Several political leaders in US history have used the symbolism of the biblical prophet Moses. The story of Moses and the
history of Israel gave meaning and hope to the lives of Pilgrims seeking religious and personal freedom, and later inspired
America's founding fathers during the American Revolution. The Moses story helped writers of the Declaration of
Independence, followed by our Constitution. His story was referred to by Abraham Lincoln to help justify America’s Civil
War, and then by civil rights leaders.
Some scholars have claimed that the Ten Commandments is the basis of America's Constitution, with theologians like
William Barclay proclaiming, "From Israel we Christian peoples inherit that wise and holy code of laws. Our society is
founded upon it." John Adams, America's 2nd president, compared Moses to the Greek philosophers: "As much as I love,
esteem, and admire the Greeks, I believe the Hebrews have done more to enlighten and civilize the world. Moses did
more than all their legislators and philosophers."
In popular culture, there have been numerous
references to Moses as well. The 1956 film
The Ten Commandments, for instance, is
said to parallel "the narrative of America's
own nationhood under God," with "patriotic
allegories about the struggle for democratic
freedom." At the end of the film, the final pose
of Moses, played by Charlton Heston, is said
to mimic that of The Statue of Liberty. Even
the childhood of the comic book hero
Superman is similar to that of Moses, who
was also "set adrift to become his people's
savior."
Moses in American History
Moses in American History
Moses in American History