Topical Bible: Wisdom of Moses

Bible > Topical > Wisdom of Moses

◄ Wisdom of Moses ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Wisdom of Moses is a concept that encompasses the divinely inspired knowledge, leadership, and teachings attributed to Moses, the central figure in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Moses is revered as a prophet, lawgiver, and leader of the Israelites, and his wisdom is evident in his role in delivering God's laws and guiding the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land.

Biblical Foundation

Moses' wisdom is first demonstrated in his unique relationship with God. In Exodus 3, God calls Moses from the burning bush, entrusting him with the mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This divine encounter sets the stage for Moses' role as a mediator between God and His people. The Berean Standard Bible states, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'You are to say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’" (Exodus 3:14). This direct communication with God is a testament to the wisdom imparted to Moses.

The Lawgiver

Moses' wisdom is most prominently displayed in his role as the lawgiver. The Ten Commandments, delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai, form the cornerstone of Mosaic Law and are foundational to Judeo-Christian ethics. In Exodus 20, the BSB records, "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me.'" (Exodus 20:1-3). The laws given through Moses encompass moral, ceremonial, and civil instructions, reflecting divine wisdom in guiding a nation.

Leadership and Judgement

Moses' wisdom is also evident in his leadership and judgment. In Numbers 12:3, the BSB notes, "Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth." His humility allowed him to lead effectively, relying on God's guidance rather than his own strength. Moses' ability to judge disputes among the Israelites is another aspect of his wisdom. In Exodus 18, his father-in-law Jethro advises him to appoint capable men to help judge the people, a suggestion Moses wisely implements, demonstrating his ability to delegate and manage effectively.

Intercessor and Mediator

Moses' role as an intercessor further highlights his wisdom. On several occasions, he intercedes on behalf of the Israelites, pleading with God to spare them from His wrath. In Exodus 32:11-14, after the incident of the golden calf, Moses implores God to relent from His anger. The BSB records, "So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people." (Exodus 32:14). This intercession underscores Moses' deep understanding of God's character and his commitment to the welfare of his people.

Prophetic Insight

Moses' wisdom also includes prophetic insight. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses speaks of a future prophet: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15). This prophecy is seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, highlighting Moses' role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Legacy of Wisdom

The legacy of Moses' wisdom is enduring. His writings, known as the Torah, continue to be a source of spiritual and moral guidance. The Psalms and the New Testament frequently reference Moses, affirming his wisdom and the laws he delivered. In Hebrews 11:24-26, the BSB commends Moses' faith: "By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin." Moses' wisdom is thus intertwined with his faith and obedience to God, serving as an exemplar for believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... which he addressed "to the assembly of the saints." Chapter XVII."Of the Wisdom
of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the Wise among Heathen Nations. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm

The Last Words of Moses
... Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his
hands upon him; and the Israelites listened to him and did as Jehovah ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the last words of moses.htm

On Deut. xxxiii. Ii
... And Joshua the sun of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid
his hand upon him. And all the children of Israel obeyed him. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/section x on deut xxxiii.htm

Moses Rightly Called a Divine Legislator, And, Though Inferior to ...
... In a word, the whole system of Moses is suited for the training of such as ... And that
wisdom, which is capable of treating rightly those who have been caught by ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxvi moses rightly called a.htm

Eldad and Medad
... Moses, and gave it unto the seventy elders." Some conclude from this statement that,
as a punishment for his intemperate prayer, the wisdom of Moses was thus ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

Moses Despondent
... We need One who can do for us what Moses felt that the Israelites ... this people alone.'
who in his single Self has resources of strength, wisdom, and sufficiency ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/moses despondent.htm

True Wisdom.
... TRUE WISDOM. ... Look at Moses who turned his back upon the gilded palaces of Egypt,
and identified himself with his despised and down-trodden nation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/true wisdom.htm

Moses in Midian.
... and that he should go with him to Pharoah and to his people, and should speak for
him, but that the wisdom and power of God should be with Moses, and that he ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter x moses in midian.htm

How Moses Discharged the Part of a Military Leader.
... Our Moses then is a prophet, a legislator, skilled in military tactics and strategy,
a ... For it is wisdom which regulates in the case of those who so practice ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiv how moses discharged the.htm

Preface.
... 4. But because almost all our constitution depends on the wisdom of Moses, our
legislator, I cannot avoid saying somewhat concerning him beforehand, though I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/preface.htm