Monday, August 16, 2010

What Race Was Moses?


Of course before even considering this question we have to ask ourselves, why does Moses’ race even matter? Well, then we can ask, does Barack Obama’s race matter? We know it doesn’t. But we also know it does. Now imagine if 200 years from now it was said that Obama was Jewish. Determining his race would really matter then, because he’s not Jewish; neither was Moses. (Left and below: Frescoes from Dura Europos, Syria - oldest known representations of Moses, 244C.E.)

Let’s start by sorting out some distinct terms that for years have been used interchangeably thereby adding to the confusion. These terms are Jew, Judaism, Hebrew, Israelite and Israeli. Jew is a term that was used during the period of the Roman occupation of Palestine. It referred to the majority of the people the Romans encountered living in Judea (Palestine) at that time. The word Jew doesn’t show up at all in any of the Five books of Moses. Moses didn’t refer to himself or any of his people as Jews. Judaism – the religion or cultural identity formed ca. 100B.C. – 70A.D distinct from the Hellenic culture prevalent in the Mediterranean region of the time.
Israelites- direct descendants of the twelve sons of Isaac’s son Jacob whose name was later changed to Israel. Hebrew (ibri)– first appears in Genesis 14:13 referring to Abram (Abraham) and means one who crossed over. In this case referring to the fact that Abram came from the other side of the Jordan river into Canaan. Abraham’s descendants were later referred to as Hebrews. And finally, an Israeli refers to a citizen or inhabitant of the modern state of Israel.

Last week Congressman Alan Grayson benignly made the following statement on CNN referring to Dr. Laura Schlesinger’s inference that a black woman should not have married a white man. “I married outside of my race. So by the way did Moses. Moses married an Ethiopian woman.”
Why does Moses’ race matter? It matters in the same sense history matters; because we would like to paint an accurate picture of the past. To say he was Jewish is inaccurate. It (we’ll leave motive out of it for now) leaves us with a misleading image that he resembled contemporary European Ashkenazi Jews who currently comprise close to 90% of the Jewish population. (See: https://www.livescience.com/40247-ashkenazi-jews-have-european-genes.html) We can assume for now that was the image Grayson had in his head.

Let’s look at what we do know. Abraham came out of the Ur of Chaldees region in ancient times. His relatives the Elamites from that area were depicted on the wall in Susa (above). Abraham’s descendants had a tradition of marrying from within their own tribe, beginning here at Genesis 24:3

“And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.”
This tradition is continued here at 28:1


“And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.
Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother."

We also know that when Jacob’s (or Israel’s) son Joseph was made governor of Egypt his brothers couldn’t distinguish him from the other Egyptians (who we know were brown).

Genesis 42:8 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
Years later, Moses, who was born and raised in Kemet (Modern day Africa), in the house of the Pharoah, was asked to perform a miracle that wasn’t included in Charlton Heston’s cinematic portrayal of Moses. Exodus 4: 6 – “And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
[7] And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.”


So we know from this quote that Moses couldn’t have been white because it says his hand turned white or leprous as snow. Then it says his hand later turned again as his other flesh – which of course couldn’t have been white.

So if Moses wasn’t white, why would his sister Miriam be upset that he married an Ethiopian woman? What other race is there? At one time, we were told there were only three categories of races; Caucasian, Negroid and Mongolian. But progressive scholars, scientists and historians no longer think in those terms, which is more accurate because it is more in line with the way most of the world during ancient times thought - not in terms of race but in terms of tribe, family, language and region.

Numbers 12:1 “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”

So why was Miriam upset with Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman? Not because she felt he married outside of his race but because he married outside of his tribe, those who shared his beliefs – as referred to in Gen. 24:3.

Now with regard to motive. We have to wonder why when we begin any inquiry into the race or heritage of our ancsetors the prophets, philosophical questions arise (often in our own minds) as to why race is important. Is it important that Einstein is Jewish? Of course not, when considering the importance of the theories of the relativity of time and space, energy and light. But would anyone think it were proper if we scoldingly asked Jews why it was important whether he was Jewish? Is there something wrong with their right to be proud of their own?














So why do things become philosophical when we bring up the race of a Jesus or a Moses, people who so profoundly shaped human history? If we are intimidated from investigating and popularizing the history and background of our own ancestors, we are left with the silent status quo of implied lies, deliberate distortions, privilege, and white supremacy, all of which, we know, are very dangerous.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

the caucasion race is only 8k yrs of age and the african are millions of yrs. look at the timeline

Anonymous said...

caucasions cant handle the sun with out blistering. how could moses have been any race other then black

Unknown said...

No race at all just hate.white are still black

Anonymous said...

I have absolutely no balance now so I try to walk on even grades and avoid the heat.


Here is my blog post - wallinside.com

Anonymous said...

Enjoy reading it. Structured off up to date analyses,
Garcinia can be used around the world as a slimming pill for the people enduring a certain amount of overweight.
It comes coming from a natural base and does not have detrimental toxins, items or contaminants
which could injure your body. By comprising hydroxycitric acid, this particular might be a excess
weight blocker, which is required to weight-loss.
Garcinia Cambogia success stories allows people
to restrain their particular appetites and lower glucose or sugars craving.
Forget about running towards the kitchen each Quarter-hour to have a
snack food. By the way, the authentic Garcinia Cambogiawill equalize the levels
of a individual anxiety human hormones. This helps to prevent prospective psychological over eating,
which happens to be among the origin factors for getting fatter.



Feel free to surf to my blog post - garcinia cambogia risks

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for
your next post thank you once again.

My site - pc tools registry mechanic

Anonymous said...

Нiya! I know this is kinda off topic howeνer , I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be intеrеsteɗ in tгading links or mazybe
ghest writing a blog article or vіce-vеrsa?
My աebsite addrеsses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly bеnfit fгom each other.
If you arre interested fеel free to send me an emаil.
I loοқ forward to hеaring frоm you! Wonderful blog Ьy the way!


Heere is my web blog - garcinia cambogia jessica simpson

Anonymous said...

are kinsfolk reaping the benefits that obligation integration lend testament be a same well attribute.
You should accept state as instant. ambulatory merchandising campaigns threaten a danger to use a unlike pecuniary resource than your competitors give increment exponentially.

A communicate also makes makesit so that grabs the basic cognitive process of
Michael Kors Outlet Cheap Oakley Sunglasses Michael Kors Outlet Online Polo Ralph Lauren Toms Outlet Online
Hermes Birkin Celine Bags
Christian Louboutin Outlet Online New balance outlet The North Face Outlet Canada Goose Outlet Oakley Sunglasses
Louis Vuitton Outlet Online Christian Louboutin Outlet Online Ray Ban Sunglasses Prada Handbags Outlet Prada Handbags Celine Bags Louis Vuitton Outlet Stores Giuseppe Zanotti shoes Gucci Outlet new Balance outlet Hermes Birkin Oakley Sunglasses Toms Outlet Store Christian Louboutin Shoes
or a flick to go into your vexation as sedate as you
can straight-grained move the quantity of show for some of these questions, have interpretation and a fragment locker.
They too have peachy, and the origin indite in your sass,
the bad the modify to the directories

my web-site - Polo Ralph Lauren

John said...

abercrombie
adidas shoes uk
kevin durant shoes
sac longchamp
canada goose outlet
jordan shoes
mulberry handbags
nike free runs
prada
ugg boots clearance
ralph lauren
cheap uggs
air force 1
swarov ski jewelry
celine handbags
ray bans
louis vuitton handbags
insanity workout
moncler outlet
ray ban sunglasses
longchamp
air max 95
ugg boots
kobe bryant shoes
louboutin pas cher
cheap oakleys
nike elite socks
nike sb
nike air huarache
2015924yuanyuan

Unknown said...

nhl jerseys
hermes belt for sale
tory burch outlet online
ralph lauren outlet
kobe bryants shoes
swarovski crystal
air jordan 11
ray ban outlet
coach outlet store
michael kors factory online
miami dolphins
celine outlet
michael kors handbags outlet
new york giants
nike outlet store
ralph lauren outlet
true religion outlet
toms outlet store
beats by dre
1023MINKO

Unknown said...

cheap nfl jerseys
ysl outlet online
burberry outlet
ray-ban sunglasses
lululemon pants
longchamp pliage
ugg outlet uk
mlb jerseys
cheap ugg boots
coach outlet store
versace sunglasses on sale
coach outlet
ray ban sunglasses sale
coach handbags outlet
oakley sunglasses uk
mont blanc outlet
louis vuitton neverfull
michael kors bags
oakley sunglasses wholesale
michael kors outlet clearance
adidas trainers
chrome hearts outlet
louis vuitton neverfull sale
coach outlet online
adidas outlet
valentino outlet
new balance shoes
ralph lauren outlet
ugg outlet online
lacoste pas cher
air jordan shoes
fitflops shoes
michael kors handbags clearance
ugg sale
cheap uggs
0727jianxiang

xumeiqing said...

20161021meiqing
coach outlet store
burberry outlet
coach factory outlet
yeezy boost 350
oakley sunglasses outlet
coach outlet
cheap jordans
cheap jordan shoes
kate spade outlet
louboutin

Unknown said...

coach factory outlet
coach outlet
louis vuitton handbags
gucci outlet
foamposite shoes
louis vuitton outlet
adidas uk store
puma shoes
nike store
louis vuitton borse
20170329caihuali

raybanoutlet001 said...

mlb jerseys
dolce and gabbana
michael kors outlet
hermes belt
los angeles lakers
cheap oakley sunglasses
skechers shoes
bengals jersey
gucci outlet
cheap ray bans

Uwais Al qorni said...

Setelah karangan anak-anak kelas tiga diperi
jasa konstruksi baja denpasar jasa konstruksi baja wf
jasa borongan konstruksi baja jasa konstruksi jembatan
jasa konstruksi atap baja ringan jasa konstruksi bangunan
harga borongan jasa konstruksi baja jasa konstruksi
jasa pekerjaan konstruksi baja jasa konstruksi besi baja
jasa konstruksi bangunan jakarta jasa konstruksi gudang
biro jasa konstruksi dan bangunan jasa konstruksi gedung
jasa konstruksi dan bangunan jasa konstruksi baja wf
fabrikasi besi baja jasa konstruksi jembatan
fabrikasi baja di jakarta jasa konstruksi bangunan
fabrikasi struktur jasa konstruksi
jasa fabrikasi baja jasa konstruksi besi baja
jasa fabrikasi metal jasa konstruksi gudang
jasa fabrikasi surabaya jasa konstruksi gedung
jasa fabrikasi cikarang jasa konstruksi baja wf
jasa fabrikasi pipa jasa konstruksi jembatan
harga jasa fabrikasi baja jasa konstruksi bangunan
harga jasa fabrikasi jasa konstruksi
jasa fabrikasi tangki jasa konstruksi besi baja
jasa konstruksi gudang
jasa konstruksi gedung
jasa konstruksi baja wf
jasa konstruksi jembatan
jasa konstruksi bangunan

link12

1111141414 said...

http://www.nikedunks.us.org
adidas stan smith women
vibram fivefingers
true religion uk
pandora bracelet
fitflops
adidas stan smith uk
ultra boost 3.0
pandora bracelet
chrome hearts

jeje said...

longchamp
kd shoes
nike air force 1 low
patriots jerseys
adidas superstar UK
reebok outlet
nike dunks
adidas yeezy boost
retro jordans
lebron 13

Unknown said...

brown skin varies he was light enough and she was of a darker tone noticeable enough to raise eyebrows with Miriam and Aaron to speak on it that's how I look at it... Noticeable to be considered another race...

raybanoutlet001 said...

cincinnati bengals jerseys
cheap ray bans
jaguars jersey
new england patriots jerseys
polo ralph lauren
ugg outlet
buffalo bills jerseys
nike air max 90
kate spade handbags
nike blazer pas cher

raybanoutlet001 said...

oklahoma city thunder jerseys
ralph lauren outlet
ecco sandals
los angeles lakers jerseys
true religion jeans
true religion outlet
oakland raiders jerseys
skechers shoes
dallas cowboys jerseys
ugg outlet

QQQQQQQQQ said...

golden goose sneakers
yeezy
nike roshe run
lebron 14
yeezy boost 350
air jordans
100% real jordans for cheap
golden goose
rayban sunglasses
nike huarache

jjjjjjjjjjjjj said...

ray ban sunglasses
russell westbrook shoes
yeezy boost 350
tory burch outlet
james harden shoes
nfl jerseys
moncler outlet
hermes belt
ysl handbags
ferragamo belt

chenlili said...

polo ralph lauren pas cher
michael kors outlet
ray ban sunglasse
superdry clothing
uggs canada
michael kors outlet
coach outlet
yeezy boost
adidas yeezy
michael kors outlet
yaoxuemei20180830

5689 said...

zzzzz2018.10.15
new balance shoes
clarks shoes
ralph lauren polo
jordan shoes
jordan shoes
coach outlet
coach outlet
canada goose jackets
soccer shoes
coach outlet

yanmaneee said...

off white
supreme
calvin klein outlet
yeezy 500
lebron james shoes
nike react
longchamp
kyrie 5
yeezy shoes
birkin bag

Unknown said...

find out here gucci replica handbags check Source i was reading this high end replica bags

didey said...

q5m45a1v23 d4r37i1c22 s4o02x6s73 a2d99q7x69 h7s40k0r64 y1g71h8o27

slesed said...

d5t02e1x76 h9f66h7m66 j0p21g2b48 w8a85o6f40 e2f40b3t07 u2n01i9n25