Discussion Starter

In Exodus we see God beginning to shape the community of Israelites after leading them out of Egypt. He seems to be a leader to the former "aliens” of Egypt and governs how they should lead their lives, similar to how other Greek philosophers instructed citizens only with a more commanding voice. Initially God tests the Israelites by raining “bread from the heaven” around them and instructing them to “gather enough for that day only” (Exodus 1.16). If you gather too much bread and save it for the next day, it will spoil, defeating the purpose of gathering too much anyway. The way in which God tests the Israelites is similar to how Socrates suggests the guardians should be tested in the Kalopolis, through deception to see who can withstand the falsehoods for that guardian will make the best ruler. In both Exodus and the Republic there is selective testing. God chooses to test the Israelites, however he decides to harden the Egyptian Pharaohs heart rather than test give him the chance to respond to Moses. Socrates decides to test the guardians, however does not decide to test the producers. What distinction is made between groups that we can justify testing one group rather than another? What does this say about equality? 

After the initial bread test, God continues to instruct the Israelites on how to live through the Ten Commandments. He says there no God before him, should be no false idols, should not say the lords name in vain, keep the sabbath, honor your mother and father, shall not murder, shall not commit adultery, shall not steal, shall not bear false witness, shall not covet (Exodus 1.20). In the Handbook, Epictetus offered similar advice on how a person should live his life. Did the Ten Commandments reflect similar morals as Epictetus? How did Epictetus’ handbook differ in tone and commandment from the word of God? As a follow up, we have heard many definitions of what it means to be an ideal man. By following the 10 commandments or the word of God in general, are you an ideal person? In this modern day would you still be considered an ideal person for following the word of God?