Moses (Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy; Psalm 90; Acts 7:20–44; Hebrews 11:23–29)

Deliverer & Lawgiver of Israel

The shepherd God called from a burning bush to lead Israel out of Egypt, mediate the covenant at Sinai, and shepherd a nation through forty years in the wilderness.

Born to a Hebrew slave under Pharaoh's death decree, Moses was drawn from the Nile and raised in the Egyptian court. After killing an Egyptian he fled to Midian, where he kept flocks for forty years — until God met him in a bush that burned but was not consumed.

Reluctant and slow of speech, he became the human instrument of the Exodus, the mediator of the Law, and the writer to whom the first five books of the Bible are ascribed. “there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom Jehovah knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10).

Strengths

• Faith
• Meekness
• Intercession
• Endurance
• Obedience

Weaknesses

• Self-doubt
• Anger
• Reluctance

Themes

• Deliverance
• Covenant
• Law
• Mediation
• Holiness
• Faithfulness

Drawn from the Nile (Exodus 2:1–10)

Spared from Pharaoh's decree, the infant Moses is adopted into the Egyptian royal house.

Flight to Midian (Exodus 2:11–25)

After killing an Egyptian, Moses flees and spends forty years as a shepherd.

The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1–4:17)

God calls Moses to deliver Israel and reveals his name: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

The Burning Bush

At Horeb, “the mountain of God” (Exodus 3:1), the Angel of the LORD appears in a flame within a bush that burns yet is not consumed. God commissions a reluctant Moses, answering each objection in turn, and discloses his covenant name:

“I AM THAT I AM… Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exodus 3:14)

Aaron is given as his spokesman, and the staff in his hand becomes a sign.

The Plagues & the Exodus (Exodus 7–14)

Ten plagues break Egypt's grip; at Passover Israel goes free and crosses the Red Sea.

The Plagues & the Exodus

Ten escalating judgments fall on Egypt, each striking at her gods. The final plague — the death of the firstborn — is answered by the blood of the Passover lamb on Israel's doorposts.

Pharaoh relents, then pursues; God parts the Red Sea, Israel passes through on dry ground, and the waters return upon Egypt's army.

The Covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19–24; Exodus 31–34)

Moses receives the Ten Commandments and the Law, mediating God's covenant with Israel.

The Covenant at Sinai

Amid thunder, smoke, and trumpet blast, God descends on Sinai and gives the Ten Commandments. Moses ascends the mountain to receive the tablets and the pattern for the tabernacle.

Finding Israel worshiping a golden calf, he intercedes for the people — “blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book” (Exodus 32:32) — and the covenant is renewed.

Forty Years in the Wilderness (Numbers 14; Numbers 20:1–13)

Moses shepherds a grumbling nation; for striking the rock he is barred from the land.

Death on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34)

From Nebo Moses views the Promised Land he may not enter, and the LORD buries him.

Aaron (Exodus 4:14–16; Exodus 28)

His older brother and appointed spokesman; Israel's first high priest.

Miriam (Exodus 2:4; Exodus 15:20–21)

His sister, who watched over him on the Nile and led Israel in song.

Jethro (Exodus 18)

His Midianite father-in-law, who counseled him to delegate judgment.

Zipporah (Exodus 2:21)

His wife, daughter of Jethro of Midian.

Joshua (Exodus 17:9; Deuteronomy 34:9)

His aide and military commander, chosen to succeed him into the land.

Pharaoh (Exodus 5–14)

The Egyptian king who hardened his heart against God's command to let Israel go.

The LORD (Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:6–8)

Spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

Major sections

• Exodus 2 – Deuteronomy 34

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