Topical Encyclopedia Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his leadership and the pivotal decisions he made under divine guidance. His life and choices are chronicled primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Moses' decisions were instrumental in shaping the identity and destiny of the Israelites, God's chosen people.Early Life and Call Moses was born during a time of severe oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. His early life was marked by a significant decision made by his mother, Jochebed, who placed him in a basket on the Nile to save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants (Exodus 2:3). Raised in Pharaoh's household, Moses later made a critical decision to identify with his Hebrew brethren, rejecting the privileges of Egyptian royalty (Hebrews 11:24-25). God called Moses at the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). Despite initial reluctance and self-doubt, Moses decided to obey God's call, a decision that set the stage for the Exodus. Leadership and the Exodus Moses' leadership was marked by numerous decisions that demonstrated his faith and reliance on God. One of the most significant was his decision to confront Pharaoh repeatedly, demanding the release of the Israelites. This culminated in the Passover, where Moses instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood, a decision that spared them from the final plague (Exodus 12:13). After the Exodus, Moses faced the challenge of leading a large, often rebellious, group through the wilderness. His decision to appoint judges to help govern the people, following the advice of his father-in-law Jethro, was a practical solution to manage the community's needs (Exodus 18:24-26). Receiving the Law At Mount Sinai, Moses made the critical decision to ascend the mountain and receive the Law from God. This included the Ten Commandments, which became the foundation of Israelite society and religious practice (Exodus 20:1-17). Moses' decision to intercede for the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf demonstrated his role as a mediator between God and His people (Exodus 32:11-14). Wilderness Wanderings Throughout the wilderness wanderings, Moses made numerous decisions that tested his leadership and faith. When faced with the people's complaints about lack of water, Moses struck the rock at Horeb as God commanded, providing water for the people (Exodus 17:6). However, later at Meribah, Moses' decision to strike the rock instead of speaking to it, as God instructed, resulted in God's judgment that he would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:11-12). Final Acts and Legacy As Moses' life drew to a close, he made the decision to appoint Joshua as his successor, ensuring the continuity of leadership for the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). Moses' final acts included delivering a series of speeches that recounted the Law and God's faithfulness, urging the Israelites to remain obedient to God as they prepared to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Moses' decisions, guided by his faith and obedience to God, left an indelible mark on the history of Israel and the Judeo-Christian tradition. His life exemplifies the importance of making decisions that align with God's will, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 11:24-26By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Nave's Topical Index Numbers 12:7 Hebrews 3:5 Library The Faith of Moses. His Decision on the Question of Divorce. --Celibacy. (Matt. , xix, For the Sake of a Nation. Christ Refuses to Interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke, xii. , 13-15 ... Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... The Assumption of Moses A Third Element which Tends to Gain any One's Confidence is Shown ... Divorce The Saint Having Turned to God the Father, Explains Why He Does ... Resources What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgWho is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.org What is revivalism? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |