Topical Encyclopedia Moses as a ServantMoses stands as one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament, revered as a prophet, lawgiver, and leader of the Israelites. His role as a servant of God is emphasized throughout the Scriptures, highlighting his obedience, humility, and dedication to the divine mission entrusted to him. In Numbers 12:7, God Himself declares, "Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house." This statement underscores Moses' unique position as a servant who was entrusted with the intimate knowledge of God's will and the responsibility to lead His people. Moses' servanthood is further exemplified in his intercessory role. In Exodus 32:11-14, after the Israelites sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God to spare them from destruction. His willingness to stand in the gap for the people, even at the risk of his own life, demonstrates the heart of a true servant. Moreover, Moses' humility is evident in his reluctance to accept the leadership role initially (Exodus 3:11), and his continued reliance on God's guidance throughout his life. The New Testament also acknowledges Moses' servanthood, particularly in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 3:5 states, "Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later." This passage highlights Moses' role as a precursor to the greater revelation that would come through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ as a Son In contrast to Moses, who is described as a servant, Jesus Christ is presented in the New Testament as the Son of God, possessing a unique and superior status. The Gospel of John frequently emphasizes this relationship, with Jesus referring to God as His Father and asserting His divine sonship. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the central Christian belief in Jesus as the Son, sent by the Father for the salvation of humanity. The Epistle to the Hebrews further elaborates on the distinction between Moses and Christ. Hebrews 3:6 states, "But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast." Here, Christ is depicted not merely as a servant within God's house but as the Son who presides over it, indicating His authority and preeminence. The sonship of Christ is also affirmed in the Synoptic Gospels during the Transfiguration, where a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 17:5). This divine affirmation sets Jesus apart as the unique Son, whose relationship with the Father is characterized by love, obedience, and unity of purpose. In summary, while Moses is honored as a faithful servant in God's house, Jesus Christ is exalted as the Son, possessing a superior and intimate relationship with the Father. This distinction underscores the transition from the Old Covenant, represented by Moses, to the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, the Son of God. 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 |