Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, known as the deliverer of Israel, the lawgiver, and a prophet who spoke face-to-face with God. His story, recounted in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, covers the dramatic events of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and their journey to the edge of the Promised Land. Moses, whose name means “drawn out” (reflecting his rescue from the Nile River as a baby), plays a foundational role in the history of Israel and in establishing their covenant relationship with God.
Biblical Story
Moses’s story begins during a time of great oppression for the Israelites, who were enslaved in Egypt. Pharaoh had ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, but Moses was saved by being hidden in a basket and placed in the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him and raised him in the Egyptian royal palace, though Moses always knew his true heritage:
“And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.”
(Exodus 2:1-10)
As an adult, Moses witnessed the suffering of his people and, in a moment of anger, killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to the desert of Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for 40 years. It was during this time that God called Moses from a burning bush, instructing him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery:
“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”
(Exodus 3:1-10)
Despite initial reluctance, Moses obeyed and confronted Pharaoh, demanding that he let the Israelites go. When Pharaoh refused, God sent a series of ten devastating plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the death of all the firstborn in Egypt. After this final plague, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave. Moses led them through the Red Sea, which miraculously parted, allowing the Israelites to escape from the Egyptian army:
“And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”
(Exodus 14:21-22)
After their escape, Moses led the Israelites to Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments and the Law from God, establishing the covenant between God and Israel. The remainder of Moses’s life was spent guiding the Israelites through the wilderness, dealing with their complaints, their rebellion, and their longing for the Promised Land. Moses’s greatest act of leadership was not only in delivering his people but in shaping them into a nation under God’s law.
Psalm 56:3
49.99$Although Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to an act of disobedience, his legacy endured. He died at the age of 120 on Mount Nebo, overlooking the Promised Land, and God Himself buried him:
“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.”
(Deuteronomy 34:5-7)
Character Traits
Moses is known for his humility, courage, and unwavering faith in God. Despite his initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Moses accepted the enormous responsibility of leading the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom. His humility is especially evident in his reluctance to take on the role of leader, as he felt unworthy and ill-equipped to speak for God:
“And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”
(Exodus 4:10)
Moses’s courage and perseverance are seen throughout his confrontations with Pharaoh, his leadership during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings, and his intercession on their behalf when they sinned against God. He repeatedly stood up to powerful figures, including Pharaoh and even the Israelites themselves, trusting that God would guide him.
Moses’s deep relationship with God also set him apart. He spoke with God “face to face” (Exodus 33:11), making him unique among the prophets.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.”
(Exodus 33:11)
His life was marked by constant communication with God, and he often acted as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.
Spiritual Lessons
Moses’s life provides many spiritual lessons, particularly around faith, obedience, and leadership. One of the key lessons is the importance of trusting God’s calling, even when we feel inadequate. Moses’s initial reluctance to lead the Israelites shows his human frailty, but God reassured him that He would be with him. This reminds us that God often calls us to tasks that seem beyond our abilities, but He provides the strength and resources we need to fulfill His purposes.
Another central lesson is about the importance of obedience. Moses’s disobedience in striking the rock to bring water, instead of speaking to it as God commanded, resulted in his not being allowed to enter the Promised Land. This teaches us that even leaders are accountable to God’s commands, and that faithfulness to His Word is essential:
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”
(Numbers 20:7-12)
Moses also teaches us about the power of intercessory prayer. Time and again, Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites when God was ready to punish them for their sins. His role as mediator reflects the importance of standing in the gap for others, pleading for God’s mercy and grace:
“And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”
(Exodus 32:11-14)
Relationship with God
Moses had one of the most intimate relationships with God of any figure in the Bible. God spoke to Moses directly and personally, and Moses often met with God in the tent of meeting or on Mount Sinai. He was known as a prophet, leader, and mediator, but above all, he was a servant of God.
Moses’s relationship with God was characterized by honesty and openness. He often expressed his frustrations, fears, and doubts to God, yet he always remained obedient and faithful. His closeness to God is perhaps best illustrated when he asked to see God’s glory, and God revealed His back to Moses, a profound moment of divine intimacy:
“And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.”
(Exodus 33:18-23)
Despite his extraordinary relationship with God, Moses also understood God’s holiness and justice. He knew that the people’s sins could not go unpunished and often found himself mediating between God’s wrath and the Israelites’ disobedience.
Impact on Biblical History
Moses’s impact on biblical history is monumental. He was not only the leader who delivered Israel from slavery but also the one who received the Law, which would define Israel’s relationship with God for generations. The Law of Moses, or the Mosaic Law, including the Ten Commandments, became the foundation of Jewish religious and social life.
Moses’s leadership shaped the identity of the nation of Israel, transforming them from a group of slaves into a people called by God to be His own. The exodus from Egypt, led by Moses, is one of the defining moments in Israel’s history and is frequently referenced throughout the Bible as a symbol of God’s salvation and deliverance.
In the New Testament, Moses is often mentioned as a model of faith. He is included in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11, where his refusal to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and his choice to suffer with God’s people is celebrated:
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
(Hebrews 11:24-26)
Moses’s role as a prophet and mediator also foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who would be the ultimate deliverer and mediator of a new covenant.
Psalm 56:3
49.99$Symbolism and Foreshadowing
Moses’s life is rich with symbolism, particularly in how it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ. Moses’s role as the deliverer of Israel from slavery in Egypt is a picture of how Christ delivers humanity from the slavery of sin. Just as Moses led the Israelites to freedom through the waters of the Red Sea, Jesus leads believers to freedom through the waters of baptism and His sacrifice on the cross.
Moses’s role as the mediator of the covenant between God and Israel also foreshadows Christ’s role as the mediator of the new covenant. Just as Moses stood between God and the people, delivering God’s law and interceding for them, Jesus stands between God and humanity, offering His life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Modern-Day Application
Moses’s story offers valuable lessons for believers today. His journey from an insecure and reluctant leader to a faithful servant of God reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or weaknesses, to accomplish His purposes. Moses’s example encourages us to trust in God’s calling, even when we feel inadequate.
Moses also challenges us to lead with humility, courage, and a heart for justice. His tireless efforts to lead the Israelites through difficult circumstances, his intercession on their behalf, and his dedication to God’s commands offer a model for spiritual leadership and perseverance.
Finally, Moses’s life reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s Word. As believers, we are called to follow God’s commands faithfully, trusting that His ways are always for our good and His glory.
Interesting Facts
- Moses was 80 years old when he first confronted Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 7:7).
“And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.”
(Exodus 7:7)
- Moses is the only person in the Bible who saw God’s “back,” an encounter that highlights his unique relationship with God (Exodus 33:23).
“And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.”
(Exodus 33:23)
- The Bible records that Moses performed more miracles than any other Old Testament figure, from the ten plagues in Egypt to parting the Red Sea and providing water from a rock.
- Moses’s burial place is unknown, as God Himself buried him (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).
“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.”
(Deuteronomy 34:5-6)
Reflection Questions
- How does Moses’s initial reluctance to follow God’s call resonate with your own experiences of feeling inadequate for a task?
- What lessons can you learn from Moses’s humility and perseverance in leading the Israelites through the wilderness?
- How does Moses’s role as a mediator between God and the people foreshadow the work of Christ as the ultimate mediator?
Conclusion
Moses’s life is a powerful story of faith, obedience, and leadership. His journey from a reluctant shepherd to the deliverer of Israel and the lawgiver of a nation offers valuable lessons for us today. As we reflect on Moses’s legacy, let us be reminded of the importance of trusting God’s calling, leading with humility and courage, and living in obedience to God’s Word. Moses’s life points us toward Christ, the ultimate deliverer and mediator, who leads us to freedom and eternal life.
