Moses makes tea by boiling water, adding tea leaves or bags, steeping for a few minutes, and then serving it hot, often with honey or lemon.
The image of Moses sipping tea while receiving the Ten Commandments has fascinated scholars, artists, and musicians alike. This peculiar detail appears in Conor Oberst’s lyrics and Ridley Scott’s film “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” suggesting a deeper historical connection. But where does this idea originate, and is there any truth to it?
The Origins of Moses’ Tea Connection
The concept of Moses drinking tea during divine encounters stems from Dr. Benny Sharon’s controversial 2008 paper “Biblical Entheogens: A Speculative Hypothesis.” Sharon, a psychology professor at Hebrew University, proposed that Moses might have used psychoactive substances during his spiritual experiences.
What Are Entheogens?
Entheogens are psychoactive substances used in religious or spiritual contexts. Sharon compares Moses’ experiences to his own with ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian brew. He suggests similar effects could be achieved using plants native to the Sinai Peninsula.
The Sinai Tea Hypothesis
Sharon’s theory centers on two plants:
- Harmal (Syrian rue) – Contains MAO inhibitors
- Acacia – Contains DMT (a powerful psychedelic)
When combined, these could theoretically create a tea with effects similar to ayahuasca. Interestingly, Sharon found harmal growing near Qumran, home of the Essenes.
Biblical Parallels in Psychedelic Experiences
Sharon identifies five key parallels between ayahuasca experiences and Moses’ biblical encounters:
| Biblical Event | Psychedelic Parallel |
|---|---|
| Burning Bush | Visual hallucinations of light/fire |
| Shining Face | Glowing complexion reported by users |
| Serpent Staff | Common serpent visions during trips |
| Divine Encounters | Feelings of transcendence |
| Tablet Inscription | Enhanced focus during altered states |
Modern Interpretations in Art and Media
This theory has inspired several creative works:
Conor Oberst’s Musical Reference
In his 2009 song “To All the Lights in the Windows,” Oberst sings: “Moses up on a mountainside, what a place to meet/He brought his pad and his pencil, poured himself some gypsy tea.”
Ridley Scott’s Film Depiction
In “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (2014), a young God-figure serves Moses tea while he inscribes the commandments. This directly mirrors Sharon’s hypothesis.
Scholarly Reception and Criticism
While fascinating, Sharon’s theory faces significant criticism:
- Lack of direct archaeological evidence
- No mention in historical texts
- Methodological concerns about his research
- Over-reliance on anecdotal experiences
As Sharon himself admits, it remains “a speculative hypothesis.” The British Journal of Psychology published it as a thought experiment rather than definitive scholarship.
Modern Tea Rituals Inspired by Ancient Traditions
Whether or not Moses actually drank psychoactive tea, the concept has inspired modern spiritual practices. Many seek herbal alternatives to traditional coffee for meditation and mindfulness.
For those interested in ceremonial beverages, cold-pressed juices offer a contemporary approach to ritual drinking without psychoactive effects.
The Cultural Impact of the Moses Tea Theory
This idea continues to influence popular culture and academic discussions about:
- Ancient religious practices
- The nature of mystical experiences
- Historical use of psychoactive substances
- Modern reinterpretations of biblical stories
While the evidence remains circumstantial, the persistence of this image in art and media suggests it resonates with our collective imagination about ancient spirituality.
For further reading on ancient beverage traditions, see this study on entheogenic plants in religious contexts or this analysis of psychoactive substances in antiquity.
