The Bible presents Moses as the most significant figure in the Old Testament, serving as the prophet, deliverer, and lawgiver of Israel. Most famous for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses acted as the primary mediator between God and His people. His journey from a prince in Egypt to a humble shepherd—and finally to a nation’s leader—demonstrates how God uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish extraordinary purposes through faith and obedience.
The Early Life of a Hidden Prince
The story of Moses begins during a dark chapter for the Hebrew people. While they lived as slaves in Egypt, Pharaoh ordered the death of every newborn Hebrew boy to control their population. In a desperate act of faith, Moses’ mother hid him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River. God orchestrated a divine rescue when Pharaoh’s own daughter found the baby and raised him in the palace. This unique upbringing provided Moses with the best education Egypt could offer, yet he never truly forgot his Hebrew roots.
Eventually, Moses’ life took a sharp turn when he witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. In a moment of impulsive anger, Moses killed the Egyptian and fled for his life. He landed in the land of Midian, far from the luxuries of the palace. For the next forty years, the man who was once a prince lived as a quiet shepherd. This season of isolation was a classroom where God stripped away Moses’ self-reliance and prepared him for a much larger task.
The Prophet and Spokesman
Moses was eighty years old when God finally called him into his primary mission. While tending sheep near Mount Sinai, he encountered a bush that was on fire but did not burn up. From within the flames, God revealed His plan to rescue the Israelites and announced that Moses would be the one to stand before Pharaoh. This established Moses’ primary role as a prophet—someone who speaks on behalf of God.
Exodus 3:10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.
The showdown between Moses and Pharaoh remains one of the most dramatic accounts in history. After ten miraculous plagues, Pharaoh released the Israelites. The journey reached a climax at the Red Sea, where God parted the waters to allow Israel to cross on dry ground. This event solidified Moses’ role as the leader of the people and a true prophet. He didn’t just have a message; he had an unmatched intimacy with the Creator, speaking with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11).
The Lawgiver and Judge
After the Exodus, Moses served as the supreme judge and leader. He was responsible for transforming a disorganized group of weary slaves into a holy nation. On Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the moral, civil, and ceremonial laws that would govern Israel for centuries. This wasn’t just a list of rules; it was a covenant that defined how the people were to relate to God and to one another.
By bringing down the Ten Commandments, Moses established a society based on divine justice rather than the whims of a human tyrant. He also oversaw the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable tent where the presence of God would reside.
His contribution as a lawgiver was so foundational that the first five books of the Bible are known as the “Books of Moses” or the Torah. Every aspect of Jewish life—from how they treated their neighbors to how they prayed—traced back to the instructions Moses received.
The Intercessor and Mediator
Perhaps the most touching aspect of Moses’ role was his work as an intercessor. The Israelites were often rebellious, complaining about their circumstances and even turning to idolatry. On several occasions, God’s justice was provoked by their sin, yet Moses stepped into the gap. He pleaded for mercy on their behalf, sometimes even asking God to spare the people and take him instead.
Numbers 14:19 Please pardon the sins of this people because of your magnificent, unfailing love, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.
This role as a mediator is where we see the clearest picture of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses stood between a holy God and a sinful people to bridge the gap, Jesus serves as our ultimate Mediator. Despite his massive authority, the Bible describes Moses as the humblest man on earth. He never sought his own glory, proving his total devotion to the nation’s welfare over his own reputation.
Why Was Moses Revered Above All Others?
In Jewish tradition, Moses occupies a category all his own. He is known as Moshe Rabbenu—”Moses our Teacher.” While Abraham is the father of the nation, Moses is the “Father of all Prophets.” The primary reason for this deep reverence is the unique nature of his communication with God. While other prophets received messages through dreams or visions, God spoke to Moses clearly and directly.
Numbers 12:6-8 “Listen to what I say: If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions… But not with my servant Moses… With him I speak face to face!”
Because of this, Moses is the gold standard for faith in the Old Testament. For the Christian, this reverence provides a vital bridge to understanding Jesus. When the religious leaders challenged Jesus, they often did so by appealing to the authority of Moses. Jesus didn’t dismiss Moses; instead, He claimed that Moses’ entire life and writings were actually pointing toward Him.
The Takeaway
Moses was a flawed man who became the most influential leader in the Old Testament through his relationship with God. As a prophet, lawgiver, and mediator, he forged a nation and delivered the foundation of God’s Word. While Moses remains the ultimate teacher in Jewish thought, his life serves as a beautiful signpost for Christians. He led a physical rescue from slavery, but he pointed toward Jesus—the ultimate Deliverer who leads us out of the bondage of sin and into the presence of God forever.
