Pemikiran Yahudi Bilangan 16:3: Guide for the Perplexed

In the same manner does the root nasa (to lift up) denote both elevation in space and elevation in rank and dignity. In the former sense it occurs in “And they lifted up (va-yisseü) their corn upon their asses” (Gen. 42:26) and there are many instances like this in which this verb has the meaning “to carry,” “to move” from place to place: for this implies elevation in space. In the second sense we have “And his kingdom shall be exalted” (ve-tinnase) (Num. 24:7); “And he bare them, and carried them” (va-yenasseëm) (Isa. 63:9); “Wherefore do ye exalt yourselves” (titnasseü) (Num. 16:3).

That his prophecy was distinguished from that of all his predecessors is proved by the passage, “And I appeared to Abraham, etc., but by my name, the Lord, I was not known unto them” (Exod. 6:3). We thus learn that his prophetic perception was different from that of the Patriarchs, and excelled it; a fortiori it must have excelled that of other prophets before Moses. As to the distinction of Moses’ prophecy from that of succeeding prophets, it is stated as a fact, “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deut. 34:10). It is thus clear that his prophetic perception was above that of later prophets in Israel, who are “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” and “in whose midst is the Lord”; much more is it above that of prophets among other nations.