Exodus 3:14
Who Was Moses?
Moses is one of the most important figures in the Bible, serving as the deliverer who led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, the mediator through whom God gave the Law at Sinai, and the leader who guided God's people through 40 years of wilderness wandering. Born during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the death of Hebrew male infants, Moses was rescued by Pharaoh's daughter and raised in the Egyptian court. After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he fled to Midian where God appeared to him in a burning bush and commissioned him to free His people.
Moses appears in: Exodus , Numbers , Deuteronomy
Key Events
The Burning Bush
While tending sheep in Midian, God appeared to Moses in a bush that burned without being consumed, calling him to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh's bondage.
The Ten Plagues and Exodus
Moses confronted Pharaoh with God's demand to let Israel go. Through ten devastating plagues culminating in the death of Egypt's firstborn, Pharaoh finally released the Israelites.
The Parting of the Red Sea
With Pharaoh's army in pursuit, God parted the Red Sea through Moses, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground while the waters closed upon the Egyptian army.
Receiving the Law at Sinai
Moses ascended Mount Sinai where God gave him the Ten Commandments and the Law, establishing the covenant between God and Israel that would govern their worship and community life.
Key Scriptures
Exodus 3:14
Deuteronomy 34:10
Hebrews 11:24-27
Lessons from Moses
- God can use anyone regardless of their past failures or perceived inadequacies.
- Faithful leadership requires patience, intercession, and endurance through long seasons of difficulty.
- Obedience to God's commands must be precise — even great leaders face consequences for disobedience.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Moses felt inadequate for the task God gave him. Have you ever felt unqualified for something God was asking you to do?
- ? How did Moses show patience with the Israelites even when they complained? What can we learn from that?
- ? Why is it important to follow God's instructions carefully, as Moses learned at the rock at Meribah?
Family Activity
Read about Moses in the Bible this week. Have each family member draw or write about what they admire most about Moses and share with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land?
In Numbers 20:7-12, God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring water, but Moses struck the rock twice in anger. God said Moses had failed to sanctify Him before the people, and as a consequence Moses could see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo but not enter it.
How long did Moses lead the Israelites in the wilderness?
Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2). This extended period was a consequence of the people's refusal to enter Canaan after the spies' report, so the entire generation that left Egypt (except Joshua and Caleb) died before entering the Promised Land.
Did Moses really write the first five books of the Bible?
Jewish and Christian tradition attributes the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy) to Moses. Scripture itself references Moses writing the Law (Exodus 24:4, Deuteronomy 31:9), and Jesus referred to these books as the writings of Moses (Mark 12:26, John 5:46-47).
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