The Hope of Moses

3umph Studios

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Few figures loom as large in religious and philosophical thought as Moses, whose life and laws have been deeply scrutinized across centuries. Among his critics, the 18th-century deist Thomas Paine stands out sharply. In his seminal work The Age of Reason, Paine offers a fierce denunciation of Moses, particularly condemning the events described in Numbers 31, where Moses commands the execution of Midianite men and women, sparing only virgin girls. Paine regarded these actions as acts of extreme brutality and moral corruption, labeling Moses a "detestable villain."

Numbers 31 remains one of the most controversial passages in the Hebrew Bible, sparking intense debate. Critics like Paine see it as a profound violation of ethical principles. Yet others, such as Rabbi Joel Grossman, urge readers to look deeper. Grossman interprets the passage symbolically, suggesting it represents a fable about how sexual temptation and betrayal led the Israelites astray. In his view, the execution of the Midianite women was not a celebration of violence, but a narrative condemnation of the use of seduction as a tool to undermine faith.

The Hope of Moses documentary navigates these opposing interpretations, offering a nuanced exploration of how Moses’ legacy has been both challenged and defended across history.

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