heaven.  As for the adoption itself, archaeologist Joyce Tyldesley observes: Egyptians women achieved parity with Egyptian men.  They enjoyed the sme legal and economic rights, as least in theory and . . . women could make adoptions."  The ancient Adoption Papyrus actually documents one Egyptian woman's adoption of her slaves. As for the hiring of Moses' mother as a wet nurse, the Anchor Bible Dictionary says:  "The payment of Moses' natural mother t0  nurse him . . .echoes identical arrangements in Mesopotamian adoption contracts." 

Now that he had been adopted, would Moses' Hebrew heritage be kept from him as a dark secret?  Some Hollywood films have made it appear that way.  The Scriptures indicate otherwise. His sister Miriam, cleverly arranged  for Moses to be nursed by his own mother, Jochebed. Surely this godly woman would not have concealed the truth from her son!  And since children in ancient times were often breast-fed for several years, Jochebed had ample opportunity to teach Moses about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.'  (Exodus 3:6)  Such a spiritual foundations served Moses well, for after being handed over to Pharaoh's daughter, Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians."  The claim of historian Josephus that Moses ran to the rank of an general in war with Ethiopia  cannot be verified.  However, the Bible does not say that Moses "was powerful in his words and deeds." - ACTS 7:22. 

By the age of 40, Moses was likely position to become a prominent leader. Power and wealth could be his if he remained in Pharaoh's household.  Than an event took place that changed his life.

Next time: Moses - Man or Myth? - Exile In Midian

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Moses -Man or Myth?

Moses' Rescue-A Pagan Legend?

Critics say that Moses' rescue from the Nile River sounds suspiciously  similar to the ancient legend  of King Sargon of Akkad-a story that some say  predates the story of Moses.  It also tells of an infant in a basket  who was rescued from a river.

However, history is full of coincidences. And placing an infant in a river may not have been as unusual as it might seem.  Observes  Biblical Archaeology Review:  "We should note that Babylon and Egypt are both riverine cultures  and that putting the baby in a waterproof basket might a be slightly more satisfactory way to dispose of an infant than throwing it in the rubbish heap, which was more unusual. . . . The story of the foundling rising in imminence maybe a motive of folklore. but that is surely because it is a story that occurs repeatedly in real life." 

Next time: Moses -Man or Myth? - Adopted Into Pharaoh's Household

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Moses-Man or Myth?

 Credible Events

Many scholars today dismiss these events as fiction. The fact is,  "says Christianity Today., "that not one shred of direct archeological evidence has been found for [the years] the  children of Israel sojourned in Egypt." While direct physical proof may be lacking, there is considerable indirect evidence that the Bible  accounts is credible.  In his book Israel in Egypt, Egyptologist James K. Hoffmeier says:  "Archaeological data  clearly demonstrates that Egypt was frequented by the  peoples of the Levant [countries bordering in the eastern Mediterranean] , especially as a result of climatic problems that resulted in drought . . .Thus, for a period roughly from 1800 to 1540 B.E., Egypt was an attractive place for the Semitic-speaking people of western Asia to migrate."

Furthermore, it has long been acknowledged that the Bible's description  of Egyptian slavery is accurate.  The book Moses-A Life reports:  "The Biblical account of the oppression of the Israelites appears to be corroborated in one often-produced tomb painting from ancient Egypt in which the making of mud bricks  by a gang of slaves is depicted in explicit detail.

The Bible's description of the tiny ark Jochebed used likewise rings true.  The Bible says that it was made of papyrus, which, according to Cook's Commentary. "was commonly used by the Egyptians for light and swift boats. 

Still, is it not hard to believe that  national leader would order the cold-blooded murder of infants?  Scholar George Rawlinson reminds us:  "Infanticide . . . has prevailed widely at different times, and places, and been regarded as a trivial matter."    Indeed, one  need not look far to find equally chilling examples of mass murder in modern times.  The Bible account mat be disturbing, but it is all too credible.

Next time: Moses-Man or Myth? - Moses' Rescue-A Pagan Legend? 

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Moses- Man or Myth?

 MOSES was born  under the shadow of death.  His people were a group of nomadic families who had settled in Egypt with their father Jacob, Or Israel, to escape starvation. For decades they had coexisted peacefully with their Egyptian neighbors.  But then came an ominous change.  A respected historical report says: "There arose over Egypt a new king . . . and he proceeded to say to his people: Look! the people of the sons of Israel are more numerous and mightier than we are.  Come and deal shrewdly with them, for fear they may  multiply."  The plan? To control the Israelite population  by making them "slaves under tyranny" and then by ordering the midwives to kill any male children that they delivered.  (Exodus 1:8-10, 13, 14)  Because of the courage of their midwives who refused to obey the order, the Israelites prospered nevertheless.  Hence, Egypt's king decreed:  "Every newborn son you are to throw into the river Nile." - EXODUS 1:22. 

One Israelite couple. Amram and Jochebed,  "did not fear the order of the king."  (Hebrews 11:23)  Jochebed gave birth to a son who would later be described as "divinely beautiful."  (Acts 7:20)  Perhaps they somehow discerned that this child was favored by God.  In any event, they refused to give their child up for execution at the risk of their own lives, they decided to conceal him. 

After three months, Moses' parents could no longer hide him.  Running out of options, they took action.  Jochebed place the infant in a papyrus vessel  and set him afloat in the Nile River. Unwittingly , she was launching him into history! - EXODUS2:3, 4. 

Next time: Moses - Man or Myth? - Credible Events? 

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PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Consider this:  The Bible foretold (1) the 70-year exile of the Jews, (2) Cyrus's conquest of Babylon and key aspects of his strategy, and (3) the ultimate desolation of Babylon. Such advance knowledge could not come from mere men!  A more reasonable conclusion is this: "Prophecy was at not time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:21) Surely, the Bible merits our consideration. 

QUICK FACTS

* Cyrus it is believed, was born about 600 B.C.E.  He died in battle in about 530 B.C.E.

* Cyrus' tomb can still be seen in Pasargadae, a city of ancient Persia founded by Cyrus and now an archaeological site in Iran. 

* The Cyrus Cylinder, a nine-inch-long  (23cm) clay document, commemorates Cyrus' conquest of Babylon and the liberation of exiles, including Jews.  The cylinder has been called  "one of the most important discoveries in Biblical  archaeology.

*  The Persian people still hold Cyrus in high esteem.

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"THE HANDWRITING IS ON THE WALL"

On the night of Cyrus' surprise attack, Babylonian King Belshazzar was feasting with "a thousand of his grandees" when  a hand miraculously appeared. Before the eyes of all, the hand wrote "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN" on the plaster of the palace wall."  - DANIEL 5:1, 5, 25.

The prophet Daniel interpreted the riddle to terrified Belshazzar.  In brief, Daniel told the king that his kingdom was  "finished," that he had been weighed in the balances" and found wanting, and that Babylon had been given to the Medes and the Persians."  (Daniel 5:26-28) Every word came true.  Moreover, to this day in some languages, the saying "the handwriting on the wall" means that catastrophe, or failure. is imminent.

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Next time: Moses -Man or Myth?

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PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST

 AMAZING PREDICTIONS

The prophecies of Isaiah are especially noteworthy because they were recorded about 200 years in advance--perhaps 150 years before Cyrus was even born! Consider the following: 

* A man named Cyrus would conquer Babylon and free the Jews. -ISAIAH 44:28; 45:1.

* The Euphrates River would dry up, opening the way for Cyrus's army. - ISAIAH 44:27.

* The city gates would left open. -ISAIAH 45:1.

*   Babylon's  military would 'cease to fight.' - JEREMIAH 51:30; ISAIAH 13:1, 7. 

A MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE

Earlier in 607 B.C.E., Babylon armies razed Jerusalem and led most of the survivors into exile. How long would the Jews be held?  God said:  "When seventy years have been fulfilled I shall call to account against the king of Babylon and against that nation . . . and I will make it desolate wastes to time indefinite." - JEREMIAH  25:12.

As mentioned, Cyrus captured Babylon n 539 B.C.E.  Soon thereafter, he released the Jews , who began to arrive in their homeland in 537 B.C. E.-exactly 70 years after their deportation.  (Ezra 1:1-4) As for Babylon. it eventually became "desolate wastes" -again confirming the accuracy of Bible prophecy. 

Next time: PORTRAITS OF THE PAST - WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

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PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST/ Cyrus the Great

According to our modern calendar, on the night of October 5/6, 539 B.C.E., the seemingly impossible happened to the city of Babylon, capital of the Babylonian Empire.  On that fateful  night, the city was overthrown by an army of Medes and Persians, commanded by Persian King Cyrus, also known as Cyrus the Great.  His strategy  was brilliant.

HOW CYRUS CAPTURED BABYLON

"When Cyrus set his sights on Babylon, it was already the most venerable of Middle Eastern cities-perhaps of all the cities in the world," states  the book Ancient World Leaders-Cyrus the Great.  Babylon sat on the Euphrates River, which also filled  moats surrounding the city's massive walls-a combination of defenses that made the city  seem impregnable. 

Upstream from Babylon, Cyrus' men diverted the Euphrates, causing the water level in the city to fall.  The soldiers than walked into the river to the city gates, which had been left open and took Babylon with little resistance.  According to Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon, the Babylonians felt so secure behind their city's defenses that on the night of the attack, many were feasting, including the king!  (see the box "The Handwriting on the Wall.") Moreover, Cyrus' conquest fulfilled some amazing Bible prophecies.  

Next time: PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST - AMAZING PREDICTIONS

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She Acted With DIscretion

 "Here Is Your Slave Girl"

After she took her leave, Abigail could not help thinking aboutthat meeting, nor could she have failed to notice the contrast between them that faithful. kind man and the brute to whom he was married.  But she would not dwell on such thoughts.  We read:  "Later Abigail  came in to Nabal."  Yes, she returned to her husband as determined as ever to carry out her role as his wife to the best of her ability. She had to tell him of  the gift she had given David and his men.  He had a right to know. She also had to tell him-before he  learned of it elsewhere to his even greater shame-about the danger that had been averted. She could not tell him now  though. He was feasting like a king and was drunk as could be. - 1 SAMUEL 25:36. 

Again showing both courage and discretion, she waiting until the next morning when the influence of the wine had ebbed.  He would sober enough to understand her, yet possibly more dangerous in his temper as well.  Still, she approached and told him the whole story.  No doubt she expected him to explode in fury.  Perhaps violence.  Instead, he just sat there, not moving.- 1 SAMUEL  25:37. 

What was wrong with the man?  "His heart came to be dead inside of him, and he himself became as a stone." Perhaps   he suffered some form of stroke.  However, about  ten days later, he end came-and not strictly for medical reasons  The account tells us: "Jehovah struck Nabal, so that he died." (1 Samuel 25:38) With that righteous executions, Abigail's long nightmare of a marriage was over.  While Jehovah does not step in with miraculous executions today, this account is a fitting reminder that no case of domestic tyranny or abuse escapes his notice.  In his own time, he will always bring about justice. - Read LUKE 8:17. 

Besides the release from a bad marriage, Abigail had another blessing in store.  When he learned of the death of Nabal David sent messengers to propose marriage.  "Here is your slave girl," she responded, "as a maidservant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord." Clearly, she was not changed by the prospect  of becoming David's wife: she even offered to be a servant to his steward.  Then we read again of her hastening, this time to ready herself to go to David. - 1 SAMUEL 25:39-42.

This was no fairy tale ending; Abigail's life with David would not always be easy.  David was already married to Ahinoam, and through God permitted polygamy  at the time, it surely  presented special challenges to faithful women back then. And David was not yet king; There would be obstacles and hardships to surmount before he served Jehovah in that way.  But as Abigail helped and supported David along life's road, eventually bearing him a son, she learned  that she had  a husband who valued her and protected her.  On one occasion he even rescued her from kidnappers.  (1 Samuel 30:1-19)  David thus imitated Jehovah God, who loves and values such discreet, courageous and faithful women.  

Next time: PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST/ Cyrus  the Great

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She Acted With Discretion - "Blessed Be Your Sensibleness" Conclusion

 Before long, Abigail met up with David and his men. Again she hastened , this time to descend  from her donkey and humble herself before David.  (1 Samuel 25:20, 23)   Then she poured out her heart at length, making a powerful plea for mercy in behalf of her husband and her household. What made her words effective?  

She took responsibility for the problem and asked David to forgive her personally. She realistically acknowledge that her husband was senseless as his name implied, perhaps suggesting that it would be beneath David's dignity to chastise such  a man.  She expressed her trust in David as Jehovah's representative, recognizing  that he was fighting "the wars of Jehovah."  She also indicated that she knew of Jehovah's promise regarding David and the kingship, for she said: "Jehovah . . . certainly will commission you as leader over Israel." Further, she urged David not take any action that might bring bloodguilt upon him or that might later become "a cause for staggering"- evidently referring to a troubled conscience.  (Read 1 Samuel  25:24-31.) Kind, moving words!

And how did David respond?  He accepted what Abigail had brought and said:  "Blessed be the God of Israel, who has sent you this day to meet me! And blessed be your sensibleness, and blessed be you who have restrained me this day from entering into bloodguilt."  David praised her for bravely hastening to meet him, and he acknowledged that she had restrained him from incurring bloodguilt.  "Go in peace to your house," he told her, and she humbly added:  "I have listened to your voice." -  1 SAMUEL 25:32-35. 

Next time: She Acted With Discretion - "Here Is Your Slave Girl"

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