Topical Bible: Persecution of Moses

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The persecution of Moses is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the trials and opposition faced by Moses as he fulfilled his God-given mission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This entry explores the various aspects of Moses' persecution, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible and other scriptural references.

Early Life and Threats

Moses' life began under the shadow of persecution. Born during a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, Moses was hidden by his parents for three months. The Bible records, "When she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile" (Exodus 2:3). This act of faith by his parents was a direct response to the oppressive edict of Pharaoh, marking the beginning of Moses' life amidst persecution.

Rejection by His Own People

Moses faced rejection not only from the Egyptians but also from his own people. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, Moses expected his fellow Israelites to understand that God was using him to deliver them. However, the response was one of rejection: "The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, 'Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?' The man replied, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?'" (Exodus 2:13-14). This rejection forced Moses to flee to Midian, where he lived in exile for many years.

Opposition from Pharaoh

Upon his return to Egypt, Moses encountered severe opposition from Pharaoh. Despite performing signs and wonders as commanded by God, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go. The Bible recounts numerous instances where Pharaoh's resistance intensified the suffering of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 5:6-9 , where Pharaoh increased their labor, saying, "You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw."

Challenges in the Wilderness

Even after the miraculous deliverance from Egypt, Moses faced ongoing persecution and challenges from within the Israelite community. The people frequently grumbled against him, questioning his leadership and doubting God's provision. In Numbers 14:2-4 , the Israelites lamented, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?" This constant murmuring and rebellion were a form of persecution that tested Moses' patience and leadership.

Korah's Rebellion

A notable instance of internal persecution was the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. They challenged Moses' authority, saying, "You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?" (Numbers 16:3). This rebellion was a direct affront to Moses' God-appointed leadership and resulted in divine judgment against the rebels.

Moses' Perseverance

Throughout these trials, Moses remained steadfast in his mission, relying on God's guidance and strength. His perseverance in the face of persecution is a testament to his faith and obedience. The Bible highlights Moses' unique relationship with God, stating, "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11). This close communion with God empowered Moses to endure persecution and fulfill his role as the deliverer of Israel.

The persecution of Moses serves as a profound example of the challenges faced by those called to lead God's people, underscoring the necessity of faith, resilience, and reliance on divine guidance.

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Exodus 2:15
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelled in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
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Exodus 17:4
And Moses cried to the LORD, saying, What shall I do to this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
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Library

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Moses was persecuted, and fled to Midian. ... our brethren who are in the West, in the
days of Diocletian there came great affliction and persecution to the whole ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... The other alternative (if it be granted Adrian's persecution is meant) would be
to endow Pseudo-Moses with the true spirit of prophecy, or at least to allow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... that I may not delay my course [3350] ), that he suffered persecution for the ... Again,
in the case of Moses, wherefore did he at that moment particularly, when ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... Whenever there has been a great persecution raised against the Christian church,
God has ... Why Luke tells us in almost the same words that Moses had used: "The ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... in Christ Jesus, notwithstanding the consequence will be, that you must suffer
persecution? ... Will you, with Moses, "rather choose to suffer affliction with the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

The Call of Moses
... It seems a mistake to take the bush as the emblem of Israel surviving persecution. ...
verses of this passage (vs.16-20) are a programme of Moses' mission, in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the call of moses.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Moses, man of God, prayer of, Psalm 90. ... Persecution, three kinds endured by the Church,
[842]39; great persecutions inflicted on the Church, [843]448; why God ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... thoroughly persuaded that it is for Him and His cause we suffer persecution, and
the ... who created all the world, and declared His will to us by Moses and the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Concerning Persecution
... Like green timber they shrink in the scorching sun of persecution. If trouble arises,
hypocrites will rather make Demas their choice than Moses their choice. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce.
... also the wisdom of allowing divorce under the law of Moses.] 11 But ... are permitted
to abstain from marriage; and when seasons of persecution seriously interfere ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcviii journey to jerusalem concerning.htm