Now, it is appropriate that we apply the life we have recalled to the objective of our discourse, so that our prior reflections may contribute towards an understanding of a virtuous life. Thus, let us return to the beginning of the story of Moses.
However, I believe those who have presented the entirety of Moses' life as a paradigm for virtue need not lengthen their account. For the individual who strives for a noble life will find in this narrative rich encouragement towards true nobility, while one who is weary from virtuous endeavors will not benefit if he strives to elaborate beyond what has been articulated, unless he forgets the very essence of our message articulated in the introduction, which states that the perfect life is such that no description of excellence halts further progression in it; rather, the continual growth in the perfection of life is the pathway to ultimate fulfillment. In bringing to closure the tale of Moses' life, it is pertinent to solidify the truth of this principle of perfection offered to us. For one who ascends greater heights throughout life, always seeking higher aspirations—like an eagle soaring above the clouds—does not cease to seek even loftier goals. He was born at a time when it was deemed a crime for a Hebrew to be born among the Egyptians; the enforcer of the law punished his very existence. Yet, Moses defied this destructive law, first preserved by his parents and then by those enforcing the law itself. Those who were meant to condemn him instead ensured his survival and noble upbringing, immersing him in all wisdom.
Afterward, he positioned himself above human accolades, prioritizing the royal dignity, recognizing himself as more authoritative and regal than merely a royal attendant. He chose virtue over royal adornments, aiming to be elevated by its splendor. Subsequently, he intervened to save a fellow Hebrew and struck down an Egyptian, symbolizing the conflict between the adversary and ally of the soul. Thereafter, he imparted profound teachings, created silence, and enlightened minds with the divine illumination that emerged from the burning bush. He sought to share the blessings he received with his brethren. In doing so, he exhibited profound strength, delivering various plagues upon their foes while benefitting his people. He guided the multitude across the sea on foot, relying not on ships but on the faith of the Israelites for their voyage. He opened the depths of the sea for the Hebrews while the waters served as a barrier for their enemies. Moses also sang a song of triumph, became a guiding pillar illuminated by heavenly fire, feasted on divine provisions, quenched his thirst from a rock, raised his hands to vanquish the Amalekites, ascended the mountain, heard the trumpet's call, ventured into darkness, approached God’s nature, resided in the exalted tabernacle, elevated the priesthood, structured the tabernacle, and reformed life through divine laws, ultimately excelling in military endeavors.
Upon completing his noble deeds, he brought judgment against immorality through the priesthood, as evidenced by Phinehas’ zealous act against sinful passion. Conclusively, he ascended the mountain of rest, not returning to the earthly realm, where, as promised, the people gazed, longing for earthly fulfillment. He consumed no earthly sustenance, fixated instead on the celestial nourishment, while he remained atop the mountain, akin to a master sculptor, transforming into a perfect life, carefully attaching not an end but rather the crown of his life's work. History records, "And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord; Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died; but his sight was not dimmed, nor his vigor diminished." Through this, we understand that for all his virtues, he is honored with the esteemed title of servant of God, implying his unparalleled perfection among mankind. For no individual can serve God unless they have attained the highest form of perfection. With Moses, the culmination of a virtuous life fulfilled by God’s command is articulated. History describes it as a death that is truly living, devoid of burial, without a grave, without the dimming of sight or the loss of radiant features.
Thus, what insights can we derive from the above discourse? The ultimate aim in life is to be acknowledged as a servant of God based on our earthly deeds. When you have triumphed over all adversaries—the Egyptians, Amalekites, Idumeans, and Midianites—you will cross the waters, be illuminated by the cloud, partake in the tree, drink from the rock, and feast upon heavenly blessings. Purity and innocence will pave your ascent to the mountain, where, amid the sound of trumpets, you will approach God in faith, beyond the limits of sight. There, you will be schooled in the ordinances of the tabernacle and trained in the priesthood. As you fashion the stone of your heart, may God's words be inscribed upon it. When you shatter the golden idol—symbolic of vanquishing all greed and covetous desires—you will become impervious to the sorcery of Balaam, understanding that such sorcery represents the various temptations of life that can lead people away from their true nature, rendering them speechless.
When these victories are achieved, and the rod of priesthood blossoms within you, it will draw sustenance not from earthly sources, but from within, bearing fruit similar to that of a nut, where initial bitterness gives way to sweetness, when all rebellion against your dignity is eradicated, for instance, as Korah is consumed by fire or Dathan by the earth. You will then near your completion; I refer to completion as the reason for all endeavors—just as the end goal of farming is to harvest produce, the objective of constructing a house is to dwell within, the aim of trade is to acquire wealth, and the culmination of ascetic pursuits is a crown—so is the high life ultimately realized in being called a servant of God, which signifies a life devoid of the burdens of sin.
And his conclusion, as narrated, transcended life itself; upon reaching the summit of the mountain, he left no imprint or memory of earthly sorrow, and his countenance, though subject to the changes of nature, retained its eternal beauty.
THEOSIS