Resumen
Resumen de The Testament of Moses
Para quién es
For readers who love the Bible and its neighbouring writings, students of Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity, and anyone curious about how ancient writers faced oppression.
De qué trata este libro
A dying leader has one last chance to tell his heir what lies ahead. In The Testament of Moses, Moses speaks to Joshua and lays out the future of Israel, from the conquest of the land to the end of the age. It is a farewell, a survey of history and a promise of rescue in one short work. The author is unknown, and the text breaks off before the end. It asks what faithful people should do while they wait for God to act.
En este resumen
- 1One damaged Latin manuscript carries the textFree
- 2Moses hands his charge to Joshua
- 3Israel's history runs from land to exile
- 4Corrupt rulers bring a harsher age
- 5Taxo and his sons choose death over betrayal
Idea clave 1 de 5
One damaged Latin manuscript carries the text
The Testament of Moses survives in a damaged Latin manuscript. Antonio Ceriani found it in Milan and published it in 1861. The text lies under later writing, and its ending is missing.
Most scholars place the work in the early first century of the common era, soon after the death of Herod. It may draw on older material. It comes from a time of pressure on faithful Jews.
That’s 1 of 5 key points.
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Questions about The Testament of Moses
What is the Testament of Moses about?
It is a farewell speech by Moses to Joshua. Moses foretells Israel's history, including exile, corrupt rulers and persecution, and promises that God will finally establish his kingdom and rescue the faithful.
Is the Testament of Moses the same as the Assumption of Moses?
The names are often used for the same work, but scholars disagree. The surviving Latin text is a testament. The assumption refers to a different tradition in which Moses is taken up to heaven.
Why is the Testament of Moses not in the Bible?
It was never accepted into the Jewish or main Christian canons. No single reason is recorded, but communities settled on other books, and this one survived only in a single Latin manuscript.
When was the Testament of Moses written?
Most scholars date it to the early first century of the common era, soon after Herod's death. The work may draw on older source material.
Who is Taxo in the Testament of Moses?
Taxo is a man of the tribe of Levi with seven sons, who chooses death over breaking the commandments.