batch.motif.islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg-l18865-l18984
---
record_id: batch.motif.islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg-l18865-l18984
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
passage_locator:
label: PUBLIC SERVICES, / AND EMINENT LITERARY ATTAINMENTS, / THE TRANSLATOR. /
PREFACE; lines 18865-18984
start: '18865'
end: '18984'
translation: The Koran (Al-Qur'an), Rodwell translation
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage addresses the children of Israel, recalls divine favor, covenant
obligations, rescue from Pharaoh, the parting of the sea, Moses' forty nights,
the calf episode, divine forgiveness, revelation of the Book, death and revival
after a thunderbolt, manna and quails, entry into a city, water from a rock, food
complaints, covenant under a lifted mountain, Sabbath transgression and transformation,
the sacrifice of a cow, and the revival of a slain man by striking the corpse
with part of the cow.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: The children of Israel are told to remember divine favor and to remain true
to a covenant with God.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: The addressees are told not to hide truth knowingly and to observe prayer,
pay the legal impost, and bow with those who bow.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: The passage states that souls will face a day when no soul can satisfy for
another, no intercession or ransom will be accepted, and no help will be given.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: God is said to have rescued the children of Israel from the people of Pharaoh,
who imposed cruel chastisement and killed male children while sparing females.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: The sea is said to have been parted for the children of Israel; they were
saved, and the people of Pharaoh were drowned while the Israelites looked on.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:6
text: During Moses' forty nights of absence, the people took the calf and acted
wickedly, after which God forgave them.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:7
text: Moses received the Book and the Illumination for guidance.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:8
text: Moses told his people they had sinned by taking the calf for worship and instructed
them to turn to their creator and slay the guilty among them.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:9
text: When the people demanded to see God plainly, a thunderbolt fell on them, and
then they were raised to life after death.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:10
text: Clouds overshadowed the people, and manna and quails were sent down for food.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:11
text: The people were instructed to enter a city through a gate with prostrations
and to say a word of forgiveness, but evil-doers changed the word and received
wrath from heaven.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:12
text: Moses asked for drink for his people; God told him to strike the rock with
his rod, and twelve fountains gushed from it, with each tribe knowing its drinking-place.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:13
text: The people asked Moses for foods grown from the earth, including herbs, cucumbers,
garlic, lentils, and onions, instead of one sort of food.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:14
text: The passage states that believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabeites who believe
in God and the last day and do right shall have reward with their Lord and shall
not fear or grieve.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:15
text: A covenant is recalled in which the mountain was lifted over the people and
they were told to hold firmly to what had been revealed.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:16
text: Some Sabbath transgressors are said to have been told to become scouted apes,
and this was made a warning and caution.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:17
text: Moses told his people that God commanded them to sacrifice a cow; they repeatedly
asked for details about the cow before sacrificing it.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:18
text: The cow is described as middle-aged, fawn-coloured and bright, not worn by
ploughing or watering the field, sound, and without blemish.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:19
text: After a man had been slain and the people disputed about him, God brought
to light what had been hidden.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:20
text: The people were told to strike the corpse with part of the cow; the passage
says God gives life to the dead and shows signs.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: God / Lord / Creator
description: The divine speaker and actor who gives commands, recalls favor, rescues,
forgives, sends signs and sustenance, judges, and gives life to the dead.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Children of Israel / Moses' people
description: The addressed group who receive favor, covenant, rescue, revelation,
sustenance, commands, warnings, and rebukes.
role_refs:
- role:4
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Moses
description: The named mediator who receives the Book, speaks to his people, asks
drink for them, and transmits God's command to sacrifice a cow.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:7
- ev:10
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: People of Pharaoh
description: The group from whom the children of Israel are rescued; they are described
as oppressors and are drowned after the sea is parted.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Pharaoh
description: The ruler associated with the people who imposed cruel chastisement
on the children of Israel.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: The cow
description: The sacrificial animal specified by God through Moses, later used in
part to strike the corpse.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: The slain man / corpse
description: A slain man over whom the people disputed; his corpse is struck with
part of the cow in a sign of divine life-giving.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabeites
description: Religious groups named as receiving reward if they believe in God and
the last day and do right.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
roles:
- id: role:1
label: Covenant partner and commander
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God calls the children of Israel to keep covenant and gives commands about
worship, conduct, entry, and sacrifice.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:6
- ev:10
- id: role:2
label: Rescuer and provider
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God rescues the people from Pharaoh, parts the sea, sends manna and quails,
and provides water from the rock.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: role:3
label: Judge and life-giver
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God sends wrath or punishment, raises the dead after a thunderbolt, and gives
life to the dead in the corpse episode.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:9
- ev:11
- id: role:4
label: Covenant recipients
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: The children of Israel are addressed as recipients of divine favor, covenant,
revelation, and command.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:9
- id: role:5
label: Erring and forgiven community
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: The people are described as taking the calf, changing a commanded word, complaining,
turning back, and receiving forgiveness or warning.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:9
- id: role:6
label: Prophetic mediator
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Moses receives revelation, conveys divine commands, speaks to his people,
and asks God for water for them.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:7
- ev:10
- id: role:7
label: Oppressors and drowned pursuers
assigned_to:
- fig:4
- fig:5
basis: The people of Pharaoh are linked with cruel chastisement and are drowned
after the sea is parted.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:8
label: Sacrificial animal
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: God bids the people sacrifice a cow, and the cow's part is later used in
the corpse episode.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: role:9
label: Dead body in sign of disclosure and life
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: A slain man is disputed over; the corpse is struck with part of the cow,
and the passage says God gives life to the dead.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:10
label: Rewarded righteous groups
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The named groups are promised reward if they believe in God and the last
day and do right.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: Covenant
literal_form: Covenant between God and the children of Israel
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- covenant
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:9
- id: sym:2
label: Parted sea
literal_form: Sea parted for rescue and followed by drowning of Pharaoh's people
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: sym:3
label: Calf taken for worship
literal_form: The calf taken by the people during Moses' absence
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:4
label: Book and Illumination
literal_form: Book and Illumination given to Moses for guidance
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:5
label: Thunderbolt and revival
literal_form: Thunderbolt falling on the people, followed by their being raised
to life after death
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- resurrection
- death_rebirth
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: sym:6
label: Clouds, manna, and quails
literal_form: Overshadowing clouds and food sent down as manna and quails
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:7
label: Gate with prostrations
literal_form: A city gate entered with prostrations and a word of forgiveness
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:8
label: Rock, rod, and twelve fountains
literal_form: Rock struck by Moses' rod, producing twelve fountains for the tribes
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:9
label: Lifted mountain
literal_form: Mountain lifted over the people at covenant renewal
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- mountain
- covenant
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: sym:10
label: Sabbath transformation into apes
literal_form: Sabbath transgressors told to be changed into scouted apes
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- shapeshifter
- divine_judgment
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: sym:11
label: Unblemished cow
literal_form: Middle-aged, bright fawn-coloured, sound cow without blemish, sacrificed
at God's command
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: sym:12
label: Corpse struck with part of cow
literal_form: A slain man's corpse struck with part of the sacrificed cow
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:6
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs:
- resurrection
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Covenant exhortation to the children of Israel
summary: The children of Israel are reminded of divine favor, commanded to keep
covenant, to believe in what has been sent down, and to avoid concealing truth.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Religious duty and final accountability
summary: The addressees are instructed in prayer, legal impost, humility, and remembrance
that they will meet their Lord and return to Him; a day of judgment without ransom
or intercession is evoked.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Rescue from Pharaoh and sea crossing
summary: The children of Israel are rescued from Pharaoh's people; the sea is parted
for them, and Pharaoh's people are drowned.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: scene:4
label: Moses' absence, calf, and revelation
summary: During Moses' forty nights, the people take the calf; afterward God forgives
them, gives Moses the Book and Illumination, and Moses calls the people to repentance.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:5
label: Demand to see God and revival after death
summary: The people say they will not believe Moses until they see God plainly;
a thunderbolt strikes them, and then they are raised after death.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:6
label: Provision and disobedience in the wilderness and city
summary: Clouds, manna, and quails are provided; the people are instructed how to
enter a city and ask forgiveness, but evil-doers alter the commanded word and
receive wrath.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: scene:7
label: Water from rock and complaint for other foods
summary: Moses is told to strike the rock with his rod, and twelve fountains appear;
the people later ask for foods of the earth and are rebuked for exchanging better
for worse.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: scene:8
label: Reward for righteous belief across named groups
summary: Believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabeites are said to receive reward if
they believe in God and the last day and do what is right.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:8
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: scene:9
label: Covenant under the mountain and Sabbath warning
summary: A covenant is recalled in which a mountain is lifted over the people; later,
Sabbath transgressors are changed into apes as a warning.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:9
- sym:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: scene:10
label: Commanded cow sacrifice
summary: Moses tells the people that God commands a cow sacrifice; after several
requests for clarification, a specified unblemished cow is sacrificed.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: scene:11
label: Slain man revived by sign
summary: A slain man is disputed over; the people are told to strike the corpse
with part of the cow, and the passage states that God gives life to the dead and
shows signs.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:6
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Covenant between deity and chosen community
taxonomy_refs:
- covenant
basis: The passage repeatedly recalls God's covenant with the children of Israel
and the duty to hold fast to revealed commands.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:9
confidence: high
cautions: The extraction identifies the passage's explicit covenant language, not
a broader historical reconstruction.
- id: motif:2
label: Divine judgment without substitution
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: A future day is described when no soul can satisfy for another, no intercession
or ransom is accepted, and none are helped.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: This is a doctrinal warning within the passage rather than a narrative
scene.
- id: motif:3
label: Rescue through divided waters and destruction of oppressors
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: The sea is parted for the children of Israel, who are saved, while Pharaoh's
people are drowned.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: high
cautions: The available taxonomy includes water as a symbol but no exact sea-crossing
motif family.
- id: motif:4
label: Idol episode during mediator's absence
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: While Moses is absent for forty nights, the people take the calf and are
later rebuked and forgiven.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
confidence: high
cautions: No specific available taxonomy reference directly names the calf or idolatry
pattern.
- id: motif:5
label: Revelatory book as guidance
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: Moses receives the Book and the Illumination for the people's guidance.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage says the Book and Illumination are for guidance; assigning
the broader wisdom family is interpretive but supported by the function.
- id: motif:6
label: Death followed by divine restoration to life
taxonomy_refs:
- resurrection
- death_rebirth
basis: After the thunderbolt, the people are raised to life after death; later,
God gives life to the dead in the corpse episode.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:11
confidence: high
cautions: The two episodes differ in narrative form and should not be merged beyond
the shared life-after-death pattern.
- id: motif:7
label: Miraculous food and water provision
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Clouds, manna, quails, and water from twelve fountains are given to the people.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: high
cautions: No exact available motif-family reference for wilderness provision is
supplied.
- id: motif:8
label: Mountain raised over community at revelation
taxonomy_refs:
- covenant
- mountain
basis: The mountain is lifted over the people during a covenantal command to take
hold of revelation.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
confidence: high
cautions: The available taxonomy has mountain as a symbol and covenant as a motif
family; the text does not call the mountain a world center or cosmic mountain.
- id: motif:9
label: Transformation as punishment for transgression
taxonomy_refs:
- shapeshifter
- divine_judgment
basis: Sabbath transgressors are told to be changed into scouted apes, and the event
is made a warning.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
confidence: high
cautions: The passage presents the transformation as divine punishment, not voluntary
shapeshifting.
- id: motif:10
label: Sacrifice that discloses hidden guilt and becomes sign of life
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
- resurrection
basis: A divinely specified cow is sacrificed; part of it is used to strike a corpse,
after which the passage states that God gives life to the dead and reveals what
was hidden.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
confidence: high
cautions: The exact mechanism of the corpse's revival is summarized from the passage
and should be reviewed against the wider context.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The passage itself presents a sequence centered on the children of Israel,
Moses, Pharaoh, covenant, sea crossing, wilderness provision, and commands, supporting
a cautious comparison to an Israelite Exodus-and-wilderness narrative pattern.
claim_level: same_motif
target: Israelite Exodus and wilderness narrative pattern
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:9
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage does not quote an external comparative text in this excerpt;
the claim is limited to shared named figures and narrative elements stated here.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 18865-18873
quote_or_summary: The children of Israel are told to remember God's favor, keep
covenant, believe what has been sent down confirming their Scriptures, and not
hide the truth knowingly.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 18874-18885
quote_or_summary: The passage commands prayer, legal impost, bowing, patience, and
prayer; it warns of meeting the Lord and of a day when no soul, intercession,
ransom, or help will avail another.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 18886-18893
quote_or_summary: God rescues the children of Israel from Pharaoh's people, who
killed male children and spared females; the sea is parted, the Israelites are
saved, and Pharaoh's people are drowned.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 18894-18906
quote_or_summary: Moses is absent for forty nights; the people take the calf, are
forgiven, Moses receives the Book and Illumination, and he tells the people to
repent for worshiping the calf.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 18907-18912
quote_or_summary: The people demand to see God plainly; a thunderbolt falls upon
them, and afterward they are raised to life after having been dead.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 18913-18924
quote_or_summary: Clouds overshadow the people; manna and quails are sent down;
they are commanded to enter a city gate with prostrations and a word of forgiveness,
but evil-doers change the word and receive wrath from heaven.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 18925-18939
quote_or_summary: Moses asks for drink; God tells him to strike the rock with his
rod, and twelve fountains gush out. The people later request foods of the earth
and are rebuked for exchanging better for worse.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: lines 18940-18946
quote_or_summary: Believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabeites who believe in God and
the last day and do right are promised reward with their Lord and freedom from
fear and grief.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 18947-18956
quote_or_summary: A covenant is recalled in which a mountain is lifted over the
people and they are told to hold fast to revelation; Sabbath transgressors are
changed into scouted apes as a warning.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: lines 18957-18976
quote_or_summary: Moses says God commands a cow sacrifice. The people ask for clarification;
the cow is specified as middle-aged, bright fawn-coloured, sound, unblemished,
and not used for ploughing or watering before they sacrifice it.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: lines 18977-18984
quote_or_summary: After a man is slain and the people dispute about him, God brings
hidden matter to light; they are told to strike the corpse with part of the cow,
and the passage says God gives life to the dead and shows signs.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: Literal extraction is strong because the passage explicitly narrates the
listed episodes. Motif labels require review where available taxonomy lacks exact
matches, especially wilderness provision, calf worship, and cow-corpse sign.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-29'
notes: |-
Only the provided passage and metadata were used. Quotations were avoided in favor of concise public-domain summaries.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg__l18865-l18984
passage_sha256=42e882d7441293273d153553185d5d1592297ce4e9f0234339a76802d0b7df53