There is a dramatic element to this story that cannot be overlooked. We are asked to see the hopelessness of the Hebrew's situation, the almost impossible struggle to change pharaoh's mind, the power of Yahweh and his total mastery of the events at the showdown at the Red Sea, the bitter disappointment and forgetfulness of Israel in the desert, and the final compelling show of divine majesty and offer of a covenant at Sinai. All of this is told from the viewpoint of Moses the leader. But is it? Although Moses is certainly the hero of the story, he never claims the credit. He always appears instead as an instrument of God.
The drama and tension of the story centers on whether God will act at this moment or not. We never doubt who runs the show, but only when he will choose to reveal his plan. At times we even despair over Moses and Aaron and the people for their hardheaded behavior, their faults and lack of insight into what is happening. In short, Israel narrates the story of the exodus to glorify God who saves!!
To us modern readers, much of the biblical story seems harsh and primitive and too violent and warlike. But in a world where the weak had little protection and fewer rights, a God who can fight for his people and defend them is the God who receives worship. The Israelite story frankly praises God as a Warrior. His military prowess is miraculous; he leads, he defeats enemies, he even marches triumphantly to his own holy mountain and receives his people's obedience and praise there. It is summed up in the victory hymn of Miriam at the Red Sea: (Exodus 15:20-21)
"Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea."
God Bless,
Deacon Jim
2 comments:
Yes, this is definitely a different expression of God than many Christians are comfortable with. It is not surprising that many Jewish people would have been put off by the idea of a God who would say, "Blessed are the persecuted." At least in this story, (and this story is basically central to the Jewish tradition), the God of the Israelites is strong and mighty and active. By comparison, the teachings of Jesus might seem weak and passive.
Thank you for sharing your insight. It's reassuring to know others' view on the depiction of God in the Hebrew Bible, since I always felt God in the HB was too scary. As bathsheba1234 mentions, it'd be interesting and even refreshing to learn Jewish people's take-on.
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