Samaritan Theology on the Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses

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🕎 Who Is the Taheb?

In Samaritan belief, the Taheb (תאהב) — a term meaning “the Restorer” or “He who returns” — is a future prophetic figure foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:18:

“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.”

For Samaritans, this prophecy is not about a succession of prophets (as in Judaism), but about one ultimate prophet who will come at the end of days — a new Moses who restores the true religion and renews the covenant at Mount Gerizim.

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📜 The Role of the Taheb

The Taheb is believed to:

1. Restore pure worship of the one God (YHWH) on Mount Gerizim, rather than in Jerusalem — regarded by Samaritans as the holiest place on earth.

2. Reunite the twelve tribes of Israel, healing the schism between Judah and Israel.

3. Reveal divine truth anew, bringing a renewed understanding of the Torah and purifying the community.

4. Initiate an era of peace and resurrection, when the dead will rise and divine justice will prevail.

He is thus not merely a moral teacher, but a messianic redeemer and eschatological restorer — the centerpiece of Samaritan hope for salvation.

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🔱 Taheb and Moses: Theological Comparison

1. Moses was the first prophet and lawgiver, who received the Torah at Sinai.

2. Taheb is the future prophet and restorer of the Law, who will renew the covenant at the end of days.

3. Moses revealed the original Torah and established God’s law.

4. Taheb will reveal the perfect interpretation of the Torah and restore what has been corrupted or lost.

5. Moses served as the founder of the covenant community.

6. Taheb will act as the restorer and purifier of the covenant community.

7. Moses is regarded as the supreme prophet, and none has arisen like him.

8. Taheb is considered the second Moses — equal to him in authority and spirit, though not greater.

Thus, the Taheb is not above Moses, but a continuation of Moses’ prophetic spirit — his return in a new age. In Samaritan thought, the Taheb will complete what Moses began: the full realization of divine order on Mount Gerizim and among all Israel.

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🕊️ Summary

• “Taheb” means Restorer or He who returns.

• He is a Mosaic messiah, not Davidic.

• He will reveal truth, restore worship on Mount Gerizim, and usher in the final redemption.

• His authority is derived from and equal to Moses, not independent of him.

In short, for the Samaritans, Moses is the beginning, and the Taheb is the completion — two ends of one divine mission.

— Azahari Hassim

Founder, The World of Abrahamic Theology