Examining "Moses The Magus"(Ghnostic Informant- Rabbi Gad Barnea Ph.D)
The concept of "Moses the Magus" encompasses interpretations and traditions that portray Moses, the central prophet of Judaism, as a magician or a figure endowed with esoteric and mystical knowledge. This perspective is evident in various historical sources, spanning early Christian writings, Greco-Roman literature, and later esoteric traditions.
What this resource contributes
The concept of "Moses the Magus" encompasses interpretations and traditions that portray Moses, the central prophet of Judaism, as a magician or a figure endowed with esoteric and mystical knowledge. This perspective is evident in various historical sources, spanning early Christian writings, Greco-Roman literature, and later esoteric traditions. Significantly, the image of Moses as a magus also draws from Zoroastrianism and the Magi, the priestly caste in ancient Persia known for their profound knowledge of astronomy, astrology, and religious rituals. Below is an overview of the different aspects and sources contributing to the image of Moses as a magus, emphasizing the influence of Zoroastrianism and the Magi: Greco-Roman Interpretations Hellenistic Views : In the Hellenistic period, Jewish culture interacted with Greek and Roman thought.