How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
And he took his shears and went away from her in placid dignity, as Moses left the presence of Pharoah. (20.58)
Once again, Hardy uses the Bible to describe Gabriel's relationship with Bathsheba. This time, though, it's Gabriel who's compared to the Biblical hero. After Bathsheba fires him for being too honest in his opinion of Sergeant Troy, Gabriel turns and walks away with total dignity, since he'd rather lose his job than shield Bathsheba from the truth. In this sense, then, he's like the Biblical hero Moses walking away from his cruel master, the Pharaoh.
Quote #5
It had brought upon her a stroke resulting, as did that of Moses in Horeb, in a liquid stream—here a stream of tears. She felt like one who has sinned a great sin. (28.52)
After Sergeant Troy kisses her for the first time, Bathsheba starts crying because she's so overwhelmed with what's happening. She has spent so many years acting proud and dignified; but this handsome young man has totally broken down her defenses with all his charm. Now she can only feel like she's done something totally wrong, since she's overwhelmed with confused passion and guilt.
Quote #6
"O Gabriel […] I am weak, and foolish, and I don't know what, and I can't fend off my miserable grief!.... I had some faint belief in the mercy of God till I lost that woman." (38.32)
When Farmer Boldwood can no longer stand his love for Bathsheba, he totally breaks down in front of Gabriel Oak and tells him that since he has lost Bathsheba, he has also lost faith in God's mercy. It's not like he doesn't think God exists. He just thinks God has no mercy on good men like himself.