Exodus 32 and the Figure of Moses in Twelfth-Century Theology
Philippa Byrne
This article discusses why twelfth-century theologians were particularly interested in examining Exodus 32 and the event of Moses’s intercession for Israelites. Although it had not markedly troubled earlier commentators, scholastic masters such as Robert Melun Peter Comestor wary fact that Moses appeared to offer up his own salvation exchange sinful On one reading, this could suggest was willing risk challenge divinely ordained order damnation. A number strategies thus devised explain actions account words, clarifying how act be reconciled with a medieval vision soteriological justice. Moreover, considering reasons passage caused interpretative difficulties, multiple by which sought overcome those offers insight into central concerns theology: namely, identify difference between biblical examples imitated avoided. There is clear parallel examination behaviour twelfth- thirteenth-century anxieties over scriptural justification judicial ordeal.
The Journal of Theological Studies|Oxford University Research Archive (ORA) (University of Oxford)