Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, serving as the central human character in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. He is revered as the great prophet, lawgiver, and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage and to guide them to the Promised Land.

Early Life and Calling

Moses was born to Hebrew parents from the tribe of Levi during a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys be killed (Exodus 1:22). To save him, his mother placed him in a basket on the Nile River, where he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:3-10). Raised in the Egyptian court, Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22).

At the age of forty, Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). There, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and became a shepherd (Exodus 2:21). God called Moses from the burning bush on Mount Horeb, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).

Exodus and Leadership

Moses returned to Egypt and, with his brother Aaron, confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. Through a series of ten plagues, God demonstrated His power, culminating in the Passover and the Exodus of the Israelites (Exodus 7-12). Moses led the people through the Red Sea, where God miraculously parted the waters, allowing them to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army (Exodus 14:21-31).

At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Law, establishing the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 19-20). He served as the mediator between God and the people, interceding on their behalf and guiding them through the wilderness for forty years.

Challenges and Faithfulness

Throughout the journey, Moses faced numerous challenges, including the people's frequent complaints and rebellions. Despite these difficulties, he remained faithful to God's calling. However, due to an act of disobedience at Meribah, where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12).

Death and Legacy

Moses died at the age of 120 on Mount Nebo, after viewing the Promised Land from a distance (Deuteronomy 34:1-5). He was buried by God in an undisclosed location (Deuteronomy 34:6). Moses is remembered as a servant of the Lord, a prophet unparalleled in Israel, whom the Lord knew face to face (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).

Eleazar

Eleazar, the son of Aaron and Elisheba, was a prominent priestly figure in the history of Israel. As the third son of Aaron, Eleazar played a crucial role in the religious life of the Israelites, particularly after the death of his brothers Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire for offering unauthorized incense before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Priestly Duties and Leadership

Eleazar was consecrated as a priest alongside his father Aaron and his brother Ithamar (Exodus 28:1). He served faithfully in the Tabernacle, assisting Aaron in the priestly duties and later assuming greater responsibilities. After Aaron's death on Mount Hor, Eleazar succeeded him as the high priest (Numbers 20:25-28).

As high priest, Eleazar played a significant role in guiding the Israelites during their wilderness journey. He was involved in the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 14:1) and was instrumental in the religious and civil leadership of the nation.

Significant Events

Eleazar was present during several key events in Israel's history. He assisted Moses in the census of the Israelites (Numbers 26:1-4) and was involved in the purification rites following the battle against the Midianites (Numbers 31:21-24). He also played a role in the establishment of the cities of refuge (Joshua 20:1-9).

Legacy

Eleazar's legacy continued through his descendants, particularly his son Phinehas, who became known for his zealousness for the Lord (Numbers 25:11-13). The priestly line of Eleazar remained significant in Israel's history, with his descendants serving in the priesthood for generations.