Royal Motifs in the Pentateuchal Portrayal of Moses

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Moses is portrayed through the use of royal motifs, such as his abandonment at birth, flight from Pharaoh, portrayal as a shepherd, as a semi-divine figure, temple builder, military general, and lawgiver. These well-known motifs that have been typically used to depict four famous rulers in the ancient Near East, Hammurabi, Esarhaddon, Nabonidus, and Cyrus, have been adapted by the authors of the Pentateuch to affirm Moses as a more ancient leader, whose work has resulted in the constitution of the community of Israel. As a result, Israel's identity and enduring existence rest upon the authority and legacy of Moses.

Reviews

Danny Mathews argues that the Pentateuch surrounds Moses with various royal symbolisms as well It is a convincing argument. As Mathews realizes, royal and prophetic motifs need not be set in opposition. But he has uncovered an important and neglected thread of the Pentateuch. Mathews's discussion of Moses striking the Egyptian is very insightful. -- Peter Leithart * First Things *

Author Bio

Danny Mathews is the Assistant Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University (Malibu, California) and received his Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Richmond, Virginia) in 2008.