Topical Bible: Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt

◄ Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is renowned for his role as the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and as the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God. His early life, as described in the Scriptures, provides insight into his unique preparation for these monumental tasks, particularly through his education in Egypt.

Birth and Adoption

Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed. His mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her own son (Exodus 2:1-10). This act of divine providence placed Moses in the Egyptian royal household, where he would receive an education befitting a prince.

Education in Egypt

The Book of Acts provides a succinct summary of Moses' education: "So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action" (Acts 7:22). This education would have included a wide array of subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and leadership, as Egypt was one of the most advanced civilizations of the time. The Egyptians were known for their knowledge in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and writing, particularly through the use of hieroglyphics.

Significance of Egyptian Wisdom

Moses' education in Egypt was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it equipped him with the skills necessary to lead a large group of people. His understanding of Egyptian culture and politics would have been crucial in negotiating with Pharaoh and organizing the Israelites. Secondly, his familiarity with Egyptian religion and practices would have provided him with the insight needed to confront the false gods of Egypt and demonstrate the superiority of Yahweh through the plagues and miracles.

Moses' Transformation

Despite his Egyptian education, Moses' life took a dramatic turn when he fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). In Midian, Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd, a period that further prepared him for his future role. It was during this time that God appeared to him in the burning bush and called him to lead His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).

Leadership and Legacy

Moses' leadership was marked by his reliance on God rather than his own wisdom. His Egyptian education, while valuable, was secondary to the divine guidance he received. Moses' life exemplifies how God can use both natural abilities and divine revelation to accomplish His purposes. His legacy as a prophet, leader, and lawgiver is foundational to both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Conclusion

Moses' education in the wisdom of Egypt was a crucial element in his preparation for leadership. It provided him with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites. However, it was his faith and obedience to God that ultimately defined his success and enduring legacy.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Moses
... Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews says that Moses was called the son of Pharaoh's
daughter; that is ... We read elsewhere that he was learned in all the wisdom ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ix moses.htm

That Prophetic Records are Found which are More Ancient than any ...
... as in Egypt, some doctrine which might be called their wisdom, else it would not
have been written in the holy books that Moses was learned in all the wisdom ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 37 that prophetic records are.htm

The Age, Birth, and Life of Moses.
... royal child, as Philo says in his life of Moses. He learned, besides, the literature
of the Egyptians, and the ... said "to have been instructed in all the wisdom ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii the age birth and.htm

The Secret of Its Greatness
... most highly cultured people in the world in those days, and we know that 'Moses
was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.' (Acts 7:22.). The Egypt of Moses ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ii the secret of.htm

The Finding of Moses.
... to the princess, who adopted him as her son, and called his name Moses, which means ...
Afterwards he grew to be a great man: he was learned in all the wisdom ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/the finding of moses.htm

Fragment xxxii. Josephus Says, that when Moses had Been Brought up ...
... Stephen refer to anything else when he said of Moses, before he was sent by God
to the Israelites, that he was not only learned in all the wisdom of ...
/.../fragment xxxii josephus says that.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... It is said in reply: First"The Holy Spirit declares by the mouth of Stephen that
"Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

How Moses and Aaron Returned into Egypt to Pharaoh.
... the chief men among the Hebrews, having learned that they ... But Moses was not daunted
at it; and said, "O king ... It obeyed him, and went all round, and devoured the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how moses and.htm

Book 2 Footnotes
... Stephen refer to any thing else when he said of Moses, before he was sent by God
to the Israelites, that he was not only learned in all the wisdom of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 2 footnotes.htm

Canaan
... reared among princes in the house of the Pharaoh, and he is learned in all the wisdom ...
This, then, I have from the lips of Moses, who speaketh naught but the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xii canaan.htm