Moses: Deliverer, Lawgiver, and Friend of God

Moses: Deliverer, Lawgiver, and Friend of God

Moses is one of the most towering figures in all of Scripture. Chosen by God to lead Israel out of slavery, he became the mediator of the covenant at Sinai and the author of the first five books of the Bible. His life—from the Nile River to Mount Nebo—reveals God’s power, patience, and redemptive plan pointing to Christ.

Name & Etymology

The name Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mōsheh, pronounced mo-sheh) is explained in Exodus 2:10: “The princess named him Moses, for she explained, ‘I lifted him out of the water.’” It is related to the Hebrew verb mashah (מָשָׁה, ma-shah), meaning “to draw out.”

In the Septuagint (LXX), the name is rendered Μωυσῆς (Mōusēs), a Greek form derived from the Egyptian root ms or mesu, meaning “born of” or “child.” Both Hebrew and Egyptian origins highlight his dual identity as Hebrew by birth and Egyptian by upbringing.

Biblical Narrative (The Story)

Moses’ life unfolds in three dramatic stages of roughly forty years each.

• Preserved in Infancy: Born under a death decree, Moses was hidden by his parents and placed in a basket on the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him, giving him an Egyptian upbringing with royal education (Exodus 2:1–10).

• Flight to Midian: After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian, where he married Zipporah and lived as a shepherd (Exodus 2:11–22).

• Call at the Burning Bush: God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, revealing His name Yahweh and calling Moses to deliver Israel (Exodus 3).

• Confronting Pharaoh: With Aaron as spokesman, Moses demanded Israel’s release, displaying God’s power through ten plagues (Exodus 7–12).

• The Exodus and Sinai Covenant: He led Israel through the Red Sea, received the Ten Commandments, and mediated the covenant between God and His people (Exodus 14–34).

• Wilderness Leadership: Moses guided Israel for forty years, interceding when they rebelled and establishing laws for worship and community.

• Final Blessing and Death: From Mount Nebo he viewed the Promised Land but died there at 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34).

Historical & Cultural Context

Raised as both Hebrew and Egyptian, Moses bridged two worlds. His education prepared him to lead, while his time in Midian shaped his humility. In a world where kings were considered divine, Moses proclaimed the one true God who rules over all nations.

Character & Themes

Moses is marked by humility, perseverance, and intimacy with God. Scripture calls him “more humble than any other person on earth” (Numbers 12:3, NLT). He spoke with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Connection to Christ

Moses foreshadows Jesus in profound ways:

• Both were threatened by a ruler at birth.

• Both mediated a covenant between God and His people.

• Moses lifted up the bronze serpent for healing (Numbers 21:9), anticipating Christ lifted up on the cross (John 3:14).

• Deuteronomy 18:15 promised a prophet like Moses, fulfilled in Jesus.

Theological Significance

Moses reveals God’s power to redeem and desire to dwell with His people. Through him God gave the Law, established worship, and displayed mercy when Israel sinned. Yet Moses himself could not enter the Promised Land, pointing to the need for a greater Deliverer.

Myths & Misconceptions

• Myth: Moses was a flawless hero.

  
  

  Truth: He struggled with anger and doubt, striking the rock in disobedience (Numbers 20:11–12).

• Myth: The Law of Moses was purely legalistic.

  
  

  Truth: It was a covenant of grace, given after redemption from Egypt, and pointed forward to Christ.

Application

Moses challenges us to trust God’s call even when we feel inadequate. His perseverance encourages us to lead with humility and to intercede for others.

Conclusion

Moses, drawn out of water to draw God’s people out of bondage, stands as a central figure in redemption history. His life and mission point directly to Jesus, the true Mediator who leads us into eternal rest.