Machiavelli's use of Moses in The Prince

His apparent deference to a religious figure here is rare if not unprecedented in the book. One assumes that he is being entirely serious and not ironic when he refers to Moses' "grace that made him worthy to talk with God" (19). If he is indeed fully in earnest, then he is also ambiguous if not contradictory in his assessment of Moses as a model leader.

If Moses does have the skill of an effective leader, then why say that his skill is beyond analysis? If he was merely an agent who was doing what he was told to do by God, then why claim that he had the skill of a highly effective leader?

Throughout the book, Machiavelli paints the picture of an effective leader as one who is skilled in discerning what military and psychological tactics and strategies are most applicable and effective in any given situation, from persuasion to force, from kindness to swift brutality. How can Moses be included as such a leader if he is merely passing along what he hears from God?

. . .
Some common words found in the essay are:
Machiavelli's Moses, Machiavelli God, Ten Commandments, Fitting Machiavelli's, God Moses', Israel Egypt, effective leader, people israel, Specifically Moses, moses model, golden calf, Indianapolis Hackett, remarkable political skill, strength purpose remarkable, strength purpose, strength strength, god 19, purpose remarkable political, purpose remarkable, skill strength strength, skill strength, strength strength purpose, remarkable political,
Approximate Word count = 833
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Machiavelli use of Moses in The Prince