The Historical and Biblical Origins of Moses: A Study in Myth and Reality

Much has been written and speculated about Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Hebrew Bible. The origins of Moses are detailed in the biblical narratives, particularly in the Book of Exodus, providing us with a wealth of information about his background, family, and the circumstances under which he was raised. This article aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of the biblical account of Moses' origins, drawing from both historical and mythological perspectives.

The Biblical Account of Moses' Origins

According to the biblical narrative in the Book of Exodus, Moses was born into the house of Levi, in the region of Goshen, which was the part of Egypt granted to the Israelites by the pharaoh of Joseph. The narrative begins with the Israelites being settled in Egypt, provided with land in Goshen, a region in Lower Egypt (Exodus 1:11). This placement was a strategic decision by the pharaoh to keep the Israelite population under close surveillance but relatively safe.

Moses' Early Years

Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, both members of the Levite tribe. Amram was the grandson of Kohath, which places Moses in a lineage of religious leaders. The Hebrew text describes Amram taking Jochebed as his wife, emphasizing the close familial bonds and the religiosity of the family.

Jochebed conceived and gave birth to Moses, but faced a difficult decision: whether to hide her son, who was deemed valuable due to his potential to lead. According to the narrative (Exodus 2:1-10), Moses was hidden for three months by Jochebed, before being placed in a basket of papyrus, coated with bitumen and pitch, and set among the reeds by the Nile River. The basket was discovered by a princess of Egypt, the daughter of Pharaoh, who took him in and raised him as her own son.

Moses' Royal Identity

Moses, while initially hidden by his mother and raised among the Israelites, eventually was adopted by the princess, only to be discovered to be a Hebrew child. This background makes Moses both a product of the Israelite people and a member of the Egyptian royal family. The name 'Moses' (??????) is derived from 'mashah,' meaning 'to draw out,' reflecting his extraction from the Nile by the princess.

Interestingly, the name of the princess who found and adopted Moses, Bithiah, has connections to the sun god Ra, as her name could be interpreted as 'daughter of Ra.' This adds an intriguing layer of historical and mythological context to Moses' identity, suggesting a deep connection between his lineage and the divine.

The Covenant with Abraham

The biblical narrative traces the lineage of Moses back to the covenant made between God and Abraham (Genesis 15:18). Abraham, though not an Israelite in the macro-sense, is the father of the Hebrew patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob, and is thus a crucial figure in the lineage of Moses. The covenant with Abraham forms the basis of the indigenous biblical narrative, connecting Moses to a long history of divine covenants and promises.

According to the Bible, Abraham was born in Ur of the Chaldees and later moved to Haran before heading to Canaan. The covenant with Abraham not only guarantees land but also promises a lineage of prophets, leaders, and deliverers. This connection is what makes Moses a central figure in the biblical narrative, serving as a fulfillment of divine promises and a unifier of his people.

Conclusions

Moses' origins are thus multifaceted, blending elements of myth and history. The biblical account presents him as both a member of the Israelite people and a figure influenced by the divine, representing a unique blend of human and divine. His early years among the Israelites and his later upbringing in the Egyptian royal household provide a rich context for understanding his role as a unifier and deliverer of the Hebrews.

In summary, Moses' origins are deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, with complex family ties, divine revelations, and historical contexts. His story continues to resonate with readers and scholars, offering a profound exploration of leadership, faith, and the intersecting influences of culture and religion.