Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, revered as a prophet, lawgiver, and leader of the Israelites. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Moses is often referred to as "the LORD's servant" (Deuteronomy 34:5), highlighting his role as a faithful mediator between God and His people. Early Life: Moses was born during a time of great oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, but Moses was saved by his mother, Jochebed, who placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, growing up in the Egyptian royal household (Exodus 2:1-10). Call to Leadership: Moses' life took a pivotal turn when he fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. There, he encountered God in the form of a burning bush on Mount Horeb. God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, saying, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt... So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7, 10). The Exodus: Moses returned to Egypt and, with his brother Aaron, confronted Pharaoh. Through a series of ten plagues, God demonstrated His power, culminating in the Passover and the Exodus of the Israelites. Moses led the people through the Red Sea, which God parted, allowing them to escape the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21-22). The Lawgiver: At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Law from God, including the Ten Commandments, which became the foundation of Israelite society and religious practice. The Bible records, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction'" (Exodus 24:12). Wilderness Wanderings: Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years, during which time they frequently rebelled against God. Despite their disobedience, Moses interceded on their behalf, demonstrating his role as a mediator. He also faced personal challenges, including the incident at Meribah, where he struck the rock to bring forth water, an act that led to God forbidding him from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:11-12). Final Days: As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, Moses delivered a series of speeches, known as the Book of Deuteronomy, reiterating the Law and urging the people to remain faithful to God. He appointed Joshua as his successor and ascended Mount Nebo, where he viewed the Promised Land before his death. "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said" (Deuteronomy 34:5). Legacy: Moses is remembered as a prophet of unparalleled stature, a faithful servant of God, and a central figure in the history of Israel. His life and teachings continue to influence Jewish and Christian thought, embodying the ideals of faith, obedience, and leadership. The New Testament also acknowledges Moses' significance, with Jesus Himself affirming the Law given through Moses (Matthew 5:17). 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 |