Topical Encyclopedia Moses stands as one of the most pivotal figures in biblical history, revered as a prophet, leader, and lawgiver. His character is marked by a unique blend of respect and fear, both from the people he led and from those who opposed him. This duality is evident throughout the narrative of his life as recorded in the Scriptures.Respected Leader Moses' respect among the Israelites is rooted in his divinely appointed role as their deliverer from Egyptian bondage. Chosen by God, Moses was called from the burning bush with the words, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry... So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7, 10). His leadership was validated by the miraculous signs and wonders performed through him, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and the provision of manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4). Moses' respect was further solidified by his role as the mediator of the Law. On Mount Sinai, he received the Ten Commandments, which became the foundation of Israelite society and religious practice (Exodus 20:1-17). His face shone with the glory of God after speaking with Him, a visible sign of his unique relationship with the Divine (Exodus 34:29-30). Feared Prophet While Moses was deeply respected, he was also feared, both by the Israelites and their enemies. His authority was often challenged, yet those who opposed him faced severe consequences. When Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses' leadership, the earth opened and swallowed them, demonstrating the divine backing of Moses' authority (Numbers 16:31-33). The fear Moses inspired extended beyond Israel. The surrounding nations trembled at the reports of the wonders God performed through him. Rahab, in Jericho, acknowledged this fear, saying, "We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt... When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you" (Joshua 2:10-11). Intercessor and Judge Moses' character as an intercessor also contributed to the respect and fear he commanded. He frequently interceded on behalf of the Israelites, pleading with God to spare them from His wrath (Exodus 32:11-14). His role as judge, settling disputes among the people, further established his authority and the reverence in which he was held (Exodus 18:13-16). Humility and Obedience Despite his elevated status, Moses is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). His humility and obedience to God's commands were central to his character, earning him the respect of both God and man. His willingness to bear the burdens of leadership, even when faced with the people's complaints and rebellion, highlights his dedication and faithfulness. In summary, Moses' character as both respected and feared is a testament to his unique role in God's plan for Israel. His life exemplifies the profound impact of divine calling and the complex interplay of leadership, authority, and humility. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 33:8And it came to pass, when Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle. Nave's Topical Index Library Jew and Gentile Perseverance of Saints. Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. Chapter xix The General Conference of 1836 Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Evangelical Revival. A Case of Conscience Resolved Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Resources Who was Moses' wife? Did Moses have more than one wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org Why does Moses have horns in some ancient statues / sculptures? | 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) |