Topical Encyclopedia Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is known for his leadership in the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and his role as a lawgiver. His life and mission were marked by several conditions that shaped his journey and the history of Israel.1. Birth and Early Life: Moses was born during a time of severe oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed to control the population (Exodus 1:22). Moses' mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, who named him Moses, meaning "drawn out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). 2. Identity and Calling: Raised in the Egyptian royal household, Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). Despite his Egyptian upbringing, he retained a strong sense of identity with his Hebrew roots. This dual identity became a pivotal condition in his life. At the age of 40, Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). In Midian, he encountered God in the burning bush, where he received his divine calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). 3. Reluctance and Speech Impediment: Moses expressed reluctance to accept God's mission, citing his lack of eloquence and slow speech as a hindrance (Exodus 4:10). God reassured him, saying, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, sighted or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11). To assist Moses, God appointed his brother Aaron as his spokesperson (Exodus 4:14-16). 4. Leadership and Intercession: Moses' leadership was characterized by his role as an intercessor between God and the Israelites. He frequently pleaded with God on behalf of the people, especially during times of rebellion and disobedience (Exodus 32:11-14). His intimate relationship with God is highlighted by the fact that "the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Exodus 33:11). 5. Lawgiver and Covenant Mediator: Moses is renowned for receiving the Law from God on Mount Sinai, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). He served as the mediator of the Old Covenant, establishing the terms of the relationship between God and Israel. The conditions of the covenant were central to Israel's identity and religious life. 6. Challenges and Trials: Throughout his leadership, Moses faced numerous challenges, including the people's complaints, idolatry, and lack of faith. One significant trial was the incident at Meribah, where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water, disobeying God's command to speak to the rock. As a result, God declared that Moses would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12). 7. Death and Legacy: Moses' life concluded on Mount Nebo, where he viewed the Promised Land from a distance. He died there at the age of 120, and God Himself buried him in an undisclosed location (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Moses' legacy as a prophet, leader, and servant of God is enduring, and he is revered as a central figure in the faith and history of Israel. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |