Why The Devil Fought For Moses Body

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Why The Devil Fought For Moses Body

"The Devil Fought for Moses' Body" is a traditional Jewish legend that originates from the Midrash, a collection of ancient Jewish writings that interpret and expand upon biblical texts.

According to the legend, when Moses died, the Angel of Death was sent to take his soul. However, the Angel of Death hesitated because Moses' body was so holy. In some versions of the story, it is even said that Moses' body emitted a radiant light due to his close relationship with God during his lifetime.

Seeing the Angel of Death hesitate, the Devil appeared and argued that Moses was guilty of killing an Egyptian many years before. The Devil claimed that because of this sin, Moses' soul belonged to him and therefore he had the right to claim his body. However, the Archangel Michael intervened, arguing that Moses had repented for his actions and was forgiven by God.

The dispute escalated into a heated argument between the Devil and the Archangel Michael, with both presenting their cases before God. Ultimately, God sided with Michael, rebuking the Devil and affirming Moses' righteousness and forgiveness.

The legend of the Devil fighting for Moses' body carries several important themes and lessons within Jewish tradition:

  1. The Holiness of Moses: The fact that the Angel of Death hesitated to take Moses' soul and that his body emitted a radiant light highlights Moses' exceptional holiness and closeness to God. Moses is revered as one of the greatest prophets in Judaism, and his character is often depicted as a paragon of virtue and righteousness.

  2. Divine Justice and Forgiveness: The legend underscores the concept of divine justice and forgiveness in Judaism. Despite Moses' past sin of killing an Egyptian, God forgave him upon his repentance. This teaches the importance of repentance and God's mercy in Jewish theology.

  3. The Struggle Between Good and Evil: The conflict between the Devil and the Archangel Michael symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil. In this case, evil is represented by the Devil's attempt to claim Moses' soul, while good is represented by Michael's defense of Moses' righteousness.

  4. The Power of Intercession: The role of the Archangel Michael in defending Moses against the Devil emphasizes the idea of intercession in Jewish belief. Intercession, or the act of intervening on behalf of another, is seen as a powerful force for good. In this case, Michael's intercession helped protect Moses' legacy and honor.

  5. The Importance of Divine Judgment: The resolution of the dispute by God reaffirms the ultimate authority of divine judgment. In Jewish theology, God is the ultimate arbiter of justice, and His decisions are final. The story illustrates the belief that ultimately, God's will prevails over the forces of evil.

Overall, the legend of the Devil fighting for Moses' body serves as a poignant reminder of the themes of holiness, repentance, divine justice, and the struggle between good and evil within Jewish tradition. While the exact word count may vary depending on the version of the story, its enduring message continues to resonate with believers as a testament to the power of faith and righteousness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aedl-ljPwQQ



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