Guns ‘n Moses

Two of the Left’s favorite targets today are guns and the influence of Moses, the author of the first five books of the Bible, which are also referred to as the Pentateuch. Let’s explore these two major barriers in the way of further advancement  the leftist, secularist, and socialist agenda over America. 

Battling Over Guns 

It all comes down to Gun Rights - the rights of law-abiding citizens to own whatever weapons they need to protect themselves and their families - versus Gun Control or "Gun Violence" advocates. The so called Gun Control advocates are really Gun Grabbers. They blame "Guns" for the problem and not the real culprits, the criminals, the gun-runners, the mentally ill with history of violence, illegal aliens with history of violence, and especially the gang-bangers. The government and law enforcement need to go after the real criminal and gangs and place any person or criminal convicted of using a gun in a crime on a registry (like sex offenders) so the law-abiding public can be aware of that person's proclivity to use fire arms illegally.


It is just foolish to focus on controlling law-abiding citizens and IGNORING criminals who are intent on using guns in the commission of their next crime which would include going after newly disarmed or restricted law-abiding gun-owning citizens! But it is just like the progressive left to defend the 'rights' of the wrong, instead of defending the rights of those who do no wrong. Bill recently wrote in response to the above comment I made to an Alternet.org article (“NY Rallies for Gun Control Legislation: 'History Cannot Reflect That We Allowed Sandy Hook to Happen and Did Nothing.'”)

“Any metal file at the nearest hardware store will eliminate the serial numbers. Attempting to justify yourself by inserting criminals into the question is a nonstarter. They can steal your gun.” 

I responded to Bill’s comment,

“Bill, Pleeeeeeeaze, law-abiding citizens are NOT criminals. Why do you and the left insist in treating them as such? I cannot follow your logic. Thieves and other criminals can steal my car and erase the VIN number and do a lot of damage with it... What does that prove?

“Criminals, especially gang-bangers and those that commit any crime using a gun and the violence they cause in the large, usually Democrat-controlled cities - run wild.

“Like the borders, enforce the laws on the books and go after the crooks first before you legislate comprehensive immigration (read that amnesty for illegal aliens) or before you legislate comprehensive gun control (read that gun confiscation from law-abiding citizens) ...”

Guns are not the problem. Criminals, the mentally ill, the gang bangers, and illegal aliens with guns are the problem. Instead of legislation restricting law-abiding citizens in any way, better legislation would be to register any criminal who commits a crime or who carries a gun without having a permit when arrested. Violators would be placed on a registry of gun offenders like sex offenders. This will alert the public of potential danger as well as the police who can monitor those who potentially are more likely to have and to misuse a firearm.

The progressive left continues to hound the wrong people - the law-abiding citizen. Go after the criminal element. Why create the likelihood of more crimes being committed by not allowing the law-abiding citizen to arm themselves in their homes with whatever weapons they choose? To restrict or disarm the law-abiding citizen in any way is a downright foolish and dangerous policy.

Battling Over Moses and the Ten Commandments 

The ACLU, Freedom from Religion, and the People for the American Way are all leftist groups determined to purge America of every vestige of Biblical and Christian expression and morality. Moses was a leader of the Jewish nation when God gave him the Ten Commandments. The mere placement of the time-honored and proven guidelines in any public venue is the reason they are a prime target of the Leftists bent on transforming America into a Socialist utopia. Why? The Ten Commandments embody the antithesis of the Leftist Agenda. For example:

· “Thou shalt not murder.” Abortion is a direct violation of God’s command. Abortion is the most sacred sacrament of the feminists and leftists of every sort.

· “Thou shalt not steal” contradicts the socialist wealth distribution of our President and his treasonous Party.

· “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Wow, that is a big one. Greed, Lust, Narcissism, are all gods to many Americans.

· “You shall not commit adultery.” Sexual freedom, free love is another cornerstone of the leftist philosophy…

This week the Supreme Court of the United States is scheduled to hear arguments for fraudulent same-sex ‘marriage’ against the wishes of the voters of California’s Proposition 8, and for the repeal of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This is another major plank of the left’s agenda and the driving issue of those who want to mainstream homosexual behavior and lifestyle. Clearly Moses in the first five books of the Judeo-Christian bible documented God’s disapproval of all sexual relationships except for that found in man-woman monogamous marriage.

Guns and Moses, if the Left could do away with both, they could go a long way in advancing their diabolical agenda and further damage the foundations of this once great God-blessed nation. Let’s hope and pray that the SCOTUS and people of the United States will resist the forces of evil in the battles against guns and Moses that loom large this year…

SCOTUS: Which will it be, Quality Marriage or (Fraudulent Same-Sex) 'Marriage' Equality?

Repealing Proposition 8 and DOMA by the Supreme Court, which begins to hear oral arguments tomorrow, will not promote 'marriage equality.' It will destroy it. Marriage, its integrity and its sacredness, is at risk.

This week the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments for fraudulent same-sex ‘marriage’ against the wishes of the voters of California’s Proposition 8, and for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Repeal of either issue would only further a major destructive plank of the left’s agenda, which is a driving issue of those who want to mainstream homosexual behavior and lifestyle. Homosexual behavior remains unhealthy, unnatural, immoral, and primarily a behavioral choice.

Clearly Moses in the first five books of the Judeo-Christian Bible documented God’s disapproval of all sexual relationships outside the bounds of one man - one woman monogamous marriage including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, all immorality. Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values and principles. Violation of these principles will weaken the very fabric of our nation, the family (man, woman and children) unit. God cannot and will not continue to bless a nation that forsakes Him and His guiding principles. Absolutely, the stakes are enormous for true quality marriage and for America!

Not only will fraudulent same-sex ‘marriage’ undermine the institution of marriage, it will also undermine our society. I care about America continuing to become further morally bankrupt by not only accepting homosexuality as normal, natural, healthy lifestyle choice but embracing and promoting it in the government indoctrination centers, our godless secular humanistic dominated schools. Homosexual behavior is unnatural, unhealthy, abnormal and immoral. Like the practice of abortion, it may be legal but it is still morally reprehensible to kill a developing human being. SCOTUS was tragically wrong in the Roe v. Wade case, God willing, they’ll make the right decision in the Prop 8 and DOMA cases.

The family unit – mother, father, and children - was designed to provide the optimum opportunity for a child to develop and grow to their full potential. There is no substitute for the intact natural family. Usually single parents or homosexual and lesbian couples cannot provide the environment to properly nourish children as nature intended. That is one of the biggest arguments against same-sex ‘marriage’.

Homosexuals and lesbians have the same right to marry individuals of the opposite sex as all Americans do. However, they just can’t marry the same sex. To say they cannot marry is wrong. Marriage is intended ONLY for male and female relationships. It is a standard that has worked for thousands of years.

Not allowing same-sex partners special privileges is not discrimination, like discrimination against blacks, women, the disabled or the aged. Why? Because homosexuality is predominately a behavioral choice, whereas being black, being female, being disabled, or being old is unchangeable. People can change their behavior; they can’t change their skin color… You insult blacks when you claim it is discrimination not to allow homosexuals to have special privileges or to be treated differently than any other people.

Shining God’s Light on the Koran – the Golden Calf

Sam continues his on-going series, which contrasts the Judeo-Christian Bible with the Islamic Koran on a variety of topics. He aims the beam of the Biblical laser on the Koran to expose, to reveal what it really says. See his previous articles here.

Israeli Idol

God had told the Children of Israel not to worship any other god beside Himself, but they did. Both the Koran and the Holy Bible record this command and disobedience.

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die

. . . Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, says the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live. (Ezekiel 18:4, 30-32).

COMMENTARY ON THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

When Moses came to the Children of Israel in Egypt God had given him authentic signs. His staff became a snake and his hand became leprous. This was to show the Children of Israel and Pharaoh that he was sent from God. The One who is: I AM!

While in Egypt God did many signs at Moses hand: Even too the killing of the first-born of the people and of the cattle of Egypt. When Pharaoh sent his army after Israel and they were drowned in the Red Sea. This saved the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. God did even more signs at the hand of Moses like providing water. Later, God called Moses to the top of Mount Sinai for a personal meeting. The people of Israel then chose to worship the image of a calf as their God in the absence of Moses. They were deep in unbelief. After all God had done for them; how could they do it?

Allah and the angels made an agreement with the Children of Israel and issued commands for them to obey. They were to cling to these commands. The Koran claims Mount Sinai was raised above the people at the time the agreement was made. To my knowledge the mountain was all ready there. Israel claimed to hear and understand what Allah and the angels had said, but they said they would not obey Allah and the angels. How then can one have an agreement or a covenant between two parties if one party says they will not abide by the agreement?

Moses ground the image of the calf to powder, then he threw it into the water, and made the Children of Israel drink the water. The Koran claims the mixture went down into their hearts. This was the result of their disbelief. The Koran says that evil is what the faith of the Jews lead them to do, since the Jews believed as they did. What a person believes comes out in their actions.

THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

Moses came to you (Israel) with actual signs from Allah, still, while he was gone, you chose to worship the image of a calf. You did evil (Surah 2:92).

At the time We made a covenant with you and elevated the mountain above you We said: Accept eagerly what We have given you with sureness and obey. Israel said, we hear but will not obey. For their lack of faith they were made to drink the image of the calf into their hearts. Tell them: Evil is what your heart calls you to do if you are indeed believers (Surah 2:93).

COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Moses told the Children of Israel what the commands of God were, and they said they would abide by them. Sadly, when Moses went up onto Mount Sinai, the people worshiped a crafted image of a calf and called it “god”. This was in direct violation of what God had commanded previously. The people had said they would obey God. God was angry enough to strike them all dead at once, but Moses intervened on behalf of the people, and God did not strike them all dead at once. Certainly God wished for the death of Israel at that time. It wasn’t because they were so good.

Moses took the calf which Israel had made and burnt it and ground it to powder, sprinkled it upon the water, and made Israel drink the water.

THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Exodus 19:7, 8 - Moses delivers God’s ordnances to the Children of Israel.
And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

Exodus 32:1-4 The Children of Israel worship an idol.
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Exodus 32: 7-14 God is angry with Israel.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Exodus 32:19,20 Moses destroys the idol.
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strowed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.

COMPARING & CONTRASTING THE KORAN WITH SCRIPTURE

Both Scripture and the Koran record that the Children of Israel worshiped an idol fashioned to look like a calf, which was contrary to what they were supposed to do. The Koran, however, does not record that Moses interceded on behalf of the Children of Israel, as Scripture does. Moses uses the argument that if God strikes them all dead at once, then the surrounding nations would think that after freeing Israel from Egypt He was unable too bring them into the promised land. God listens to Moses and does not strike them all dead at once.

According to the Koran it was Allah and the angels, Gabriel and Michael, with whom Moses and Israel were dealing. In Scripture it was God alone, Who was speaking to Moses and the Children of Israel. Scripture and the Koran do not agree on the deity. In the Koran the angels, who are created beings, are lifted to the status of gods when the term “We” is used. It is used many times in the Koran.

In the Koran Mount Sinai is said to have risen above the Children of Israel when Allah and the angels spoke to Moses and the Children of Israel. According to scripture the mountain was already in a set location. The mountain did not rise up, but God came down upon the mountain in a blazing fire.

It was disobedience and faithlessness to God that prompted God’s desire to bring death to the camp of Israel. Had Israel obeyed, God would not have become angry and wanted to destroy Israel. God allowed them to live because He prefers life on earth over death. God was also fulfilling His promise to Abraham, that through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed. The Children of Israel were those through whom God was working to fulfill this promise. The Koran does not acknowledge this promise to Abraham.

CONCLUSION

Perhaps you, like the Children of Israel, have sinned against God through your disobedience to Him. God is still willing to accept you, imperfect as you are. It was through the Children of Israel that Jesus came to earth. You must believe that He is God in flesh: sinless. Lived a perfect life and took the sins of the world in His own body on the cross and received the wrath of God against those sins. If you desire eternal life, as I once did, then you can pray and invite Jesus into your heart right now. . For the promise is, “Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. A sample prayer is,” Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me of my sins, and come into my heart.

REFERENCES

The Koran passages are a paraphrase of several English translations.
The Koran, translated by N.J. Dawood: A Penguin Classic
The Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali: Ahmadiyya Anjumann Isha’at Lahore Inc. U.S.A.
The Koran, translated by Marmaduke Pickethall: Everyman’s Library
The Holy Bible is the King James translation of 1611 from THE WORD program by Tom Hills with the New Creations Ministries and paraphrased.

Shining God’s Light on the Koran – God Communicating with Man - Part 1H

Sam resumes his on-going series which contrasts the Judeo-Christian Bible with the Islamic Koran on a variety of topics. He aims the beam of the Biblical laser on the Koran to expose, to reveal what it really says. See his previous articles here.

God’s Verbal Interaction with Man, Part Eight

In the Koran, Allah is said to not directly verbally communicate with mankind. In the Holy Bible, however, God is said to have verbally communicated with several men. I would like to consider them in this series and one in particular in this writing: Moses and his adversaries: Korah and Associates.

THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

It is beneath the dignity of Allah to condescend to speak to a mortal with the exception of disclosing information or from behind a covering hidden from view or by dispatching a messenger who reveals with His permission what He pleases; certainly He is Exalted and exercises good judgment (Surah 42:51).

Allah made direct contact with Moses when speaking to him (Surah 4:164).

Korah was certainly of Moses’ nation, but he rebelled. We had given him a great amount of valuables. The store of which would require many mighty men to transport. His kinfolk told him not to rejoice because of his great wealth. Allah does not like jubilance over wealth (Surah 28:76).

Pursue the residence of paradise with the resources Allah has provided you. Do not ignore your allotment on this earth. Do good to others as Allah has been good to you. Do not support wickedness for Allah does not love those who do wickedness (Surah 28:77).

He responded: This wealth was provided to me because of my knowledge. He was not aware that Allah had completely brought to an end in past generations people greater in power and more greedy of wealth than himself. Those who do wrong are not asked about the evil they do (Surah 28:78).

When he went before his community well dressed; Those who love the things of this world said: I wish I had the wealth of Korah. He has been given very good fortune (Suarh 28:79).

Those people who were given acquaintance with truth said: Shame on you! The recompense Allah provides is superior for the person who believes and does what is good. Only those who are patient can expect to acquire this gift (Surah 28:80).

We made the earth to devour him and his residence. There was no multitude of people able to help him against Allah. Nor was he able to defend himself (Surah 28:81).

The next morning, those who had desired his possessions the day before said: Allah provides abundantly or sparingly to whom he will of his people. Had not Allah had mercy on us we would have been devoured by the earth as well. Observe this! Those who lack gratitude never succeed (Surah 28:82).

COMMENTARY ON THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

Korah rebelled against Moses. The Koran attributes this to the pride of Korah due to his wealth and knowledge. People questioned if he was thinking of the life beyond the present. The Koran is basically stating that he considered himself worthy of the wealth he had rather than it being a gift from God. According to the Koran, the people that didn’t covet the treasures of Korah thought that the recompense one receives from Allah for faith and good works with patience is superior to the wealth of Korah. The question are, “Are they referring to before death or after death? “Do you have to die to receive the recompense from Allah?”

Allah along with Gabriel (we) caused the earth to open up and swallow Korah and all his household. Korah didn’t have any ability to prevent the earth from opening up.

The people knowing Korah are portrayed as being covetous of what Korah had and thankful that they didn’t descend into the earth with Korah. According to the Koran those who aren’t thankful don’t prosper.

THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Numbers, Chapter 16, Verses 1-50

1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will show who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;
7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.
8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:
9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: 13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. 15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:
17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.
18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.
20 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?
23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
36 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
37 Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.
38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.
39 And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:
40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
43 And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.
44 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
50 And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Korah and 250 famous princes of the tribes of Israel believed they were as qualified as Moses and Aaron to lead the tribes of Israel. Moses said tomorrow come with your censors to present incense before God and we will see who God has chosen to lead Israel. The next day Korah brought the entire congregation of Israel against Moses and Aaron. God told Moses and Aaron to get away from the congregation and He would destroy them quickly. Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before God and asked God not to be angry with the whole congregation. So God spoke to Moses and told the congregation to get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Moses told the people not to take anything of the possessions of Korah, Dathan and Abiram with them. The earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, all their families, possessions and whoever else was with them and then closed upon them. The 250 princes who offered incense to God were consumed by fire which came from God.

This shows that it’s not good to disagree with Moses. It leads to death. This is true even for today. Don’t disagree with what Moses wrote which is the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy).

The following day the congregation of the children of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron accusing them of killing God’s people. God told Moses and Aaron to get away from the congregation so He could fry them quickly. Moses and Aaron interceded for the people and a plague started among the people. Aaron ran into the congregation with a censer of fire from the altar and made atonement for the people which the plague.

If it had not been for the intercession of Moses and Aaron before God on behalf of the people they would have been destroyed by God.

COMPARING & CONTRASTING THE KORAN WITH SCRIPTURE

The Koran indicates that the problem with Korah was that He was proud because of his possessions. But the Holy Bible says that he questioned that God had given Moses and Aaron the authority to lead the people of Israel. Korah claimed that Moses and Aaron gave themselves the authority to lead the people. So the Holy Bible and the Koran do not agree on the basic reason why Korah confronted Moses.

The Koran has a lot to say about the wealth of Korah but scripture doesn’t mention his wealth. In scripture Korah’s wealth is a nonissue. The Koran on the other hand makes both Korah’s wealth and his attitude toward it an issue. So again the Koran and scripture disagree.

The Koran doesn’t mention the 250 princes that got fried to a crisp when they offered incense before God on a censer. As it turned out the censers were holy but the men were not.

According the Koran the people were thankful that were not swallowed up by the earth when it opened up. But in the Holy Bible the people of Israel complained that Moses and Aaron had destroyed God’s people. The Koran does not tell of the intersession of Moses and Aaron before God on behalf of the people or the plague. Again we see that the Koran and the Holy Bible do not agree. The Koran and the Bible only agree that the earth swallowed Korah and his household.

CONCLUSION

The God of the Holy Bible spoke with Moses and Aaron in front of the congregation of Israel and backed up His words with action. He is quite capable of doing whatever He says, but people with a right relationship with Him can intercede for others who do not have a right relationship with God of the Holy Bible on their behalf.

We do not see in the Koran where those with a right relationship with Allah intercede for those who do not have a right relationship with Allah.

Which God would you prefer to serve? The one, who will not humble himself, to meet with mortal man and cannot be interceded with for others, or the One, who is humble enough Himself to meet with mortal man and can be interceded with for others?

REFERENCES

The Koran’s passages are a paraphrase of several English translations.
The Koran, translated by N.J. Dawood: A Penguin Classic
The Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali: Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at Lahore Inc. U.S.A.
The Koran, translated by Marmaduke Pickthall: Everyman’s Library
The Holy Bible is from the King James Version

Shining God’s Light on the Koran – God Communicating with Man Part 1G

Sam continues his on-going series which contrasts the Judeo-Christian Bible with the Islamic Koran on a variety of topics. He aims the beam of the Biblical laser on the Koran to expose, to reveal what it really says. See his previous articles here.

God’s Verbal Interaction with Man, Part Seven
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Moses and the Congregation

In the Koran, Allah is said to not directly verbally communicate with mankind. In the Holy Bible, however, God is said to have verbally communicated with several men. I would like to consider them in this series and one in particular in this writing: Moses and the Congregation of Israel.

THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

It is beneath the dignity of Allah to condescend to speak to a mortal with the exception of disclosing information or from behind a covering hidden from view or by dispatching a messenger who reveals with His permission what He pleases; certainly He is Exalted and exercises good judgment (Surah 42:51).

Allah made direct contact with Moses when speaking to him (Surah 4:164).

There is no comprehension of Allah’s character among those who say that Allah has never revealed anything to any mortal human (Surah 6:91).

Children of Israel, recall the approval and support I (Allah) have given you and raised you in status and dignity above all the other nations of the earth (Surah 2:47).

The Christ, son of Mary, was only a servant who carried messages; servants like him had died before him. His mother was a devout woman. They both ate food from the earth (Surah 5:75).

Say: Praise be to Allah! He has not begotten a son nor has he a partner in the kingdom. He has no helper due to any weakness. Proclaim Allah’s greatness, exalt him (Surah 17:111).

COMMENTARY ON THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

According to the Koran, Allah does not lower himself to speak directly to mortals. He may reveal something of new significance to someone but not usually. He will hide himself behind a sheet or send a messenger to deliver the message he wants to send people. Such as when Gabriel was sent to speak to Muhammad in order to reveal Allah’s word to him.

The Koran contradicts itself when it says that Allah does not speak openly to mortals. Then it says that Allah spoke directly to Moses. Moses was a mortal who Allah spoke to without something between them.

The fact that Israel exists today and has defeated all of its neighbors in war should be proof to them that Israel is in fact exalted by Allah over them. This is a revelation of Allah’s power and Himself whether they realize it or not.

According to the commentary on the Koran by Maulana Muhammad Ali in his translation of The Holy Qur’an he writes that, being hungry and the eating of food reveals that both Jesus and his mother were common mortals. Everything alive needs food for nourishment; the Supreme Being alone has no need of food. Since Jesus is clearly portrayed as having eaten food while alive, it would not be possible for Jesus to remain alive without food. Surah 5:75 shows that Jesus is not still alive (The Holy Qur’an page 271). This is in direct conflict with the Koran where it says that Jesus was not crucified but Allah caught Jesus up or exalted him in the divine presence (Surah 4:157,158).

In Turin, Italy there is a burial shroud with the superimposed picture of a man who had been beaten and then crucified with his blood all over the shroud. The blood has never decayed. This my friend is the sign of Deity for the whole world to see. On the Day of Judgment it will witness against all who will not believe in Jesus as divine.

The Koran clearly states that Allah has neither son nor a helper due to weakness. When is having a son a sign of weakness?” Isn’t having a son a sign of strength? If Allah does not have a helper due to weakness could he have one due to strength? What is Gabriel to Allah if not a helper? Yet he is a created being and not deity. Is not the Holy Spirit in the Koran part deity and part angelic (Surah 19:14)” What, then, is so wrong with the Son and Holy Spirit being each totally God equal with God the Father and comprising one God?

BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door. And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle (Exodus 33:7-11).

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, (Deuteronomy 34:10).

The Lord your God will raise up unto you a Prophet from the midst of you (Israel), of your brethren, like unto me (Moses); unto him you shall hearken; (Deuteronomy 18:15).

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead (Matthew 17:1-9).

All things are delivered to me (Jesus) of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him (Luke 10:22).

COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

On the journey in the wilderness God came down in a pillar of a cloud and spoke face to face with Moses in the presence of the congregation of Israel. Moses represented the people before God. The meeting of Moses with God was not obscure but public.

There was to arise from the congregation of Israel another who spoke face to face with God. This is shown by the Biblical comment that there arose not another prophet like unto Moses in Israel who knew the Lord face to face.

The other prophet who arose from the congregation of Israel who knew the Lord face to face was Jesus. God the Father witnessed that Jesus was His Son to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. He even said that they were to listen to Jesus. This is what Moses had said many years earlier: “To Him you will hearken.” In being the Son of God, Jesus had prior existence as God before birth; He had of course spoken with God face to face at that time.

Jesus said, “No man knows the Father but the Son and no man knows the Son but the Father.” This shows an exclusive intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. “The Father reveals to people the Son and the Son reveals to people the Father.” This means that for a correct knowledge and understanding of God; Divine revelation is needed. The Holy Bible is that Divine revelation and the Holy Spirit has to instruct us.

COMPARING & CONTRASTING THE KORAN WITH SCRIPTURE

In the Koran we read that Allah does not directly communicate with humans even though it does admit that Allah communicated with Moses. What the Koran seems to leave out is some of the details like communicating with the entire congregation of Israel. Allah is said to have honored Israel above all the other nations. What other nation has ever had God speak to them all at one time as Israel has. This is indeed a great honor. No other nation will ever match it. Ever!

The Koran claims that Jesus is not the Son of God, yet in the Holy Bible God the Father claimed that Jesus is His Son in the presence of witnesses; Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elisha, who had died many years earlier, were also their speaking to Jesus.

God appears to be quite intimate with the human race.

CONCLUSION

Which God would you prefer to serve: the one who will not humble himself to meet with mortal man, or the One who is humble enough Himself to meet with mortal man?

God so loved people, you and me, that he sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Wouldn’t you rather have everlasting life than to perish?

REFERENCES

The Koran’s passages is a paraphrase of several English translations.
The Koran, translated by N.J. Dawood: A Penguin Classic
The Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali: Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at Lahore Inc. U.S.A.
The Koran, translated by Marmaduke Pickthall: Everyman’s Library

The Holy Bible is partly paraphrased from the King James Version
The Liberty Annotated Study Bible: Liberty University & Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Shining God’s Light on the Koran – God Communicating with Man Part 1F

Sam continues his on-going series which contrasts the Judeo-Christian Bible with the Islamic Koran on a variety of topics. He aims the beam of the Biblical laser on the Koran to expose, to reveal what it really says. See his previous articles here.

God's Verbal Interaction with Man Part Six

Moses and the Ten Commandments

In the Koran, Allah is said to not have direct verbal communication with mankind. In the Holy Bible, however, God is said to have verbally communicated directly with several men. In this series of articles I am considering some of those men, and one in particular in this writing, Moses, when God gave him the Ten Commandments.

THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

It is beneath the dignity of Allah to condescend to speak to a mortal with the exception of disclosing information or from behind a covering hidden from view or by dispatching a messenger who reveals with His permission what He pleases; certainly, He is Exalted and exercises good judgment (Surah 42:51).

Allah made direct contact with Moses when speaking to him (Surah 4:164).

There is no comprehension of Allah’s character among those who say that Allah has never revealed anything to any mortal human (Surah 6:91).

Children of Israel, recall the approval and support I (Allah) have given you and raised you in status and dignity above all the other nations of the earth (Surah 2:47).

It is not proper for a believer to kill another believer except by mistake (Surah 4:92).

Those who do not believe are an enemy to you with no restrictions (Surah 4:101).

You who believe! Make war on the unbelievers who live near you. May they discover your determination and realize that Allah is with those who serve Him (Surah 9:123).

Those do not believe who say, “Certainly, Allah, He is the Christ the son of Mary (Surah 5:17).”

Undoubtedly unbelievers say, “Look, Allah, He is the Christ the Son of Mary (Surah 5:72).”

Allah revealed His orders to the angels; proclaiming, “I am with you. Make the believers steadfast. I shall cast terror into the minds of the unbelieving. Cut off their heads and cut off the very tips of their fingers (Surah 8:12).”

COMMENTARY ON THE KOANIC ACCOUNT

According to the Koran Allah does not lower himself to speak directly to mortals. He may reveal something of new significance to someone, but not usually. He will hide himself behind a sheet or send a messenger to deliver the message he wants to send people. Such as when Gabriel was sent to speak to Muhammad in order to reveal Allah’s word to him.

The Koran contradicts itself when it says that Allah does not speak openly to mortals. Then it says that Allah spoke directly to Moses. Moses was a mortal who Allah spoke to without something between them.

Certainly the Koran shows that Allah desires to communicate non-verbally when it is written that he will strike terror or fear into the psychic of those who do not believe. This is accomplished by his believers cutting off the heads and fingertips of the unbelievers. Such behavior is contrary to the conscience of most people.

This is permissible in the Koran since believers are only to not kill other believers except by accident. Those who believe in Islam are commanded to make war against those who are not Muslims and murder them; especially Christians who believe that Jesus is God. However, anyone who will not convert to Islam is subject to death. This includes Atheists, Hindus, Buddhists, and others who will not convert to Islam.

Those who are unbelievers have no protection in the Koran against any way believers in Islam wish to treat them. The Koran has no restrictions in Islam for evil conduct of the believer toward the unbeliever. The unbeliever is considered the vile enemy. The unbeliever being the ones who clam that Jesus is God.

BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

And God spake all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, which have brought you out of the house of bondage. You shalt have no other gods before me. You shalt not make unto you any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the; water under the earth: You shalt not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and forth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments (Exodus 20:1-6).”

“You shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (Exodus 20:7).”

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt you labor and do all your work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God: in it you shalt not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it (Exodus 20:10,11).”

“Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God giveth you. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:12-17).”

All the people saw the thundering, and the lightening, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. They said unto Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” Moses said unto the people, “Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces that you sin not.” The people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. The Lord said unto Moses, “Thus you shall say unto the children of Israel, You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven (Exodus 20:18-22).”

COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

God informed Israel that they were not to have any gods other than the one true God. No idols or graven images. God’s name was not to be misused. Rest was to be observed on the last day of the week.

In six days God created the heaven and the earth and all that therein is. This shows that each day is a 24 hour day. The week is what we have from that first week of creation when God worked and rested.

Children are to obey and honor their parents. This brings long life which presupposes that the parents will instruct their children in doing those things which will bring about long life. This shows that life on earth is something to be valued and long life is a blessing from God. God, hence, loves life and so should we.

God’s command is to not kill, to not steal, to not commit adultery, or to not bear false witness against your neighbor. People are to not covet the possessions of others.

The congregation of Israel observed and heard God speak with Moses from heaven on the top of the mountain. There was darkness, lightening, thunder, and a trumpet blast so much so that the people feared for their lives. God wanted the people to fear Him so they would not sin. Moses went into the darkness where God was.

COMPARING & CONTRASTING THE KORAN WITH SCRIPTURE

The Koran states that God spoke with Moses but the Scriptures show that this did not only happen in private but also in the presence of many others: possibly over three million others.

Not killing in the Koran is only between believers (in Islam), those who reject Jesus as God and who follow Islam. For all others it does not seem to matter what happens to them. They can be killed at will. Scripture is different. The same law applies to both Israel and to strangers living in Israel (Exodus 12:49).

CONCLUSION

Which God would you prefer to serve: The one who will not humble Himself to meet with mortal man, or the One who is humble enough Himself to meet with mortal man.

The Koran appears to portray Allah as an unmerciful god who delights in seeing mankind destroyed.

REFERENCES

The Koran’s passages are a paraphrase of several English translations.
The Koran, translated by N.J. Dawood: A Penguin Classic
The Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali: Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at Lahore Inc. U.S.A.
The Koran, translated by Marmaduke Pickthall: Everyman’s Library
The Holy Bible is paraphrased from the King James Version
The Liberty Annotated Study Bible: Liberty University & Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Shining God’s Light on the Koran – God Communicating with Man Part 1E

Sam continues his on-going series which contrasts the Judeo-Christian Bible with the Islamic Koran on a variety of topics. He aims the beam of the Biblical laser on the Koran to expose, to reveal what it really says. See his previous articles here.

God’s Verbal Interaction with Man, Part Five

Moses at Mount Sinai

According to the Koran, Allah is said to not directly communicate verbally with mankind. In the Holy Bible, however, God is said to have verbally communicated with men several times. In this article I will consider one man in particular, Moses, and the children of Israel at Mount Sinai.

THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

It is beneath the dignity of Allah to condescend to speak to a mortal with the exception of disclosing information or from behind a covering hidden from view or by dispatching a messenger who reveals with His permission what He pleases; certainly He is Exalted and exercises good judgment (Surah 42:51).

Allah made direct contact with Moses when speaking to him (Surah 4:164).

There is no comprehension of Allah’s character among those who say that Allah has never revealed anything to any mortal human (Surah 6:91).

Write of Moses in the book, he was selected to represent Allah, divinely inspired. We addressed him from the right slope of Mount Sinai. He came to Us and We communed with him (Surah 19:51,52).

Children of Israel, recall the approval and support I (Allah) have given you and raised you in status and dignity above all the other nations of the earth (Surah 2:47).

COMMENTARY ON THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

According to the Koran, Allah does not lower himself to speak directly to mere mortals. He may reveal something of new significance to someone but not usually. He will hide himself behind a sheet or send a messenger to deliver the message he wants to send people. Such as when Gabriel was sent to speak to Muhammad in order to reveal Allah’s word to him.

The Koran contradicts itself when it says that Allah does not speak openly to mortals. Then it says that Allah spoke directly to Moses. Moses was a mortal who Allah spoke to without something between them.

To speak directly to Moses Allah had to humble himself significantly for such an encounter.

Certainly direct face to face dialogue is not the only way to communicate with someone, but Allah did it with Moses. Moses was chosen by Allah to represent him.

Allah and Gabriel “We” called to Moses from the right side of Mount Sinai and spoke with him several days once Moses came up to them.

The Koran acknowledges that Israel was given by Allah a status higher than any other nation. The commentary in “The Holy Quran,” page 26, written by Maulana Muhammad Ali states that by “the nations” it is meant that this superior status was only during their time of triumph over their contemporary peoples. The implication is that it is not for today or for the future. To this I totally disagree. The only nation which will exist forever and into the new heaven and new earth will be Israel (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 9:6,7). Islam is destined to perish from the face of the earth and all those who follow it. No matter how many believe in it, how much wealth and land they acquire, or how many people they kill. Islam loses (Revelation 20, 21, and 22)!

BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Israel camped before Mount Sinai in the desert of Sinai. Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain (Exodus 19:1-3). The Lord told Moses to tell Israel, “you have seen what I did to Egypt and brought you to myself. Now, therefore, you will obey My voice and keep my covenant. You shall be a special treasure to Me above all people: for all the earth is mine. You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Tell the children of Israel this.” Moses called the elders together and told them what God had said. The people pledged to obey the voice of the Lord and Moses told the Lord what the people said (Exodus 19:3-8). And the Lord said unto Moses, “Lo, I come unto you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you for ever.” And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord (Exodus 19:9).

It came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; And Moses went up (Exodus 19:16-20).

The Lord said unto Moses, “Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish. Let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them.” And Moses said unto the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai: for you have charged us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and set it apart.” The Lord said unto him, “Away, you get down, and you shall come up, you, and Aaron with you: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the Lord, lest he break forth upon them.” So Moses went down unto the people, and spoke unto them (Exodus 19:21-25).

COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

God called to Moses out of the mount and summoned him up to Himself. God said that Israel would be His special treasure if they were to obey His voice and keep His commands. All the earth belongs to God, and Israel would be above all other people. The people pledged to obey. God told Moses He would come down upon the mountain in a thick cloud and speak with Moses in front of the people. He said He would do this so they would believe Moses forever.

When God came down on top of the Mount Sinai there was thunder and lightning and a thick cloud. Fire ascended into heaven as from a furnace and a voice spoke as a trumpet blast. Moses brought the people of Israel out of their camp to meet with God and spoke to God. And God answered him. Moses was called up to the top of the mountain by God and he went up. A boundary was set up about the mountain so the people would not come near the mountain lest God would break out and slay them. The entire mountain quaked and the people trembled.

God not only spoke to Moses but He spoke to the people as well. God spoke to Moses in front of the people showing them that He was speaking to Moses. God did not speak to Moses in secret but He spoke to Moses openly in front of the whole congregation. Here God is verbally interacting with over three million people. There was no doubt in their mind who was talking to them. It’s imperative that we believe Moses forever just as they were to believe forever.

Jesus said if you don’t believe Moses how will you believe me (John 5:45-47). And Jesus also said if they don’t believe Moses and the prophets they won’t believe someone who was raised from the dead (Luke 16:31).

COMPARING & CONTRASTING THE KORAN WITH SCRIPTURE

In the Koran Allah and Gabriel (we) called to Moses from the side of the Mount Sinai. This is different than in the Scriptures. In Scripture God called to Moses from out of the mountain. Then He came down in a thick cloud on top of the mountain and spoke. This shows a difference between the scripture and the Koran. In the Koran it was Allah and an angel that spoke to Moses. In Scripture it is God alone that speaks to Moses. There were no angels involved. The Koran elevates the angel, or angels, whichever the case may be, to a god type status even though the angels are created beings.

In the Koran and in Scripture Moses was called to the top of the mountain by Allah and by God, respectively, and in both accounts Moses went up.

The Koran says that god made direct contact with Moses. In Scripture God not only made dialogue with Moses but did so in front of the whole congregation of Israel.

In the Koran Allah is said to have given Israel a status above every other nation, which the commentary says is to have ended. In scripture God says that Israel will be a special treasure to Him above all other peoples if they obey Him and keep His covenant. Nowhere in scripture has God ever withdrawn this special status. This is a spurious commentary on the part of the Koran by the commentator and does not agree with Scripture (Romans Ch. 11).

CONCLUSION

Which God would you prefer to serve: The one who will not humble himself to meet with mortal man, or the One who is humble enough Himself to meet with mortal man.

The Koran does not accurately convey what is written in Scripture, nor does it have the detail of scripture on a subject.

Those interpreting the Koran are not accurate to the text of the Koran with their comments. The Scriptures are not to be treated this way. “Knowing this first that no prophesy of scripture is of any private interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)

REFERENCES

The Koran’s passages is a paraphrase of several English translations.
The Koran, translated by N.J. Dawood: A Penguin Classic.
The Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali: Ahmadiyya
Anjuman Isha’at Lahore Inc. U.S.A.
The Koran, translated by Marmaduke Pickthall: Everyman’s Library.
The Holy Bible is paraphrased from the King James Version.
The Liberty Annotated Study Bible: Liberty University & Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Shining God’s Light on the Koran – God Communicating with Man Part 1D

Sam continues his on-going series which contrasts the Judeo-Christian Bible with the Islamic Koran on a variety of topics. He aims the beam of the Biblical laser on the Koran to expose, to reveal what it really says. See his previous articles here.

God’s Verbal Interaction with Man, Part Four

Moses and Water from the Rock

According to the Koran, Allah is said to not directly communicate verbally with mankind. In the Holy Bible, however, God is said to have verbally communicated with men several times. I would like to consider in this current series of articles, one man in particular, Moses with the Children of Israel at Massah and Meribah.

THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

It is beneath the dignity of Allah to condescend to speak to a mortal with the exception of disclosing information or from behind a covering hidden from view or by dispatching a messenger who reveals with His permission what He pleases; certainly He is Exalted and exercises good judgment (Surah 42:51).

Allah made direct contact with Moses when speaking to him (Surah 4:164).

There is no comprehension of Allah’s character among those who say that Allah has never revealed anything to any mortal human ( Surah 6:91).

When Moses inquired about water for his people, We said: Hit the rock with your staff. Thereupon, out of the rock flowed twelve streams of water, and each one of the tribes knew their proper drinking place (Surah 2:60).

COMMENTARY ON THE KORANIC ACCOUNT

According to the Koran Allah does not lower himself to speak directly to mortals. He may reveal something of new significance to someone, but not usually. He will hide himself behind a sheet or send a messenger to deliver the message he wants to send to people. Such as when Gabriel was sent to speak to Muhammad in order to reveal Allah’s word to him.

The Koran contradicts itself when it says that Allah does not speak openly to mortals. Contradicting itself, the Koran says that Allah spoke directly to Moses. Moses was a mortal to whom Allah spoke without something being between them.

Revelation can take on many forms. Verbal revelation is only one form of revelation from God. The implication that someone may say or think that God does not reveal anything to anyone shows a lack of clear understanding of God on the part of that Individual. God revealed Himself to Pharaoh through the ten plagues on Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptian army. This was not verbal communication from God to Pharaoh. Instead, God made an example of Pharaoh, and in so doing displayed His power for the entire world to see. This is an example of non-verbal communication between God and man.

When Moses came to a place in the desert where there was no water; Moses beseeched the Lord for water: Allah and Gabriel told Moses what to do, which was to hit the rock with his shepherd’s staff. Moses did do this and twelve streams of water flowed out of the rock, one stream for each of the twelve tribes.

BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

All the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched (their tents) in Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink (Exodus 17:1).

Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, “Why do you chide with me? Wherefore do you tempt the Lord?” And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, “Wherefore is this that you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst (Exodus 17:2,3)?”

And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, “What shall I do unto this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” And the Lord said unto Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you of the elders of Israel; and your rod, wherewith you smotest the river, take in your hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there upon the rock in Horeb; and you shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel (Exodus 17:4-6).

He called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they temped the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us, or not (Exodus 17:7)?”

COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT

Scripture states that there were 603,550 men twenty years old and older capable of going to war (Numbers 1:45, 46). The tribe of Levi is excluded from the count. If these 603,550 men were all married and had an average of three children per family, this would calculate to 3,017,750 people that were with Moses, excluding the population of the tribe of Levi. Have you ever taken your family on a camping trip? Remember the logistics involved? Imagine camping out with a family of over three million people. They follow their leader, who is God, to a place where there is no water. Instead of trusting God to provide; they complain that Moses has taken them out of Egypt into the desert to kill them all with thirst. Moses has the good sense to realize that it is not with him, that they are complaining, but with God. Moses explains the situation to God as being very desperate.

God speaks directly to Moses and tells him to go to a rock on which God Himself will stand, and to hit it with his shepherd’s staff. This he did, in front of the elders of Israel, and out of the rock gushed forth water.

Notice that in complaining about Moses and questioning that God was with them the children of Israel were actually tempting God.

COMPARING & CONTRASTING THE KORAN WITH SCRIPTURE

The Koran and Scripture disagree on who it was that spoke to Moses and told him to hit the rock with his staff. In the Koran it was “We,” that is, Allah and Gabriel. In Scripture it was the Lord, who spoke to Moses, no angel was involved.

The Koran and the Scripture agree that water came forth from the rock. Enough water was supplied to provide amply for the whole congregation of Israel . The disagreement between the two is on the number of streams flowing from the rock. Scripture says water came out of the rock, which is one stream. The Koran, on the other hand, claims that there were twelve streams, which came forth from the rock.

It is interesting that Allah would have twelve streams gushing out of a rock, one stream for each one of the twelve tribes. In Scripture we learn that the High Priest was to wear a breastplate with twelve different stones and the name of each of twelve tribes of Israel on his chest (Exodus 28:2).

CONCLUSION

Which God would you prefer to serve. the one who will not humble himself to meet with mortal man, or the One, who is humble enough Himself to meet with mortal man.

It is possible that the Koran was written on hearsay by Muhammad and not by revelation from an angel. Inaccuracies within the Koran make it appear flummoxed. If the Koran were divinely inspired, then it would have no inaccuracies. In this series I have pointed out several inaccuracies, and expect to find numerous others.

REFERENCES

The Koran passages are a paraphrase of several English translations.
The Koran, translated by N.J. Dawood: A Penguin Classic
The Qur’an, translated by M.H. Shakir: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc.
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali: Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at Lahore Inc. U.S.A.
The Koran, translated by Marmaduke Pickthall: Everyman’s Library
The Holy Bible is paraphrased from the King James Version
The Liberty Annotated Study Bible: Liberty University & Thomas Nelson, Inc.