The question of why Satan desired the body of Moses is a fascinating one that delves into the mysterious and often enigmatic realm of spiritual warfare and biblical history. This question arises from a brief but intriguing reference in the New Testament book of Jude:
"But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'" (Jude 1:9, NASB).
This single verse opens a window into a spiritual conflict that is not elaborated upon elsewhere in Scripture, leaving us to piece together its significance from the broader biblical narrative and theological understanding.
Firstly, it is essential to consider who Moses was and why his body might hold particular significance. Moses was a central figure in the Old Testament, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, receive the Law, and guide the people through the wilderness. His death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34:5-6:
"So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day."
The secrecy surrounding Moses' burial is unique and suggests that God had a specific reason for concealing his final resting place. One possible reason for this secrecy is to prevent the Israelites from turning Moses' grave into a site of idolatrous worship. Given their propensity to fall into idolatry, as evidenced by the golden calf incident (Exodus 32), it is plausible that God wanted to prevent any potential misuse of Moses' body or grave.
But why would Satan be interested in the body of Moses? To understand this, we must explore Satan's nature and his objectives. Satan, also known as the devil, is depicted in the Bible as the adversary of God and His people. His primary aim is to oppose God's plans, deceive humanity, and lead people away from the truth.
One potential reason for Satan's interest in Moses' body could be to undermine God's plan and sow confusion or idolatry among the Israelites. If Satan could have gained control of Moses' body, he might have used it to deceive the people, perhaps by creating a false narrative or encouraging the worship of Moses rather than God. This would align with Satan's role as the "father of lies" (John 8:44) and his continuous efforts to lead people astray.
Another perspective to consider is the symbolic significance of Moses' body in the broader context of salvation history. Moses represents the Law, which was a crucial part of God's covenant with Israel. However, the Law also pointed to humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through their efforts, highlighting the need for a Savior. Satan's desire to possess Moses' body could symbolize his attempt to cling to the old covenant and prevent the fulfillment of the new covenant through Jesus Christ.
The dispute between Michael the archangel and Satan over Moses' body also highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?" is often depicted as a warrior angel who stands against the forces of darkness. His refusal to pronounce a judgment against Satan, instead invoking the Lord's rebuke, demonstrates the proper way to engage in spiritual conflict—relying on God's authority rather than our own.
This incident also underscores that there are aspects of the spiritual realm that remain hidden from us. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." While we may not fully understand all the details of the dispute over Moses' body, we can trust that God is sovereign and that His purposes will ultimately prevail.
In addition to the scriptural references, early Christian literature provides some insight into this enigmatic event. For instance, the apocryphal text known as "The Assumption of Moses" is thought to contain a more detailed account of the dispute, though the text itself is not considered canonical and is only partially preserved. Early Church Fathers, such as Origen, referenced this text, suggesting that there was an oral or written tradition that expanded upon this brief mention in Jude.
From a theological standpoint, the desire for Moses' body by Satan can also be seen as a microcosm of the larger battle between good and evil. Just as Satan sought to claim Moses' body, he continually seeks to assert his influence and control over God's creation. However, the ultimate victory belongs to God, as demonstrated by Michael's reliance on the Lord's rebuke.
Furthermore, the incident encourages believers to recognize the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's power in the face of spiritual adversaries. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The dispute over Moses' body is a poignant reminder of the unseen battles that occur and the need for believers to be spiritually equipped.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide an exhaustive explanation of why Satan wanted the body of Moses, several plausible reasons emerge from the scriptural and theological context. Satan's desire could stem from a strategy to deceive and lead the Israelites into idolatry, an attempt to undermine the symbolic significance of Moses and the Law, or as part of the broader spiritual warfare between good and evil. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the importance of relying on God's authority and power in our spiritual journey.
