A Study of the Sin and Death of Moses in Biblical Literature

Author

Harry E. Woodall, Ouachita Baptist University

Date of Award

1967

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Religion

First Advisor

Dr. Vester Wolber

Second Advisor

Dr. Carl Goodson

Third Advisor

Dr. Henry Lindsey

Abstract

Recently Dr. Clyde T. Francisco, who is professor of Old Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, suggested that one of the great mysteries of the Bible is contained in the sin and death of Moses. Inquiry into the subject has validated his statement, for the interpretation of Moses' sin and death has been subject to many theories and speculations. The following Biblical passages are concerned with the sin and death of Moses: Numbers 20:1-13; 22-29; 27:12-14; Deuteronomy 1:35-40; 3:23-29; 4:21-24; 32:48-52; 34:1-7. Other related Biblical passages include Psalm 106:32-33, ·Mark 9:2-13 and synoptic parallels including Matthew 17: 1-13 and Luke 9:28-36; Jude 9 plus allusions found in II Peter 1:16-18 and II Corinthians 3:18.

This study has been concerned with the sin, death and burial of Moses in Biblical literature. What was his sin? How did he die and who buried him? What possible significance do extra-Biblical tradition and literature have concerning his death, and concerning the interpretation of Jude 9 and the Transfiguration of Christ? Was there a theology of Moses current during the era of New Testament writing, which theology the New Testament authors felt obligated to refute, and which culminated in other theologies such as that of the Essence and the Samaritans?

Recommended Citation

Woodall, Harry E., "A Study of the Sin and Death of Moses in Biblical Literature" (1967). OBU Graduate Theses. 31.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/grad_theses/31