Biblical Parallels Index – Shemot 33

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To see the linguistic parallels between the stories, compare them in the Tanakh Lab.¹

See The Revelations to Avraham and Moshe, by R. Tamir Granot, for analysis of the many parallels between Hashem’s revelation to Avraham in Bereshit 18 and to Moshe in Shemot 33, both taking place at "the entrance to the tent". The stories highlight how these leaders were chosen by God, who "knows" them intimately; they in turn, each know/are taught the "ways of God". The parallels emphasize the willingness of both leaders to plead with Hashem on behalf of a sinful people, perhaps the reason for their choice. Finally, both stories represent a new beginning for the Jewish people: Avraham becomes their genealogical father, while Moshe becomes their metaphysical father when he saves them from annihilation.

Tanakh Lab – A comparison of the various revelations to Moshe at Sinai (in Shemot 3, 24, and 33-34) with Melakhim I 19, which describes Hashem's revelation to Eliyahu, reveals that, despite significant similarity in content, there is not much linguistic overlap between the stories.

See Seder Eliyahu, Radak Melakhim I 19:7-21, R. Moshe Alshikh, and Malbim who all note parallels between the figures, some reading into them priase of Eliyahu and others reading into them condemnation.

See Moshe and Eliyahu at Sinai for an exploration of the parallels and contrasts between the stories of Hashem’s revelations to Moshe and Eliyahu at Sinai. Some commentators understand this comparison as an implicit rebuke to Eliyahu, who does not defend the Jewish people as Moshe does, while other interpret it as a sign of Eliyahu’s exalted stature that is akin to Moshe’s.

Biblical Parallels Index – Shemot 33/0