Moses and the Canonicity of the Bible: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Many mistakenly believe that Moses, the great lawgiver and prophet in the Hebrew Bible, was illiterate and unable to read or write. This misconception often stems from interpretations of the Bible and historical assumptions. However, extensive biblical scholarship and contextual evidence reveal a different narrative. This article aims to clarify these misconceptions and highlight the true picture of Moses and the canonization of the Bible.

Misconception: Moses was Incapable of Reading or Writing

The claim that Moses was unable to read or write is often based on a misunderstanding of certain passages from the Bible. For instance, in Exodus 4:10, Moses speaks of his inability to speak well, which is often misinterpreted as an indication of illiteracy. However, this verse actually reveals Moses' doubt about his capacity to speak effectively rather than his ability to read or write.

Further, 2 Samuel 23:2 states, 'The spirit of Jehovah spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.' This verse highlights divine inspiration and the role of the Holy Spirit, indicating that the content of the books of the Bible, including the ones attributed to Moses, was divinely guided, not solely human effort.

The Evidence for Moses' Literacy

Much of the evidence for Moses' ability to read and write comes from his upbringing in the Egyptian court. According to the Bible, Exodus 7:7, Moses and his brother Aaron were educated in the palace of the Pharaoh. This means they likely received the finest education available in Egypt, including the arts of reading and writing.

The rich cultural and historical context of ancient Egypt supports the idea that Moses was indeed literate. As a young prince in the household of the Pharaoh, he would have been exposed to the hieroglyphic and cuneiform scripts found on tombs and temple walls. The extensive use of these scripts in Egyptian culture would have made it impossible for the royal children to be illiterate.

Further Biblical Support

Acts 7:22 reinforces the notion of Moses' literacy by stating, 'And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in his words and deeds.' This verse suggests that Moses was well-educated and capable, not just in verbal and written skills, but in wisdom and deed.

The Bible also emphasizes the divine inspiration behind the canonization of its texts. 2 Timothy 3:16 asserts, 'All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.' This passage affirms that the entire Bible, including the books attributed to Moses, was divinely inspired, not just a collection of human thoughts or stories.

Conclusion

Based on biblical texts and historical evidence, Moses was not an illiterate shepherd but a well-educated individual who received the finest education available in ancient Egypt. The Bible, particularly through the accounts of divine inspiration, underscores the idea that the entire canon was divinely guided, not solely reliant on human authorship.

The misconception that Moses was unable to read or write is a common misunderstanding that should be dispelled. Through careful examination of the biblical texts and historical context, the true picture of Moses emerges as a literate and well-educated individual who played a pivotal role in the canonization of the Bible.