(Aramaic) corresponding to מֹשֶׁה; {Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver}; Moses.
Transliteration:Môsheh
Pronunciation:mo-sheh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, `{{H4873}}`) is a proper noun, referring exclusively to the Israelite lawgiver and prophet, Moses. While proper nouns do not possess a broad semantic range in the way common nouns or verbs do, the etymology of this name carries profound significance. According to [[Exodus 2:10]], Pharaoh's daughter named him "Moses, saying, 'Because I drew him out of the water.'" This links his name directly to the Hebrew verb מָשָׁה (mashah, `{{H4871}}`), meaning "to draw out." Thus, the core meaning embedded in the name points to an act of divine rescue and preservation, foreshadowing his later role in drawing the entire nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. The name itself, therefore, encapsulates a key aspect of his life's mission and God's redemptive plan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Môsheh is one of the most frequently mentioned individuals in the Hebrew Bible, appearing hundreds of times, primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, where he serves as the central human figure. His narrative arc begins with his miraculous preservation from the Nile River, an act of being "drawn out" (`{{H4871}}`) that gives him his name [[Exodus 2:10]]. He is called by God at the burning bush to deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery [[Exodus 3:1-10]], a task he initially resists but ultimately embraces.
Moses functions as God's primary agent for the Exodus, leading the Israelites through the Red Sea [[Exodus 14]] and into the wilderness. His most significant role is as the mediator of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, where he receives the Ten Commandments and the detailed laws that would govern Israel's life [[Exodus 19-24]], [[Deodus 5-26]]. He is depicted as one who has a uniquely intimate relationship with God, speaking to Him "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" [[Exodus 33:11]], and seeing God's glory [[Exodus 33:18-23]].
Throughout the wilderness wanderings, Moses acts as a spiritual leader, judge, intercessor for the people when they sin [[Exodus 32:11-14]], and a prophet through whom God reveals His will. Despite his immense authority and unique standing, the Bible also highlights his humility [[Numbers 12:3]] and his own human failings, such as striking the rock instead of speaking to it, which prevented him from entering the Promised Land [[Numbers 20:7-12]]. His life culminates with a final address to Israel, rehearsing the law and covenant before his death on Mount Nebo, overlooking the land he would not enter [[Deuteronomy 34]]. In the New Testament, Moses is revered as a prophet and lawgiver, appearing alongside Elijah at the Transfiguration of Jesus [[Matthew 17:3]], affirming his enduring significance in salvation history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Môsheh (`{{H4873}}`) is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts and other Hebrew words:
* **מָשָׁה (mashah, `{{H4871}}`):** The verb "to draw out," from which Moses' name is derived. This etymological connection underscores his own rescue and his subsequent role in drawing Israel out of Egypt.
* **תּוֹרָה (Torah, `{{H8451}}`):** Meaning "instruction" or "law," particularly the Pentateuch. Moses is the primary human recipient and transmitter of the Torah, making him synonymous with divine law and revelation.
* **בְּרִית (berit, `{{H1285}}`):** "Covenant." Moses is the mediator of the Old Covenant between God and Israel at Sinai, establishing the terms of their relationship.
* **יָצָא (yatsa, `{{H3318}}`):** "To go out," often used in the context of the Exodus, the "going out" of Israel from Egypt, which Moses orchestrated.
* **נָבִיא (navi, `{{H5030}}`):** "Prophet." Moses is presented as the greatest prophet in Israel's history until the coming of Christ, speaking God's words directly to the people [[Deuteronomy 18:15-18]].
* **מַלְאָךְ (mal'akh, `{{H4397}}`):** "Messenger" or "angel." While Moses is a human leader, his role as God's messenger to Pharaoh and Israel aligns with the function of a divine envoy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Môsheh (Moses) is immense and multifaceted, shaping both Old Testament theology and providing profound foreshadowing for the New Testament.
1. **Mediator of Divine Revelation:** Moses is the preeminent figure through whom God revealed His character, His law, and His covenant will to Israel. The giving of the Torah through Moses established the foundation of Israel's identity as a holy nation set apart by God.
2. **Instrument of Redemption:** He was God's chosen vessel to deliver Israel from the bondage of Egypt, an act that serves as the paradigm for all subsequent acts of divine redemption in the Old Testament. The Exodus, led by Moses, is the foundational salvific event for Israel.
3. **Covenant Head:** As the mediator of the Mosaic Covenant, he represents the entire nation before God, receiving the terms of the covenant on their behalf and interceding for them when they break it [[Exodus 32:11-14]].
4. **Type of Christ:** Perhaps his most significant theological role from a New Testament perspective is as a "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Both were divinely chosen deliverers, both were rejected by their own people, both mediated new covenants (Mosaic vs. New Covenant), both gave divine law (Moses the written law, Christ the law of love and grace), and both were supreme prophets [[Deuteronomy 18:15-18]] finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Christ is presented as superior to Moses, as a Son over a servant [[Hebrews 3:1-6]].
5. **Model of Intercession and Faith:** Moses' persistent intercession for a rebellious Israel highlights the importance of prayer and God's responsiveness to the pleas of His faithful servants. His unwavering faith, despite immense challenges, serves as an example for believers.
### Summary
Môsheh (`{{H4873}}`), or Moses, is arguably the most pivotal human figure in the Old Testament, his very name reflecting his miraculous "drawing out" from the waters and his subsequent role in drawing Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He served as God's chosen instrument for the Exodus, the primary mediator of the Mosaic Covenant, and the recipient and dispenser of the Torah, which defined Israel's relationship with Yahweh. His unique intimacy with God, his role as a supreme prophet, and his persistent intercession for a rebellious people underscore his profound spiritual leadership. Theologically, Moses stands as a foundational figure in Israel's history of salvation and serves as a powerful type of Jesus Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate Deliverer, Lawgiver, and Mediator of the New Covenant. His life and ministry remain central to understanding God's redemptive plan and the unfolding of His divine revelation.
TRV