Topical Bible: Faith: Trial of Moses, when Sent to Pharaoh

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The trial of Moses' faith when he was sent to Pharaoh is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating the profound challenges and divine assurances that accompany God's calling. This episode is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 3 through 14, where Moses is commissioned by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

Divine Encounter and Commissioning

Moses' journey of faith begins with a divine encounter at the burning bush on Mount Horeb. In Exodus 3:10, God commands Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." This directive marks the beginning of Moses' trial of faith, as he is tasked with confronting the most powerful ruler of the time, Pharaoh, and demanding the release of the Israelites.

Moses' Initial Hesitation

Moses' initial response to God's call is one of hesitation and self-doubt. He questions his own adequacy, saying, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). God reassures Moses with the promise of His presence, stating, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This assurance is a cornerstone of Moses' faith journey, emphasizing reliance on divine strength rather than personal capability.

Signs and Wonders

To bolster Moses' faith and credibility, God provides him with signs and wonders to perform before Pharaoh. These include the transformation of Moses' staff into a serpent, the leprous hand, and the turning of water from the Nile into blood (Exodus 4:2-9). These miraculous signs serve as tangible evidence of God's power and support, reinforcing Moses' faith as he prepares to confront Pharaoh.

Confrontation with Pharaoh

Moses' trial of faith intensifies as he stands before Pharaoh, repeatedly demanding, "Let My people go" (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites lead to a series of plagues, each demonstrating God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh's impotence. Despite the escalating challenges, Moses remains steadfast, trusting in God's promise of deliverance.

The Plagues and Perseverance

The ten plagues, ranging from the Nile turning to blood to the death of the firstborn, are both a test and a testament to Moses' faith. Each plague is a demonstration of God's power and a step towards the fulfillment of His promise. Moses' perseverance through these trials is a testament to his growing faith and reliance on God's word.

The Exodus and the Parting of the Red Sea

The culmination of Moses' trial of faith occurs during the Exodus and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. As the Israelites stand trapped between Pharaoh's advancing army and the sea, Moses declares, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today" (Exodus 14:13). God's command to Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea results in its parting, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground and escape Egyptian pursuit.

Legacy of Faith

Moses' trial of faith when sent to Pharaoh is a profound example of obedience, perseverance, and trust in God's promises. His journey from reluctance to resolute faith serves as an enduring model for believers, illustrating the transformative power of divine calling and the necessity of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 3:11,12
And Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
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Exodus 4:10-17
And Moses said to the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since you have spoken to your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
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Hebrews 11:25-29
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
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Library

The Faith of Moses.
... are accompanied by a personal discipline and trial of the ... to the subject in hand,
the faith of Moses ... the Angel of the covenant established through Moses is not ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

Moses
... He had made his first trial, and failed. As St. ... But Moses never lost faith or patience. ...
I Am; that was the new name by which God revealed himself to Moses. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ix moses.htm

Faith and Courage.
... a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel ... You may perhaps reply that Moses
was commanded by God ... These men of faith remembered how God had delivered ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat.
... waters of contention, and was delivered from his trial, and his ... Now thus is faith;
when a man believes in God the ... image; and He gave the Law to Moses; He sent ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/the demonstrations of aphrahat.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... try him' (Psalm 105:19) whether his faith would stand ... tolerably sure that the thirteen
years of trial were well ... late date, except the time of Moses, at which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

The First Book
... this present time the delights of their faith, and are ... Mary spoke against Moses and
was punished; she was ... only punished, but punished in due course of trial. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Gershom and Eliezer
... But when God said to him, 'Go and stand before Pharaoh,' Moses for the moment forgot ...
What has become of your faith now ... Has it all evaporated when the trial comes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gershom and eliezer.htm

Acts VII
... giving him somewhat the form for a trial, to keep ... so, now, the final prophet, of
whom Moses and all ... It was demonstrated that their faith could sustain them in ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... Why Luke tells us in almost the same words that Moses had used: "The ... manner, guided
by his wisdom, if you seek to get more faith out of more trial, for that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened
... slain my unbelief;" yet a new trial has occurred ... contemplating his atoning sacrifice,
and by faith resting in ... suppose Marah had been sweet, then, Moses had not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/marah or the bitter waters.htm