What role did Moses play as a prophet in Israel's journey from Egypt? Anchoring on Hosea 12:13 “By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.” - One sentence, two acts: deliverance and preservation—both accomplished through God’s chosen prophet, Moses. Deliverer: Speaking God’s Word to Pharaoh and Israel - Exodus 3:10 — “Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people… out of Egypt.” - Each plague (Exodus 7–12) begins with Moses declaring, “Thus says the LORD,” showing the prophetic pattern: hear, speak, watch God act. - Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22): Moses obeys, God parts; the prophet’s authority rests entirely on revealed truth. Guide: Mediating Daily Guidance in the Wilderness - Numbers 9:23 — the cloud and fire moved “at the command of the LORD through Moses.” - Bitter water sweetened (Exodus 15:25), manna given (Exodus 16:13-15), water from the rock (Exodus 17:5-6): every life-sustaining act followed fresh revelation to Moses. - Hosea’s “preserved” comes alive in these daily provisions. Lawgiver: Receiving and Relaying the Covenant - Sinai: God speaks “face to face” with Moses (Deuteronomy 5:4-5). - Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and covenant code (Exodus 24) delivered verbatim; Moses “wrote down all the words of the LORD” (Exodus 24:4). - Israel’s moral, civil, and worship life grounded in revelation mediated by one prophet. Intercessor: Standing in the Gap - Golden calf crisis: “Moses sought the favor of the LORD” (Exodus 32:11); judgment tempered by mercy (Exodus 32:14). - Psalm 106:23 — Israel spared because Moses “stood in the breach.” - Prophetic ministry includes pleading God’s promises on behalf of God’s people. Teacher: Rehearsing the Law for a New Generation - Deuteronomy 1:1 — “These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel.” - Forty years later, he explains and applies the covenant for those born in the wilderness. - Farewell song (Deuteronomy 32) and blessing (Deuteronomy 33) summarize prophetic instruction that shapes future obedience. Foreshadow: Pointing Ahead to the Greater Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:18 — “I will raise up for them a prophet like you.” - Acts 3:22-23 identifies Jesus as that promised Prophet. - Moses’ faithfulness in deliverance and preservation previews Christ’s perfect redemption and keeping power (Hebrews 3:2-6). Takeaway: The Multi-Faceted Prophetic Role of Moses - Proclaimed truth that confronted Egypt. - Obeyed commands that opened a path of escape. - Mediated guidance and provision that sustained life. - Interceded for mercy that spared the nation. - Delivered law that formed Israel’s identity. - Pointed forward to the ultimate Prophet who saves eternally. Hosea 12:13 captures it all: through a prophet, God brings His people out and keeps them safe—then and now. |
    |