The Life of Moses: From Birth to Legacy
Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, serving as the leader of the Israelites, the lawgiver, and the one through whom God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. His life is divided into three main 40-year periods: Egyptian prince, desert exile, and leader of Israel.
1. Birth and Early Life (Born a Hebrew, Raised as an Egyptian Prince)
📖 Exodus 1-2
- Moses was born during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:22).
- His mother hid him in a basket in the Nile River, and Pharaoh’s daughter found him and raised him as her own (Exodus 2:5-10).
- Although raised in the luxury of Pharaoh’s palace, Moses knew his Hebrew heritage.
2. Exile in Midian (The First 40 Years End in the Desert)
📖 Exodus 2:11-25
- As an adult, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12).
- Fearing for his life, he fled to the wilderness of Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for 40 years.
- There, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (Reuel), and had two sons (Exodus 2:21-22).
3. The Burning Bush and God’s Calling (Moses’ Mission)
📖 Exodus 3-4
- While tending sheep, Moses saw a bush burning but not consumed—it was God speaking to him (Exodus 3:2-4).
- God commanded him to go to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
- Moses hesitated, making excuses, but God assured him that He would be with him (Exodus 3:11-12).
- God gave Moses miraculous signs and appointed his brother Aaron to help him (Exodus 4:14-16).
4. Confronting Pharaoh and the Ten Plagues
📖 Exodus 5-12
- Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh, demanding, “Let my people go!” (Exodus 5:1).
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Pharaoh refused, so God sent ten plagues to show His power:
- Water to blood
- Frogs
- Lice/gnats
- Flies
- Livestock disease
- Boils
- Hailstorm
- Locusts
- Darkness
- Death of the firstborn (Passover)
- After the tenth plague (death of the firstborn), Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go (Exodus 12:31-32).
5. The Exodus and Parting of the Red Sea
📖 Exodus 13-14
- As the Israelites left, Pharaoh changed his mind and chased after them (Exodus 14:5-9).
- Trapped at the Red Sea, God parted the waters, and the Israelites crossed on dry land (Exodus 14:21-22).
- When the Egyptian army pursued, the waters returned and drowned them (Exodus 14:27-28).
6. Journey Through the Wilderness (40 Years of Testing)
📖 Exodus 15 – Deuteronomy
- Manna from Heaven & Water from the Rock: God miraculously provided food and water (Exodus 16-17).
- Ten Commandments: God gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20).
- Golden Calf Incident: While Moses was on the mountain, the Israelites worshiped a golden calf, leading to God’s punishment (Exodus 32).
- Tabernacle Built: The Israelites built a portable sanctuary for worship (Exodus 35-40).
However, the Israelites constantly rebelled, and as a result, they wandered in the desert for 40 years instead of entering the Promised Land immediately.
7. Moses’ Final Years and Death
📖 Deuteronomy 31-34
- Moses led the Israelites to the border of Canaan, but because of his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:8-12), he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
- God showed Moses the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, but he died at 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:1-5).
- Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9).
Legacy of Moses
- Lawgiver: He received and wrote down God’s Law (Torah/Pentateuch).
- Prophet: He spoke with God face to face (Exodus 33:11).
- Deliverer: He led Israel out of Egypt, prefiguring Christ.
- Faithful Servant: Even in failure, he remained devoted to God.
Summary of Moses’ Life (Three 40-Year Periods)
1️⃣ 40 years in Egypt – Raised as an Egyptian prince.
2️⃣ 40 years in Midian – Lived as a shepherd after fleeing Egypt.
3️⃣ 40 years leading Israel – Delivered the Israelites and guided them through the wilderness.
Moses’ life is a powerful example of God’s leadership, patience, and faithfulness. His story foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer.