The Teachings of Mark (Mimar Marqe Book I Chapter 3)

A continuation in our series from John MacDonald's (1963) translation of the most important book in the Samaritan tradition after the Pentateuch. The central 'revelation' - not merely a midrash but a revelation given around the beginning of the second century - from which 'Samaritanism' itself is derived.

Moses returned at once to Jethro and greeted him, before he should go off. He said to him, "I have brethren in Egypt whom I have not seen since the day I left them. I want to go and find out whether they are still alive in the world." (Ex.iv.18)

Commemorate well Jethro for the reply which he made. His greatness has been recorded! Jethro said, Go in peace (Ex. iv.18).

And the Lord said to him in Midian - strengthening his heart so that he should not be afraid - Go back to Egypt and do not be submissive, for all the men who were seeking you life are dead (Ex. iv. 19l; Targ.). Receive authority from me and set it in your heart, for all your enemies will fall before you. Do not fear them, for they are in your power. With the rod I gave you you will subdue them. Who will be able to oppose you, when my great name is with you? Verily every foe will fall before you as suddenly as evening falls."

The proclamation came in the night. He prepared himself for the journey.

So Moses took his wife and sons (Ex. iv. 20; Targ.) on the morning following the proclamation.
So Moses took his wife and sons, a conquerer leaving to set forth to battle.
So Moses took his wife and sons, a farmer seeking to go to his own.
So Moses took his wife and sons, an Elder leaving to take up his position.
So Moses took his wife and sons, a lover sent to his beloved.
He saddled his ass and mounted his wife and children for the return journey.

Abraham arose in the morning and saddled his ass (Gen xxii.3; Targ.), setting forth in great purity.
Abraham took Isaac and two of his young men with him to Bethel to sacrifice there.
Moses took his wife and children to go to Mount Sinai and stand in the presence of his Lord.
Abraham furnished himself in Beersheba to go to the place which God had commanded him.
Moses got himself ready in Midian to go to the place which I AM had commanded him.

Abraham's young men did not ascend to Bethel, nor do Moses' children ascend Mount Sinai.
Abraham's young men remained at a distance until he returned.
And Moses children turned back from close proximity, as they were afraid that night of what they saw.

We set forth a section but will not study it too closely, nor will we deviate from the way in which we have been led.

The Lord said to Aaron, Go (Ex iv. 27; Targ.) and meet your brother, and receive from him the secrets he holds.
The Lord said to Aaron, Go and meet your brother, for you are about to become his prophet.
The Lord said to Aaron, Go and meet your brother. Because of you he will wage victorious war against Pharaoh the king.
The Lord said to Aaron, Go and meet your brother, for through seeing you his heart will be strengthened.
The Lord said to Aaron, Go and meet your brother, for his sons and wife have departed from him, and he is alone, left all by himself on the way.

If it has not occurred to him that his heart is straitened, I know that in your heart is something greater than his, and with you he will conquer there in battle. I have given him my name, so that he need not fear. I have provided a rod for him out of the fire. I have shown him my signs, that his heart may not weaken. Despite that, he said, " I am inexpert in speaking," but I will say to him, concerning you, "He will be your prophet". Said he, "Will he understand what I say?" Be you at ease! Be a good intermediary. Arise in the morning to meet your brother in the desert; go and meet him at the Mountain of God - two lights going out (alter reading 'embracing') to each other."

So he went and met him at the mountain of God (Ex. iv. 27; Targ.) - the sun and the moon who came together from Amram and Jochebed.
So he went and met him at the mountain of God - the Tigris and Euphrates joined together.

How good to see them embracing there, between them great joy, the one kissing the other with tears in their eyes, having double love for one another. "Welcome my brother," Aaron said to Moses, "The years have been too long for me since last seeing you. Time is short! The God of the world has proclaimed to me in your name."

Moses' joy was considerably increased (on hearing that). "Praise be to the Powerful One who has brought us together now after much delay, for a meeting after tarrying greatly increases love."

Jacob was united with Esau after many years, and their joy was great and their hostility removed.

In the case of the rock they stood, the two of them in great affection. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord (Ex. iv. 28; Targ.) and revealed to him these signs. Moses performed them in Aaron's presence. When he heard these words from Moses, he began to utter praises to the God of the world. "Happy are you, my brother, for these mysteries which He has revealed to you."

How excellent to see them enter Egypt like the two angels who entered Sodom!
The two angels entered Sodom at eventide, sent to open the storehouse of wrath upon all the inhabitants therein.
Moses and Aaron entered Egypt at eventide, sent to open the storehouse of judgement therein.
The angels were sent to destroy Sodom. Moses and Aaron were sent to destroy Egypt.
The angels ate unleavened bread in Sodom. Moses and Aaron celebrated the feast of unleavened bread in Egypt.
The angels burnt the young in the deep. Moses and Aaron smote Pishon, tributary of Eden.
The angels drove out Lot in the morning. Moses and Aaron led the Israelites out before morning.

Excellent for ever these two! Their greatness fills the heaven and the earth!