Moses
Moses was a prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus. Through a series of divine plagues and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, he guided the people to freedom and into the wilderness. On Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Law directly from God, establishing the covenant that would define Israel's relationship with the divine. This narrative is central to Scripture as it illustrates themes of redemption, law, and faithfulness that underpin both the Old and New Testaments.
Videos from BibleProject
Exodus Overview (Part 1: Ch. 1-18)
God calls Moses to confront Pharaoh and rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt.
Exodus Overview (Part 2: Ch. 19-40)
Moses receives the covenant at Sinai and oversees the building of the Tabernacle.
Deuteronomy Overview
Moses gives his final words of wisdom before Israel enters the promised land.
BibleProject is the author and owner of this content. To find more BibleProject resources, visit bibleproject.com. Bible Navigator is not affiliated with BibleProject.
Biography
- Born
- c. 1526 BC, Egypt
- Died
- c. 1406 BC, Mount Nebo, Moab
- Age
- 120 years
- Occupation
- Prophet, Leader, Lawgiver
- Tribe
- Levi
- Father
- Amram
- Mother
- Jochebed
- Spouse
- Zipporah
- Children
- Gershom, Eliezer
- Era
- Exodus
- Nationality
- Hebrew
Family
Did You Know?
Although the Bible explains Moses' name through a Hebrew etymology as "drawn out" of the water, it closely matches the Egyptian term for "son" found in royal names like Thutmose, reflecting his adoption into Pharaoh's household during the New Kingdom period.
Moses initially resisted his divine commission at the burning bush by citing a speech impediment, prompting God to designate Aaron as his official spokesman while Moses retained ultimate authority in conveying messages to Pharaoh.
Upon descending Mount Sinai with the second tablets, Moses' face emitted such intense radiance from his direct encounter with God that he was forced to wear a veil when addressing the Israelites, a detail highlighting ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine glory as physically transformative.
Moses' marriage to a Cushite woman sparked familial opposition from Miriam and Aaron, resulting in Miriam's temporary affliction with leprosy as divine punishment, underscoring tensions over ethnic intermarriage in the wilderness period.
Moses was barred from entering Canaan for striking the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as instructed, a failure that ancient interpreters linked to broader themes of leadership accountability and the limits of Mosaic authority.
Key Passages
The Burning Bush
Exodus 3:1-22
God reveals His personal name (I AM) and commissions a reluctant shepherd to confront the world's greatest empire. This encounter establishes the pattern of God choosing unlikely people for impossible tasks.
1ow Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Crossing the Red Sea
Exodus 14:21-31
The defining act of Old Testament salvation - God parts the sea to deliver His people from slavery. This event becomes Israel's primary confession of faith and a type of baptism into new life.
21nd Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17
God gives His covenant law at Sinai, establishing the moral foundation for Israel's life as His people. These commands reveal God's character and define what it means to love Him and neighbor.
1nd God spake all these words, saying,
Death of Moses
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Moses views the Promised Land but cannot enter - a sobering reminder that even the greatest leaders face consequences for disobedience, yet God's purposes advance beyond any individual.
1nd Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,
Commentary
Moses: God Uses the Broken
Your biggest failures don't disqualify you from being used by God.
Anxiety: God Is Not Frustrated With You
Moses begged God to send someone else. God gave him a helper instead of a rebuke.
Commentary by Bible Navigator.
This commentary is for inspirational and educational purposes only. It is not professional counseling, therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for professional help. If you are in crisis or need support, please reach out to a licensed professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).