Moses
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, tribe of Levi · Exodus & Wilderness · Old Testament
- Name means
- Drawn out
- Role
- Deliverer, lawgiver and prophet of Israel
- When
- c. 1500-1400 BC (traditional)
What they did
Saved as a baby and raised in Pharaoh's house, he met God at the burning bush and led Israel out of Egypt. He received the Law at Sinai and led the people forty years in the wilderness.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Through Moses God redeemed Israel and gave His Law. He foretold a Prophet like himself, fulfilled in Christ: 'the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.'
And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, Deuteronomy 34:10 (KJV)
Bible references
And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. Exodus 2:10 (KJV)
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14 (KJV)
The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; Deuteronomy 18:15 (KJV)
And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, Deuteronomy 34:10 (KJV)
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17 (KJV)
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Amram
- Mother
- Jochebed
- Spouse(s)
- Zipporah
- Children
- Gershom, Eliezer
- Brothers / sisters
- Aaron, Miriam
Numbers 12:1 also mentions an Ethiopian woman whom he married. Died at 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7).
A fuller character study, with strengths, failures, lessons and a relationship diagram:
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