Topical Encyclopedia Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is known for his role as the leader of the Israelites and the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God. His life is traditionally divided into three distinct periods of 40 years each, culminating in his death at the age of 120. This tripartite division of his life is significant in understanding the full scope of his mission and legacy.Early Life and Egyptian Period (First 40 Years): Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. His early life is marked by divine providence, as he was saved from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. Adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, Moses was raised in the Egyptian royal household, receiving an education that would later serve him in his leadership role. Acts 7:22 notes, "So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action." Midian and the Call of God (Second 40 Years): At the age of 40, Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. In Midian, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and became a shepherd. This period of his life was one of preparation and humility, as he learned to lead a flock, a skill that would be essential for leading the Israelites. It was here that God called Moses from the burning bush, commissioning him to deliver His people from bondage (Exodus 3:1-10). Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings (Final 40 Years): Moses returned to Egypt and, through a series of divine plagues, led the Israelites out of slavery. This period is marked by the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and the construction of the Tabernacle. Despite the Israelites' frequent disobedience, Moses interceded for them, demonstrating his role as a mediator between God and His people. The final years of Moses' life were spent leading the Israelites through the wilderness. Due to an act of disobedience at Meribah, where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded (Numbers 20:7-12), Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. However, God allowed him to view it from Mount Nebo before his death. Death and Legacy: Moses died at the age of 120, as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:7: "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, nor had his strength left him." His death marked the end of an era, and he was buried by God in an undisclosed location in the land of Moab. The Israelites mourned for thirty days, recognizing the loss of their great leader. Moses' life and death are a testament to his unique relationship with God. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 states, "Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. For all the signs and wonders the LORD sent Moses to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh and all his officials and all his land, and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel." Moses' legacy endures as a foundational figure in the history of Israel and in the broader Judeo-Christian tradition. His life exemplifies faith, obedience, and leadership, serving as a model for believers throughout the ages. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 31:2And he said to them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD has said to me, You shall not go over this Jordan. Nave's Topical Index Library Book 1 Footnotes: Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Ages and Periods of Biblical History. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. The Harmony of the Gospels. Letter xxxix. To Paula. A Believer's Privilege at Death Index. Book ii. --Of the Harmony of the Old and New Laws. Chapter xi Resources Who was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times did Moses ascend Mount Sinai? | GotQuestions.org Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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 Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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