Moses was a prophet, leader, and servant of God who was chosen to deliver the children of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More from bondage in EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More. He was born to Amram and Jochebed of the Tribe of LeviThe Tribe of Levi was descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were set apart for sacred service to God rather than receiving a large territorial inheritance. From the Tribe of Levi came the priesthood, the caretakers of the Tabernacle, and leaders such as Moses and Aaron. The Levites... More during a time when Pharaoh had commanded that HebrewHebrew is the ancient language of the people of Israel and the primary language in which most of the Old Testament was originally written. As a member of the Northwest Semitic language family, Hebrew contains rich layers of meaning that provide deeper insight into Scripture, biblical names, prophecy, covenant theology, and God's revelation to His people. More male infants be put to death (; ). Through God’s providence, Moses was preserved and raised in Pharaoh’s household, preparing him for the work God had ordained for his life.
As an adult, Moses fled EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating a HebrewHebrew is the ancient language of the people of Israel and the primary language in which most of the Old Testament was originally written. As a member of the Northwest Semitic language family, Hebrew contains rich layers of meaning that provide deeper insight into Scripture, biblical names, prophecy, covenant theology, and God's revelation to His people. More servant (). He settled in the land of Midian, where he married Zipporah and worked as a shepherd. While tending sheep near Mount Horeb, God appeared to him through a burning bush and commissioned him to return to EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More:
“Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More out of EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More.” ()
Though Moses initially felt inadequate for such a task, God promised to be with him and appointed AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More as his spokesman.
Moses returned to EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More and confronted Pharaoh with God’s command:
“Let my people go.” ()
When Pharaoh refused, God sent a series of judgments upon EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More known as the Ten Plagues (Exodus 7-12). Following the death of the firstborn and the institution of the Passover, Pharaoh finally released the Israelites. Moses then led the people through the Red Sea, where God miraculously delivered them from the pursuing Egyptian army ().
After the Exodus, Moses led IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More through the wilderness toward the Promised LandThe Promised Land is the land that God pledged to give to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as an everlasting inheritance. Often identified with the land of Canaan, it became the homeland of the nation of Israel and serves as a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, provision, and rest for His people. More. At Mount SinaiSinai is the mountain where God revealed Himself to Israel, gave the Law to Moses, and established the covenant that shaped the nation’s identity. It stands as one of the most sacred locations in Scripture, a place of divine fire, voice, and holiness. More, God entered into covenant with the nation and gave Moses the Ten Commandments:
“And God spake all these words.” ()
Through Moses, God delivered the laws, statutes, and ordinances that would govern Israel’s worship, justice, and daily life.
Moses also received detailed instructions for the construction of the TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More, the portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among His people:
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” ()
The TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More, priesthood, sacrifices, and festivals given through Moses would later point forward to the redemptive work of the MessiahMessiah means “Anointed One,” the promised deliverer foretold throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as this Messiah — the fulfillment of prophecy, the bearer of God’s kingdom, and the one who accomplishes redemption through His life, death, and resurrection (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 9:25; John 4:25–26). More.
Throughout Israel’s wilderness journey, Moses repeatedly interceded for the people when they sinned against God. One of the most dramatic examples occurred after the worship of the golden calf, when Moses pleaded for God’s mercy upon the nation (). Because of his role as mediator between God and IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More, Moses became one of the most revered figures in biblical history.
Before his death, Moses was permitted to view the Promised LandThe Promised Land is the land that God pledged to give to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as an everlasting inheritance. Often identified with the land of Canaan, it became the homeland of the nation of Israel and serves as a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, provision, and rest for His people. More from Mount Nebo, though he was not allowed to enter because of an act of disobedience at the waters of Meribah (). Scripture records:
“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab.” ()
After his death, leadership passed to JoshuaJoshua was the successor of Moses, a faithful leader of Israel, and the commander who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Born into the Tribe of Ephraim, Joshua served as Moses' assistant, one of the twelve spies, and later became the leader appointed by God to guide Israel across the Jordan River and conquer Canaan. His life is remembered... More, who would lead IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More into CanaanCanaan is the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, remembered as the ancestor of the peoples who later inhabited the land bearing his name. His story marks the beginning of a lineage that becomes central to Israel’s early history and the unfolding of God’s promises. More.
The New TestamentThe New Testament is the collection of twenty‑seven inspired books revealing the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the birth of the church, and the arrival of the new covenant promised in the Old Testament. More presents Moses as a faithful servant of God while also pointing to Jesus ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More as the greater Prophet whom Moses foretold:
“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me.” ()
Moses’ life reveals God’s power to deliver, His faithfulness to His promises, and His desire to dwell among His people. Through Moses, God redeemed IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More from EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More and laid the foundation for the covenant history that ultimately leads to the coming of the MessiahMessiah means “Anointed One,” the promised deliverer foretold throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as this Messiah — the fulfillment of prophecy, the bearer of God’s kingdom, and the one who accomplishes redemption through His life, death, and resurrection (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 9:25; John 4:25–26). More.
Hebrew Name
מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh)
Meaning: “Drawn Out.”
Moses received his name because Pharaoh’s daughter drew him from the waters of the Nile:
“And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.” ()
Related Terms
- AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More
- Miriam
- LeviLevi was the third son of Jacob and Leah and the ancestor of the Levites, the tribe set apart for service to God. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the descendants of Levi were chosen for priestly duties, the care of the Tabernacle, and the teaching of God's Law. From the tribe of Levi came Moses, Aaron, and the Levitical... More
- EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More
- Pharaoh
- Exodus
- Passover
- Ten Plagues
- Mount SinaiSinai is the mountain where God revealed Himself to Israel, gave the Law to Moses, and established the covenant that shaped the nation’s identity. It stands as one of the most sacred locations in Scripture, a place of divine fire, voice, and holiness. More
- Ten Commandments
- TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More
- JoshuaJoshua was the successor of Moses, a faithful leader of Israel, and the commander who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Born into the Tribe of Ephraim, Joshua served as Moses' assistant, one of the twelve spies, and later became the leader appointed by God to guide Israel across the Jordan River and conquer Canaan. His life is remembered... More
- Promised LandThe Promised Land is the land that God pledged to give to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as an everlasting inheritance. Often identified with the land of Canaan, it became the homeland of the nation of Israel and serves as a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, provision, and rest for His people. More
- Law of MosesThe Law of Moses refers to the commandments, statutes, ordinances, and covenant regulations that God gave to Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. Contained primarily within the first five books of the Bible, the Law governed Israel's worship, civil life, moral conduct, priesthood, sacrifices, and covenant relationship with God. It served as the foundation of Israel's national and religious life... More
- MessiahMessiah means “Anointed One,” the promised deliverer foretold throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as this Messiah — the fulfillment of prophecy, the bearer of God’s kingdom, and the one who accomplishes redemption through His life, death, and resurrection (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 9:25; John 4:25–26). More
