The Life of Moses
120 years of preparation, deliverance, and leadership
"And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eye had not dimmed, nor had his vigor fled."
— Deuteronomy 34:7 (KJ3)Birth & Preservation
Born to Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi during Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. Hidden for three months, then placed in a basket among the reeds of the Nile. Found and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter.
Prince of Egypt
Raised in Pharaoh's palace, educated in all the wisdom of Egypt. "Moses was mighty in words and deeds" (Acts 7:22). At age 40, he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew and fled Egypt when the deed became known.
Exile in Midian
Fled to Midian, where he married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro the priest. Spent 40 years as a shepherd in the wilderness—a profound preparation for leading Israel through the same wilderness.
The Burning Bush
At Mount Horeb (Sinai), God appeared to Moses in a bush that burned but was not consumed. God revealed His name—I AM THAT I AM (יהוה)—and commissioned Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt.
Leader of the Exodus
Led approximately two million Israelites out of Egypt through the Red Sea, received the Law at Sinai, and guided them through 40 years in the wilderness. Served as prophet, lawgiver, judge, and intercessor.
Death on Mount Nebo
At 120 years old, Moses viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo but could not enter because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. God Himself buried Moses, and no one knows the location of his grave.
📋 Key Facts About Moses
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
God's judgment on Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's hardened heart
"And I will bring you out from under the burdens of Egypt, and I will deliver you from their slavery. And I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments."
— Exodus 6:6 (KJ3)Death of Firstborn
Against Pharaoh, "son of Ra"
Exodus 11-12
The Ten Commandments
The foundation of God's covenant with Israel
"And He wrote on the tablets according to the first writing, the Ten Words which Jehovah spoke to you in the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the assembly."
— Deuteronomy 10:4 (KJ3)First Tablet — Duties to God
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself any graven image.
You shall not take the name of Jehovah your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Second Tablet — Duties to Others
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness.
You shall not covet.
📋 About the Tablets
The Wilderness Journey
40 years of wandering, testing, and provision
"And the sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the manna until they came to the edge of the land of Canaan."
— Exodus 16:35 (KJ3)Red Sea Crossing
Trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's army, Moses stretched out his hand and God divided the waters. Israel crossed on dry ground; the pursuing Egyptians were drowned when the waters returned.
Bitter Waters at Marah
Three days after crossing the Red Sea, the people found water but it was bitter. God showed Moses a tree; when thrown into the water, it became sweet. Here God declared Himself "Jehovah who heals you."
Manna from Heaven
When the people complained of hunger, God sent bread from heaven—manna ("What is it?"). It appeared each morning like frost on the ground. They gathered an omer per person daily; it wouldn't keep overnight except on the Sabbath.
Water from the Rock
At Rephidim, there was no water. Moses struck the rock at Horeb with his staff, and water gushed out. The place was named Massah ("testing") and Meribah ("quarreling").
Victory over Amalek
Amalek attacked Israel at Rephidim. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed. When his arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur held them up until sunset, and Joshua defeated Amalek.
The Twelve Spies
Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan for 40 days. Ten returned with a fearful report of giants. Only Joshua and Caleb urged faith. The people's unbelief condemned that generation to wander 40 years.
Numbers 13-14
The Bronze Serpent
When the people complained again, God sent venomous serpents. Many died. God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole—anyone who looked at it would live. Jesus referenced this as a picture of His crucifixion (John 3:14).
Moses Strikes the Rock
At Meribah again, the people complained about water. God told Moses to speak to the rock, but in anger Moses struck it twice. Water came out, but Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land for not sanctifying God before the people.
🏕️ Life in the Wilderness
Moses' Legacy
His lasting impact and foreshadowing of Christ
"Jehovah your God will raise up a Prophet to you from among you, of your brothers, One like me. You shall listen to Him."
— Deuteronomy 18:15 (KJ3)Moses' Titles and Roles
Prophet
Spoke God's words to the people, delivered God's Law, and foretold future events. No prophet knew God "face to face" as Moses did.
Lawgiver
Received and transmitted the entire Torah—the foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God and their national identity.
Judge
Settled disputes among the people. Later delegated this to appointed judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
Intercessor
Repeatedly stood between God's wrath and the people, pleading for mercy—especially after the golden calf incident.
Shepherd of Israel
Led over two million people through the wilderness for 40 years—providing direction, protection, and spiritual guidance.
Author
Wrote the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible. Preserved God's law and Israel's history for all generations.
✝️ Moses as a Type of Christ
Preserved as Infants
Both escaped a king's decree to kill male children (Pharaoh / Herod)
Deliverer
Moses delivered from Egypt; Christ delivers from sin
Mediator
Both mediated covenants between God and man
Prophet
Moses foretold the coming Prophet (Deut. 18:15)—fulfilled in Jesus
📖 Moses in the New Testament
Moses appears at the Transfiguration with Elijah, speaking with Jesus about His coming death (Luke 9:30-31). He is mentioned over 80 times in the New Testament—more than any other Old Testament figure except Abraham. Jesus said, "If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote of Me" (John 5:46).
📝 Test Your Knowledge of Moses
1. How long did Moses live?
2. What was the first plague on Egypt?
3. Where did Moses see the burning bush?
4. What name did God reveal to Moses at the burning bush?
5. Which commandment includes a promise of long life?
6. Why couldn't Moses enter the Promised Land?
7. How long did Israel wander in the wilderness?
8. What did God provide from heaven for Israel to eat?
9. Who was Moses' brother and spokesman?
10. What mountain did Moses die on?