Moses stands as one of the most towering figures in all of Scripture—a man chosen by God to deliver an enslaved nation, receive the divine Law, and lead Israel through forty years of wilderness wandering toward the Promised Land. His life is a dramatic narrative of faith, failure, redemption, and unwavering commitment to God’s purposes.
From the bulrushes of the Nile to the heights of Mount Sinai, from the plagues of Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea, Moses’ story reveals the power of God working through human weakness. He was a reluctant leader who became the greatest prophet of the Old Testament, a man who spoke with God face to face, as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11).
Whether you’re seeking to understand God’s plan of redemption, looking for examples of faithful leadership, or longing to know God more intimately, the life of Moses offers profound truths that continue to shape our faith today. Join us as we journey through the extraordinary life of Moses, the Deliverer of Israel.
Who Was Moses?
Birth and Early Life in Egypt
Moses was born during one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history. The descendants of Jacob had grown into a great multitude in Egypt, and the new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, feared their numerical strength and enslaved them (Exodus 1:8-14).
To curb the Hebrew population, Pharaoh issued a horrific decree: every Hebrew baby boy was to be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). Into this atmosphere of genocide, Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi.
The Faith of Moses’ Mother:
“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
— Hebrews 11:23 (NIV)
Unable to hide Moses any longer, Jochebed placed him in a waterproof basket and set him among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the child, took pity on him, and adopted him as her own son. Providentially, Moses’ own mother was hired as his nurse, allowing him to be raised with knowledge of his Hebrew heritage (Exodus 2:1-10).
Moses’ Name:
The name Moses (Hebrew: Mosheh) means “drawn out,” because Pharaoh’s daughter drew him out of the water. This name would prove prophetic—Moses would one day draw the entire nation of Israel out of Egypt.
From Prince to Fugitive: Moses’ Flight to Midian
Moses was raised as a prince of Egypt, educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and powerful in speech and action (Acts 7:22). Yet at the age of forty, his heart was stirred by the suffering of his Hebrew brethren.
When Moses witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, he killed the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12). The next day, when he tried to intervene in a dispute between two Hebrews, they challenged him: “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” (Exodus 2:14).
Realizing his deed was known, and fearing Pharaoh’s wrath, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for forty years. There he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), a priest of Midian, and had two sons: Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 2:15-22).
Spiritual Lesson:
Moses tried to deliver Israel in his own strength and failed. God used forty years in the wilderness to humble him and prepare him for his true calling. Sometimes our greatest preparation happens in seasons of obscurity and waiting.
The Burning Bush: God’s Call to Deliverance
The Revelation of God’s Name: I AM (Exodus 3:1-15)
At the age of eighty, while tending his father-in-law’s flock near Mount Horeb (also called Sinai), Moses encountered God in a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire.
“When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.'”
— Exodus 3:4 (NIV)
God revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and declared His intention to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage and bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey. He commissioned Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand Israel’s release.
When Moses asked, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
God answered:
“I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”
— Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
The name Yahweh (I AM) reveals God as the self-existent, eternal, unchanging One—the God who needs nothing and lacks nothing, the source of all being and life.
Moses’ Objections and God’s Assurance
Moses raised several objections to God’s call:
- “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11) – God promised: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12)
- “What if they don’t believe me?” (Exodus 4:1) – God gave him miraculous signs (staff to serpent, leprous hand)
- “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10) – God promised to teach him what to say and gave him Aaron as a spokesman
- “Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13) – God’s anger burned, but He granted Aaron as Moses’ helper
Spiritual Lesson:
God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Our inadequacy is the platform for God’s sufficiency.
Confronting Pharaoh: The Ten Plagues of Egypt
The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh with God’s demand: “Let my people go.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he refused. In response, God brought ten devastating plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating His supremacy over Egypt’s false gods.
“The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”
— Exodus 7:5 (NIV)
The Progressive Judgment Through Ten Plagues
- Water to Blood (Exodus 7:14-24) – Struck at Hapi, the Nile god
- Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15) – Struck at Heqet, the frog goddess of fertility
- Gnats/Lice (Exodus 8:16-19) – The magicians confessed: “This is the finger of God”
- Flies (Exodus 8:20-32) – God protected Goshen (where Israel lived)
- Livestock Disease (Exodus 9:1-7) – Struck at Hathor and Apis, cattle deities
- Boils (Exodus 9:8-12) – The magicians could not stand before Moses
- Hail (Exodus 9:13-35) – Struck at Nut, sky goddess
- Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20) – Devoured everything the hail left
- Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29) – Struck at Ra, the sun god; darkness over all Egypt for three days
- Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:30) – The final, devastating plague
The Passover: Blood on the Doorposts (Exodus 12)
Before the tenth plague, God instituted the Passover. Each Hebrew household was to slaughter a lamb without defect, apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel, and stay inside. When the Lord passed through Egypt to strike down the firstborn, He would “pass over” every house marked by the blood.
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.”
— Exodus 12:13 (NIV)
Prophetic Significance:
The Passover lamb is a type of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood saves us from the judgment of sin (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29).
That night, Pharaoh’s firstborn son died, along with the firstborn of every Egyptian household and livestock. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said:
“Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.”
— Exodus 12:31 (NIV)
The Great Exodus: Israel’s Deliverance from Slavery
The Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
After letting Israel go, Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his army. The Israelites found themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea.
The people cried out in fear, but Moses declared:
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
— Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)
God commanded Moses to stretch out his staff over the sea. The waters parted, and Israel crossed on dry ground with walls of water on both sides. When the Egyptians pursued, God caused their chariot wheels to come off. As Moses stretched out his hand again, the waters returned and drowned Pharaoh’s entire army.
Spiritual Lesson:
God makes a way where there seems to be no way. He specializes in impossible situations.
The Song of Moses: Triumph and Worship (Exodus 15)
After witnessing God’s mighty deliverance, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of victory:
“I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
— Exodus 15:1-2 (NIV)
Journey Through the Wilderness: Testing and Provision
Manna from Heaven and Water from the Rock
In the wilderness, Israel faced hunger and thirst. God provided manna (bread from heaven) every morning and quail in the evening (Exodus 16). When the people grumbled for water, Moses struck the rock at Horeb, and water gushed out (Exodus 17:1-7).
Spiritual Significance:
Jesus is the true bread from heaven (John 6:31-35) and the rock that provides living water (1 Corinthians 10:4; John 7:37-38).
Victory Over Amalek: The Power of Intercession
When the Amalekites attacked Israel, Joshua led the battle while Moses interceded on the mountain with his hands raised. As long as Moses’ hands were lifted, Israel prevailed. When his hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported them until victory was won (Exodus 17:8-16).
Spiritual Lesson:
Spiritual warfare is won through intercession and dependence on God’s power.
Jethro’s Wise Counsel on Leadership (Exodus 18)
Moses’ father-in-law Jethro observed that Moses was wearing himself out by judging all disputes alone. He advised Moses to delegate leadership to capable men who feared God. Moses heeded this wisdom and appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
Leadership Lesson:
Effective leaders empower others and share responsibility.
Mount Sinai: The Giving of the Law
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
Three months after leaving Egypt, Israel camped at the base of Mount Sinai. God descended on the mountain in fire, smoke, and thunder, and called Moses to the summit. There, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments—the moral foundation of the covenant.
The Ten Commandments:
- No other gods before Me
- No idols
- Do not misuse God’s name
- Remember the Sabbath
- Honor your father and mother
- Do not murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not bear false witness
- Do not covet
The Covenant Ceremony (Exodus 24)
God made a formal covenant with Israel. Moses read the Book of the Covenant, and the people responded:
“We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.”
— Exodus 24:7 (NIV)
Moses then sprinkled the people with the blood of the covenant, sealing the agreement between God and Israel.
The Tabernacle: God’s Dwelling Place Among His People
God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people (Exodus 25-31). The Tabernacle included:
- The Ark of the Covenant (God’s throne)
- The Table of Showbread
- The Golden Lampstand
- The Altar of Incense
- The Bronze Altar
- The Laver
Spiritual Significance:
The Tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14) and is now the true meeting place between God and humanity.
The Golden Calf: Israel’s Great Apostasy
Moses’ Intercession and God’s Mercy (Exodus 32)
While Moses was on the mountain receiving the Law, the people grew impatient and demanded that Aaron make them a golden calf to worship. They declared:
“These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
— Exodus 32:4 (NIV)
God’s anger burned, and He threatened to destroy Israel. But Moses interceded passionately, pleading for God’s mercy based on His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God relented from the disaster (Exodus 32:11-14).
When Moses descended the mountain and saw the idolatry, he smashed the stone tablets in anger. He then called for judgment: about 3,000 men died that day.
Moses Sees God’s Glory (Exodus 33-34)
After the golden calf incident, Moses pleaded with God:
“Show me your glory.”
— Exodus 33:18 (NIV)
God responded:
“I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence… but you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
— Exodus 33:19-20 (NIV)
God placed Moses in the cleft of a rock, covered him with His hand, and revealed His glory:
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”
— Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV)
Forty Years of Wilderness Wanderings
The Report of the Twelve Spies (Numbers 13-14)
When Israel reached the border of Canaan, Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land. Ten returned with a fearful report, saying the inhabitants were too strong. Only Joshua and Caleb urged the people to trust God and enter the land.
Because of Israel’s unbelief, God condemned that generation to wander in the wilderness for forty years until all the adults (except Joshua and Caleb) had died.
Korah’s Rebellion: Challenging God’s Authority (Numbers 16)
Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders, challenged Moses’ authority. God vindicated Moses by causing the earth to open and swallow the rebels alive.
Moses’ Sin at Meribah (Numbers 20)
At Meribah, when the people again complained for water, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice in anger, saying:
“Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”
— Numbers 20:10 (NIV)
Because Moses disobeyed God and failed to honor Him as holy, God declared that Moses would not enter the Promised Land.
Spiritual Lesson:
Even godly leaders are held accountable for their actions. Disobedience has consequences.
The Bronze Serpent: A Type of Christ
God’s Provision for Healing (Numbers 21:4-9)
When the people grumbled again, God sent venomous serpents among them. Many died. The people repented and asked Moses to intercede. God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. Anyone who looked at it would live.
Jesus’ Reference to the Bronze Serpent (John 3:14-15)
Jesus used this event to explain His own mission:
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
— John 3:14-15 (NIV)
Moses’ Final Days: Blessing and Departure
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32)
Before his death, Moses sang a prophetic song recounting God’s faithfulness and warning Israel against future rebellion.
Moses’ Blessing on the Tribes (Deuteronomy 33)
Moses blessed each of the twelve tribes, prophesying over their future.
Viewing the Promised Land from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34)
At the age of 120, Moses climbed Mount Nebo and viewed the Promised Land from afar. There, on the mountain, Moses died, and God Himself buried him in an unknown grave.
“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”
— Deuteronomy 34:10 (NIV)
Moses in the New Testament
The Transfiguration: Moses and Elijah with Jesus
Moses appeared with Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, speaking with Jesus about His coming death in Jerusalem (Matthew 17:1-9).
Greater Than Moses: Jesus the Superior Mediator (Hebrews 3:1-6)
“Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.”
— Hebrews 3:3 (NIV)
Timeless Leadership Lessons from Moses
Humility: The Meekest Man on Earth
“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.”
— Numbers 12:3 (NIV)
Intercession: Standing in the Gap for Others
Moses repeatedly interceded for Israel, placing their needs above his own glory.
Faithfulness in God’s House
“Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house.”
— Hebrews 3:5 (NIV)
Conclusion: The Legacy of Moses
Moses was the deliverer, the lawgiver, and the mediator of the Old Covenant. His life demonstrates God’s power to use imperfect people for extraordinary purposes. Though Moses never entered the Promised Land, his legacy endures forever.
And yet, as great as Moses was, there is One greater—Jesus Christ, the true Deliverer who sets us free from sin, the Lawgiver who writes His law on our hearts, and the Mediator of a better covenant.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
— John 1:17 (NIV)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land?
A: Moses disobeyed God’s command at Meribah by striking the rock instead of speaking to it, failing to honor God as holy before the people (Numbers 20:12).
Q2: What does the name Moses mean?
A: Moses means “drawn out,” because Pharaoh’s daughter drew him out of the Nile River.
Q3: How long did Moses lead Israel?
A: Moses led Israel for forty years, from the Exodus until his death at age 120.
Q4: What are the Ten Commandments?
A: The Ten Commandments are God’s moral law given at Mount Sinai, summarizing humanity’s duty to God and neighbor.
Q5: How does Moses point to Jesus Christ?
A: Moses was a deliverer, mediator, and prophet—all roles perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Deliverer, Mediator, and Prophet.
Q6: What is the significance of the Passover?
A: The Passover foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the lamb’s blood saved Israel from death, Jesus’ blood saves us from sin’s judgment.
May the life of Moses inspire you to trust God’s deliverance, obey His Word, and intercede faithfully for others. And may you find your ultimate freedom in Jesus Christ, the greater Moses. Amen.