Topical Bible: Patience: Moses

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Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for his leadership and the patience he exhibited throughout his life. His journey from the courts of Pharaoh to the wilderness of Sinai is a testament to his enduring faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Calling

Moses was born during a time of great oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. Rescued from death as an infant, he was raised in Pharaoh's household (Exodus 2:1-10). Despite his privileged upbringing, Moses was deeply aware of his Hebrew heritage. At the age of forty, he fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). It was in Midian that Moses encountered God in the burning bush, receiving his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of bondage (Exodus 3:1-10).

Leadership and Trials

Moses' patience was tested repeatedly as he led the Israelites through the wilderness. Despite witnessing God's miraculous signs and wonders, the people frequently complained and rebelled. In Exodus 16:2-3, the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, longing for the comforts of Egypt. Moses' response was to turn to God for guidance and provision, demonstrating his reliance on divine wisdom rather than human strength.

In Numbers 12:3, Moses is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" . This humility was closely tied to his patience, as he endured personal attacks and challenges to his authority. When his own siblings, Aaron and Miriam, spoke against him, Moses did not retaliate but instead interceded for them (Numbers 12:1-13).

Intercession and Advocacy

Moses' patience is further exemplified in his role as an intercessor for the people. After the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf, God expressed His intention to destroy them and make a great nation from Moses. However, Moses pleaded with God to spare them, appealing to His promises and reputation among the nations (Exodus 32:11-14). This act of intercession highlights Moses' selflessness and his commitment to the people he led.

Endurance in the Wilderness

The forty years of wandering in the wilderness were marked by numerous instances where Moses' patience was tested. In Numbers 20:2-13, the people again complained about the lack of water. Although Moses initially sought God's instruction, his frustration led him to strike the rock twice, contrary to God's command to speak to it. This act of impatience resulted in God's decree that Moses would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

Legacy of Patience

Moses' life is a profound example of patience intertwined with faith and obedience. Despite his human frailties, he remained steadfast in his mission to lead the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land. His relationship with God was characterized by direct communication and deep trust, as seen in Exodus 33:11, where it is said, "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" .

Moses' patience, though not without moments of faltering, serves as an enduring model for believers. His life encourages the faithful to trust in God's timing and purposes, even amidst trials and uncertainties.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 16:7,8
And in the morning, then you shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he hears your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that you murmur against us?
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Library

Moses
... But Moses never lost faith or patience. ... Never man was so tried, save One, even our
Lord Jesus Christ, as was Moses. And yet by patience he conquered. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ix moses.htm

But I Maintain That, if He had the Patience to Use his Own ...
... But I maintain that, if he had the patience (to use his own expression) to listen
to the writings of Moses and the prophets, he would have had his attention ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lv but i maintain.htm

For the Sake of a Nation.
... What patience God has. Moses had learned much of patience in the desert
sands with his sheep; for he had learned much of God. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/for the sake of a.htm

Passages of Scripture Respecting the Constancy, Patience, and Love ...
... which doth so easily beset us, let us run with patience the race ... expressed the former
unambiguously, and saying nothing less respecting Moses, adds, "Esteeming ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvi passages of scripture respecting.htm

Moses and his Writings
... Certain it is that Moses, with the help of the writings which we now know must ... To
those who really trust Him, and have patience to work on, the help they need ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led
... 4. But as for Moses himself, while the multitude were irritated and bitterly set ...
is probable that God tries their virtue, and exercises their patience by these ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how moses when.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... his heart. That gift requires meek compassion in its stewards. But the
failure of Moses' patience was only too natural. The whole ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

As God is the Author of Patience So the Devil is of Impatience.
... an idol the contributions of his gold: for the so necessary delays of Moses, while
he ... But had they entered the path of patience, they would have been set free. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/of patience/chapter v as god is the.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Moses, man of God, prayer of, Psalm 90. ... Patience, a gift of God, [822]254; the patience
of Christ, [823]417. Patriarchs, called "Christs," [824]522. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience.
... Moses is frequently contemned by an ungrateful and faithless people, and almost
stoned; and yet with gentleness and patience he entreats the Lord for those ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ix on the advantage.htm