Why was Moses the greatest prophet ever? (Deuteronomy 34:10) "Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face."
Deuteronomy 34:10
ESV - 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
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Although there were many prophets who acted as God's spokesperson to Israel, I would say that, in terms of the Old Testament context in which that statement was made, Moses would have indeed qualified for the description noted in the question on the basis of multiple factors: 1) the size and length of his mission -- not just conveying a one-time message from God as some other prophets did, but delivering the entire nation of Israel from its bondage in Egypt; personally acting as mediator between Israel and God in the giving of the Law (which was the framework for the civil, religious, and ceremonial lives of Israel for centuries); and then being responsible for Israel's welfare during forty years of wandering (which did not even begin until Moses was already eighty years old); 2) remaining faithful to God despite the numerous hardships that Israel endured and the repeated rebellions, complaining, and jealousy (even from his own brother and sister (Numbers 12)) that characterized Israel's actions during their years in the wilderness, and despite God not allowing him to live to see Israel's entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:1-13); and 3) the length and closeness of his interaction with God throughout that entire period of time (Numbers 12:6-8).
e.g. My opinion is that... I don't think the word "ever" should be in the question. Peradventure it fits in, let's consider this few thoughts together under God's grace. There is need to honor God's word irrespective of our conditions and opinions. Prior to this time, God called the father of faith (Abraham) a prophet Genesis 20:7. And now, God said Moses is different and no one like him in the office of a prophet - so be it. But this statement remained valid for his dispensation and that before. God tested him and trusted him to be true. His works and perseverance are second to none. These are recorded from Genesis to Deuteronomy. Moses was a great prophet in his time. However, the validity of this statement was before the birth of John the Baptist. Irrespective of signs and wonders God did through Moses, He has said a new thing that override the previous in Mathew 11:9-11. "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist;..." The parameters by which God measures is different from that of humans. Nevertheless, Moses saw God face to face and communed with him, but John the Baptist was able to recognize God while in flesh and showed Him to people to behold - John 1:29. Beyond his seeing face to face like Moses, he touched him and baptized him. Moses was a great prophet but John the Baptist is greater and he who is least in the kingdom of God is the greatest says the Lord God. Mathew 11:11. Thank you for the opportunity to share my view.
Moses was not the greatest prophet ever. The writer of the book of Deuteronomy can only make his observations and conclusions on Moses’s life based on his personal knowledge of history to that point in time. He is not prophesying about the future. In fact, Jesus tells us who was the greatest prophet of all time. It was John the Baptist. In Matthew 11:9 Jesus confirms that John was a prophet. Then in Matthew 11:11 Jesus says “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist...”
I think it was because "by an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king’s blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going." (Hebrews 11:27) "It is not enough to refuse—we must choose. We must back up a negative with a positive. See the refusal and choice of Hebrews 11:24-25." --Moses - Lockyer's All the Men of the Bible Moses forsook the pleasures of sin (Heb 11:25).
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