Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his role as a prophet and leader who communicated God's words and ordinances to the Israelites. His life and mission are pivotal in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. Moses' communication of divine law is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.

Divine Encounter and Commission

Moses' journey as a communicator of God's words begins with his encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3). Here, God reveals Himself to Moses and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. God assures Moses of His presence, saying, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This divine encounter establishes Moses as God's chosen messenger.

The Giving of the Law at Sinai

One of the most significant moments in Moses' role as a communicator of God's ordinances occurs at Mount Sinai. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses ascends the mountain to receive the Law. Exodus 19:3-6 describes how God calls Moses to the mountain and delivers a message for the people, establishing them as "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

The Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 20, form the core of the covenantal law. Moses serves as the intermediary between God and the people, receiving the commandments and conveying them to the Israelites. The text states, "And God spoke all these words" (Exodus 20:1), underscoring the divine origin of the law.

Further Instructions and Ordinances

Beyond the Ten Commandments, Moses communicates a comprehensive set of laws and ordinances covering various aspects of life, including civil, ceremonial, and moral regulations. These are detailed in the subsequent chapters of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Moses faithfully records and teaches these laws, as seen in Exodus 24:3-4 : "When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: 'All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.'"

The Role of the Tabernacle

Moses also receives detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship and sacrifice. In Exodus 25-31, God provides Moses with specific guidelines for the Tabernacle's design, furnishings, and the priesthood. Moses communicates these instructions to the people, emphasizing the importance of worship and the presence of God among them.

Renewal of the Covenant

In Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates the law to a new generation of Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This renewal of the covenant underscores the enduring nature of God's ordinances. Deuteronomy 5:1 records Moses' call to the people: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and observe them carefully."

Moses as a Model of Prophetic Leadership

Moses' role as a communicator of God's words and ordinances establishes him as a model of prophetic leadership. His faithfulness in conveying God's commands and his intercessory role highlight the importance of obedience and covenant fidelity. Moses' life and mission foreshadow the ultimate revelation of God's word through Jesus Christ, as noted in Deuteronomy 18:18 , where God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses.

Through Moses, the Israelites receive not only the law but also a vision of a society governed by divine principles. His communication of God's words and ordinances remains a cornerstone of biblical faith and practice, shaping the identity and destiny of God's people.