Wheat, much like the Law of Israel, plays a crucial foundational role in the cultural and spiritual life of the people. Just as the wheat harvest was essential for sustenance and survival in ancient Israel, the Law of Israel, codified by Moses, was essential for spiritual guidance and ethical living. The agricultural cycles and practices surrounding wheat cultivation can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual cycles and practices dictated by the Mosaic code. Both wheat and the Law of Israel require careful nurturing, adherence to specific processes, and timely action to bring about a fruitful and abundant harvest.Both wheat and the Law of Israel require careful nurturing, adherence to specific processes, and timely action to bring about a fruitful and abundant harvest.
The biblical archetype of Moses exemplifies the didactic gift, shaped by his unique life journey. His first 40 years as a prince in Pharaoh's house provided him with education and leadership skills. The subsequent 40 years as a humble shepherd in Midian, under the tutelage of his father-in-law Jethro, refined his character and prepared him for his role as a deliverer. In the final third of his life, Moses emerged as a prophet speaking for God and an apostle of a new era, establishing Israel as "one nation under God" and a light to the Gentiles. This tripartite biography of Moses - from prince to shepherd to prophet - showcases the development of his didactic genius, combining the wisdom of Egypt, the humility learned in the wilderness, and the divine revelation received from God. Moses' journey illustrates how diverse experiences and divine preparation can shape a leader capable of teaching, guiding, and transforming a nation.
The church of Pergamon, much like the Law of Israel, took on a mantle of strict literalism. This strict adherence to the letter of the law was seen as essential to maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual integrity. Just as the Mosaic code dictated specific practices and behaviours, the Church of Pergamon emphasised a rigorous approach to scripture and tradition. This literalism was both a strength and a challenge, as it provided clear guidance but also required careful interpretation to ensure that the spirit of the law was not lost in its application.