Judaism & Revelation (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B) : Revision Note

What is revelation?

• In Judaism, revelation refers to the belief that God has revealed his will and teachings to humanity, particularly to the Jewish people

  • This is most importantly seen in the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai

  • It is considered a central event in the Jewish faith, marking the moment when God made His presence and laws known to his people

• Revelation is viewed as a way through which God guides people in their moral, spiritual, and religious lives

How does revelation prove the existence of God in Judaism?

• In Judaism, revelation is seen as proof of God's existence because it shows that God has directly communicated with humanity

• When Moses received the Torah 

  • Jews believe that this event was witnessed by the Israelites

  • This collective experience is seen as proof that God exists and interacts with his people

• Other examples are the prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah

• It is believed they received messages from God and shared them with the people

  • These events demonstrate that God reveals his will to humans, which affirms his existence and active role in the world

Direct revelation in the Tenakh

• Direct revelation in Judaism refers to God communicating his will, teachings, and laws directly to individuals or groups

• This often occurs through events or personal experiences

  • These are not messages that are interpreted through others but are understood as direct and personal encounters with God

• Direct revelation is important because it shows that God is active in the world and directly involved with his people

  • It also gives divine authority to the Torah which was revealed directly by God to Moses

  • Direct revelation shows that God communicates with his followers, guiding them on how to live according to his will

  • Direct revelation refers to God speaking directly to individuals, delivering his message

• In this example, God is reminding Eli (the high priest) that he had revealed himself directly to the Israelites in the past, particularly during their time in Egypt

  • The importance of this direct revelation is that it shows God's personal involvement in the lives of his people

  • For Judaism, this is significant because it reinforces the idea that God actively engages with humanity

Indirect revelation in the Tenakh

• Indirect or veiled revelation in Judaism refers to God’s communicating in less direct ways

• This might be through symbols, actions rather than through direct speech

  • In Deuteronomy 31:14-30, God uses Moses to prepare Joshua to lead after Moses' death

  • The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) contains symbolic messages about the nature of God

    • God as a parent: God is described as a father and mother

    • God as a warrior: God is described as a warrior who triumphed over the enemy

    • God as an inanimate object: God is described as a rock

    • God as an animate object: God is described as an eagle

• This type of revelation is important within Judaism because:

  • It encourages deeper understanding because people must interpret the message

  • It maintains mystery and reverence, showing that God's nature is beyond human understanding

  • It acts as a test of faith, requiring trust in God's wisdom even when his will is not fully clear

Why might revelation lead to belief in the existence of the Almighty?

• Direct communication with God proves his existence to many Jews because they believe what is written in the Torah to be the truth

• Events like God speaking to Moses and giving the Torah show that God directly interacts with people, proving his existence

• Miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea, are seen as signs of God's power and presence, strengthening belief in him

• Messages delivered by the prophets, who are believed to speak directly from God, also support the idea of God’s active presence in the world

Why revelation might not lead to belief in the existence of the Almighty

• Revelation may not always be what leads to belief in the existence of God

  • Some Jews may question whether the events of revelation were real or just stories that have significant meaning

  • Some Jews may prefer secular or scientific explanations relating to stories of revelation

  • Jews might interpret miracles or revelations differently, seeing them as coincidences or natural events rather than divine actions

  • Some Jews would believe that faith is more important than having proof of God’s existence

What does revelation tell Jews about God?

• Examples of revelation in Judaism reveal several aspects of the nature of God to Jews

  • They show that God is omnipotent because he reveals divine laws and shows control over the universe

  • Revelation demonstrates 

    • God’s transcendence because it shows that God is beyond human understanding, and not limited by the physical world

    • that God desires a relationship with people, guiding them through laws and teachings

    • that God made a special covenant with the Jewish people, promising protection and guidance in return for following his laws

  • Revelation also gives commandments that teach how to live righteously, showing God’s role as the source of moral law