Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

Understanding Exodus 6:26-27: An Analysis

The Nature of Biblical Authorship

The question of authorship regarding Exodus 6:26-27, where Moses and Aaron are mentioned in the third person, invites a deep dive into the traditional understanding of Biblical text composition. It is a widely held belief among conservative Evangelical scholars that Moses is the primary author of the first five books of the Bible, collectively known as the Pentateuch or Torah. This assertion is supported by numerous scriptural references, such as Exodus 17:14, where Jehovah instructs Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book,” and Exodus 24:4, “And Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah.”

The third-person narrative does not necessarily indicate a different authorship but rather reflects a literary style commonly used in ancient texts, including other parts of the Bible. This style allows the author to narrate historical events with an objective tone, providing a clear, authoritative account of God’s actions and commands.

Historical Context and Literary Practices

In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was customary for historical narratives to be written in the third person, including accounts by individuals about their own actions or experiences. This stylistic choice serves to formalize the text, distancing the author from the subject matter to lend a sense of universality and timeless relevance. For example, in Numbers 33:2, it is stated, “And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of Jehovah.”

The practice of documenting divine commands and significant events in a manner that transcends the individual experience underscores the belief that these writings were inspired by God, intended not just for the immediate audience but for all generations. The use of the third person in detailing the lives and actions of Moses and Aaron is thus seen not as evidence of secondary authorship but as a deliberate choice to elevate the text beyond the personal to the providential.

Scriptural Consistency and Divine Inspiration

The internal consistency of scriptural references to Moses as the author or scribe further supports the traditional view of Mosaic authorship. Deuteronomy 31:9 states, “And Moses wrote this law,” affirming his role in documenting the covenant between God and Israel. The New Testament reinforces this understanding, with Jesus Himself referring to the Law as “Moses” in passages such as John 5:46-47, indicating the acknowledgment of Moses as the author by the early Christian community.

The concept of divine inspiration is central to understanding the composition of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God,” suggesting that while human authors penned the texts, they did so under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This divine oversight ensures the accuracy and authority of the biblical account, including the narrative of Moses and Aaron in Exodus.

Addressing the Question of Exodus 6:26-27

Given the traditional understanding of biblical authorship and the common literary practices of the time, the third-person references to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 6:26-27 do not present a contradiction or imply a different author. Instead, they are consistent with the narrative style of ancient historical writing and the theological assertion of divine inspiration. This approach allows the text to speak with a voice of authority that transcends the immediate context, addressing all of God’s people across time.

Furthermore, the specificity of details, the consistency of theme and language, and the coherence of the narrative with the broader scriptural context all support the view that Moses, under divine inspiration, could indeed have written these verses. The objective narration in the third person serves not to detach Moses from the events but to affirm the historical veracity and divine origin of the account, ensuring its place within the sacred canon for posterity.

In conclusion, the narrative style of Exodus 6:26-27, employing the third person to refer to Moses and Aaron, aligns with ancient literary conventions and the theological premises of divine inspiration and scriptural authority. This perspective affirms the traditional view of Mosaic authorship, emphasizing the text’s role in conveying divine commands and historical truths to the people of Israel and, by extension, to all believers.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).