MOSES

Please Summarize the Life of Moses.

Moses was born to Hebrew parents when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10). Pharaoh had ordered all newborn Israelite boys to be killed, but Moses’ mother hid him for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she put him in a basket and set him in the Nile, where he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. She adopted him and raised him as her own. As Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, “he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Hebrews 11:24). When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, Moses killed the Egyptian and fled Egypt (Exodus 2:11-15).

God later appeared to Moses in a burning bush at Mount Horeb, calling him to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3). Moses was 80 years old when God called him into service (Exodus 7:7). He returned to Egypt and confronted Pharaoh with God’s demand: “Let my people go” (Exodus 5-11). God sent 10 plagues on Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn before Pharaoh relented and released the Israelites. Moses led them out of Egypt in what is known as the Exodus (Exodus 12-14).

God guided the Israelites by pillars of cloud and fire and provided for them, including miraculous bread from heaven called manna (Exodus 13:21, 16:4). At Mount Sinai, God delivered the 10 Commandments to the Israelites (Exodus 20). But while Moses was receiving the Commandments, the Israelites built an idolatrous golden calf to worship (Exodus 32). Moses interceded for them and spared them destruction, but Levitical priests were established after this incident.

Moses was a humble man (Numbers 12:3), but he struggled with anger and patience in dealing with the often stubborn and rebellious Israelites (Numbers 20:2-13). Nevertheless, he continued leading them towards Canaan across the wilderness. God also gave many laws concerning worship, justice, social responsibility, hygiene, morality, and conduct through Moses. Near the end of the 40 years in the wilderness, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:15-23). Moses died at age 120 after God showed him the Promised Land, which he was not allowed to enter (Deuteronomy 34:1-7). “There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10).

Moses fulfills an integral role in God's redemptive plan centered around Christ (Luke 24:27). God used him to establish His covenant relationship with Israel, foreshadowing the new covenant that Christ would establish. Moses is also a model of faith for believers, as it was “by faith Moses...refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God...” (Hebrews 11:24-27). As the author of the first five books of the Bible, he contributed an enormous part of God’s inspired Word. Moses’ life stands as a monumental example of humble leadership, intimacy with God, and devotion to His people.

The life of Moses was filled with miracles and supernatural events. His life was spared by extraordinary circumstances as a baby. He was called at a very old age to lead his people out of bondage. Take into account the burning bush, the supernatural displays shown to Pharaoh, and the parting of the Red Sea and you define miraculous.

You make an excellent point. Moses' life was indeed marked by miraculous signs and wonders from God.

The burning bush from which God spoke to Moses was a theophany - a visible manifestation of God - which certainly qualifies as supernatural (Exodus 3:2). The ten plagues, from the Nile turning to blood to the death of the firstborn, overturned the natural order in Egypt through God's divine power working through Moses (Exodus 7-12). The parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army, was an outstanding miracle that demonstrated God's authority over creation (Exodus 14).

In addition, Moses' face shone with the glory of God after speaking with Him on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35). The Israelites were sustained by manna and quail in the wilderness through supernatural means (Exodus 16). Water came out of a rock twice when Moses struck it with his staff (Exodus 17, Numbers 20). And Moses lived to the remarkable age of 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7).

God emphatically validated Moses as His chosen servant by performing astonishing miracles and provisions. As it is written about Moses: “No one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel” (Deuteronomy 34:12). His life stands as a powerful testament to God's reality and His desire to be known by His people. Moses enjoyed an intimacy with God unmatched by any other Old Testament figure, as God spoke to him "face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11). The supernatural events permeating Moses' life reveal the mercy, grace, and wonder of the Almighty.

The 40 years spent in the desert were excruciating for Moses and his followers, all due to their disobedience. But even with their obstinate behavior, they were miraculously taken care of for the entire time, except for the ones that died due to their unbelief, and Moses for his anger.

You make a thoughtful point. Those 40 years wandering in the wilderness were indeed difficult for Moses and the Israelites, stemming from their acts of disobedience toward God.

Their complaining and ingratitude tried Moses' patience to the point that he angrily struck the rock to bring forth water, rather than speaking to it as God commanded (Numbers 20:2-13). As a result, Moses was barred from entering the Promised Land. The Israelites also suffered God's discipline, as an entire unbelieving generation died off during those decades in the desert, not able to inherit the blessings of Canaan due to their faithlessness and rebellion (Numbers 14:26-35).

Yet, despite their stubbornness, the Lord mercifully sustained His people, providing manna, quail, and water daily (Exodus 16-17, Numbers 20). Their shoes and clothing did not wear out either (Deuteronomy 8:2-4). His compassion and patience were abundant.

This 40-year period serves as a sobering lesson that disobedience, grumbling, and lack of faith displease the Lord and have consequences. But it also testifies to God's enduring loving kindness and protection. His people survived the desert only because of His miraculous hand of provision and care. He remains faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). Ultimately He brought Israel into the Promised Land in His timing and according to His steadfast covenant promises (Joshua 21:43-45).