Moses VS Abraham Essay -- essays research papers

In the Old Testament, Abraham and Moses were two very prominent leaders chosen by God to do his will. Throughout Genesis and Exodus, both men play important roles in fulfilling God’s will. They are put to many tests, given covenants, and communicate constantly with God. Although they have many similarities such as being leaders and men of God, there are also many differences between the two. In terms of leadership, Abraham was a noble leader. Although he grew up in a camp where the notion of one God was not accepted, he eventually manages to become the leader of a tribe and make the people believe in his faith. He leads them around endlessly from Ur to Canaan, to Egypt, then back to Canaan. His tribe followed him around without much questions. They just followed his leadership. Moses was also a great leader. When he led the Hebrews out of Egypt to the Red Sea, some people questioned Moses saying, â€Å"It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert† (Exodus14:12). Moses being a calm leader replied, â€Å"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still† (Exodus 14:13-14). In the mist of his people doubting him and the Egyptians on the chase, Moses reassures his people to p ut their faith in God. This shows Moses courageous leadership in a time of eminent danger. After they cross the Red Sea, with the help of the Lord parting it, the Red Sea closes on the Egyptians and Moses and his people are safe. After all this, Moses and his people encounter many struggles such as thirst, hunger, attacks from enemies, however Moses always manages somehow to renew the faith of his people and lead them to the promise land. Just like Abraham, Moses was a worthy leader. They both managed to keep the faith of their people in God and they lead the people to the places they were destined to go. The only difference is that Moses faced more doubt from his people then Abraham did. Although they were similar leaders, they did have a different relationship with God. Abraham from the onset did not question God at all. Anything that God told him to do, it was done. For example, God asked Abraham, â€Å"Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt ... ...er the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground† (Exodus 14:15). Unlike Abraham, who communicated to God solely through prayer, Moses communicated to God in a physical form and a direct way, in addition to prayer. In conclusion, both Abraham and Moses were great leaders of their people. Moses had the extra burden of freeing them first, however they both ended up convincing their people to put their faith in God and lead them properly. As far as their relationship with God goes, they both had undoubting faith in the end, but Moses had different relationship with God initially since he questioned himself. Abraham did everything God told him to without question, including almost having to sacrifice his son. They both ended up caring out their respective covenants, both dealing with the promise of a new land filled with glory. The last point is that they communicated a bit differently with God. Moses talked to God directly, in the form of a burning bush, and through prayer. Abraham only conversed with God through prayer. In short, both men of God had many similarities and differences, in various aspects of their lives and connection with God.