Did Moses Murder?
The question of whether Moses murdered is a controversial topic that has been debated by scholars, theologians, and the general public for centuries. The story of Moses is well-known in the Bible, particularly in the book of Exodus, where he is portrayed as a heroic leader who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. However, the story of Moses’ actions in Numbers 20:1-13 raises serious questions about his character and behavior.
The Context of the Story
In Numbers 20:1-13, Moses is instructed by God to speak to a rock to obtain water for the Israelites, who are thirsty and weary. However, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses strikes it twice with his staff, saying "Shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:10). As a result, God becomes angry with Moses and refuses to allow him to enter the Promised Land.
The Charge of Murder
The question of whether Moses murdered arises from the interpretation of Numbers 20:12, which states, "And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, among the children of Israel, therefore shall ye not bring this congregation to the land which I have given them." Many scholars and theologians believe that this verse implies that Moses has committed a crime worthy of death, murder.
Arguments for Murder
Those who believe that Moses murdered point to the following:
• Moses struck the rock twice: Moses was instructed to speak to the rock, but instead, he struck it twice with his staff. This action could be seen as a form of violence or brutality, which is often associated with murder.
• Moses disobeyed God’s command: Moses was told to speak to the rock, but he failed to do so. This disobedience could be seen as a serious offense, one that could be punished with death.
• Moses’ actions led to the Israelites’ destruction: As a result of Moses’ actions, God refused to allow the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. This could be seen as a form of punishment or destruction, which is often associated with murder.
Arguments Against Murder
On the other hand, those who believe that Moses did not murder point to the following:
• Moses did not intend to kill anyone: While Moses’ actions may have been misguided or disobedient, there is no evidence to suggest that he intended to kill anyone.
• Moses was still a leader of the Israelites: Despite God’s refusal to allow him to enter the Promised Land, Moses was still a leader of the Israelites and continued to play a significant role in their journey.
• Moses’ actions were not premeditated: Moses’ actions were impulsive and spontaneous, rather than premeditated or intentional. This could suggest that he did not intend to commit murder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether Moses murdered is a complex and controversial issue. While there are strong arguments on both sides, it is important to consider the context of the story and the possible interpretations of the text. Ultimately, the answer to this question will depend on one’s understanding of Moses’ actions and intentions.
