Moses in Rabbinic Literature - His Prophetic Powers

His Prophetic Powers

Aside from the Torah, Moses wrote also the Book of Job and some Psalms. He also introduced many regulations and institutions (Talmud tractate Shabbat 30a; comp. Ber. 54; Ta'an. 27; Talmud tractate Megillah 4; Yebamot Mak. 24). On account of the excellence of his prophecy he is called "the father," "the head," "the master," and "the chosen of the Prophets" (Leviticus Rabba 1.3; Esther Rabba i.; Exodus Rabba xxi. 4; Genesis Rabba lxxvi. 1). While all the other prophets ceased to prophesy after a time, Moses continued to talk with God and to prophesy throughout his life (Exodus Rabba ii. 12); and while all the other prophets beheld their visions as through nine spectacles (espaklarya) or through dim ones, Moses beheld his as through one clear, finely ground glass (Yeb. 49b; Leviticus Rabba i. 14). Balaam surpassed him in prophecy in two respects: (1) Balaam always knew when God was about to speak with him, while Moses did not know beforehand when God would speak with him; and (2) Balaam could speak with God whenever he wished, which Moses could not do. According to another tradition (Numbers Rabba xiv. 34), however, Moses also could speak with God as often as he wished. The fact that God would speak with him unawares induced Moses to give up domestic life, and to live separated from his wife (Shab. 87a).