Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: TomSmedley
This factoid comes from another thread

Jewish tradition mentions that, although the people had to abstain from sexual relations with their wives for only three days prior to the revelation at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:15), Moses chose to remain continent the rest of his life with the full approval of God. The rabbis explained that this was so because Moses knew that he was appointed to personally commune with God, not only at Mount Sinai but in general throughout the forty years of sojourning in the wilderness. For this reason Moses kept himself "apart from woman," remaining in the sanctity of separation to be at the beck and call of God at all times; they cited God's command to Moses in Deuteronomy 5:28 (Midrash Exodus Rabbah 19:3 and 46.3).

Brother Anthony M. Opisso, M.D.

2,446 posted on 12/20/2006 8:56:08 AM PST by Diva
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2395 | View Replies ]


To: Diva

Thanks for your helpful comment. Jewish tradition in this instance seems to contradict the last chapter of Deuteronomy, which specifies that Moses was virile up to the day of his death.


2,465 posted on 12/20/2006 10:26:17 AM PST by TomSmedley (Calvinist, optimist, home schooling dad, exuberant husband, technical writer)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2446 | View Replies ]

To: Diva
Deuteronomy 5:28 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

How is this a command about celibacy?

2,584 posted on 12/20/2006 11:14:03 PM PST by skr (We cannot play innocents abroad in a world that is not innocent.-- Ronald Reagan)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2446 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson