Moses

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew mōšeh, “drawn out,” reflecting his rescue from the Nile (Exodus 2:10).
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period (Israel’s formation and early national history).
• Main References: Exodus 1–40; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy 1–34.
• Key Connections: Amram and Jochebed; Aaron and Miriam; Pharaoh; the elders of Israel; Joshua; the Sinai covenant community.

Who was Moses?

Moses was an Israelite from the tribe of Levi who was raised in Pharaoh’s household in Egypt.
After fleeing to Midian, he was commissioned by the LORD to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of slavery.
He served as Israel’s principal leader in the wilderness and as the mediator through whom the Sinai covenant and its laws were delivered.

Key Events & Achievements

• Call at the burning bush: Commissioned to deliver Israel and reveal the divine name to Pharaoh and Israel (Exodus 3–4).
• Exodus and sea crossing: Led Israel’s departure from Egypt and their passage through the sea as a decisive act of deliverance (Exodus 12–14).
• Covenant at Sinai: Received and transmitted covenant stipulations for Israel’s life with the LORD (Exodus 19–24).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Moses’ life shows how leadership in Israel’s early history was grounded in obedience to the LORD and responsibility to preserve covenant order for the people.

Key Verse

"The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." — Exodus 33:11, NIV