The Story of Moses in the Bible

The story of Moses is one of the most profound and influential narratives in the Bible, found primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It tells the tale of Moses, a Hebrew boy raised by Pharaoh’s daughter in Egypt, who grows up to become a leader and prophet. Moses is best known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, receiving the Ten Commandments from God, and guiding his people through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.

Early Life

Moses’ story begins with his birth during a time when the Pharaoh of Egypt had ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed to prevent the rise of a potential liberator. Moses’ mother hid him for three months and then set him adrift on the Nile in a basket to save his life. Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted him, raising him as her own son in the Egyptian palace.

Call to Leadership

Moses’ life took a dramatic turn after he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. This act forced him to flee to Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for 40 years. At the burning bush, God called Moses to return to Egypt to lead the Hebrews to freedom. Despite his reluctance and self-doubt, Moses accepted this divine mission.

The Exodus

Confronting Pharaoh with his brother Aaron, Moses demanded the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh’s refusal led to God inflicting ten devastating plagues upon Egypt. The final plague, the death of the firstborns of Egypt, convinced Pharaoh to release the Hebrews. Moses then led his people out of Egypt, through the parted Red Sea, and into the desert.

Covenant and Law

At Mount Sinai, Moses ascended the mountain and received the Ten Commandments from God, a moral and legal code that would define the Israelite community. He spent 40 days and nights on the mountain, receiving laws and instructions (the Torah) from God.

The Wilderness and Death

Moses led the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness, dealing with their complaints, rebellions, and lack of faith. Despite his leadership, because of a transgression at the waters of Meribah, he was not allowed by God to enter the Promised Land. Moses died on Mount Nebo, having seen the land from a distance.

Relevant Bible Verses

1. Exodus 3:10 “Come now, therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”
2. Exodus 14:21-22 “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the Israelites went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”
3. Exodus 20:1-3 “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
4. Numbers 20:12 “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”
5. Deuteronomy 34:4-5 “And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.”

Moses and the Exodus has inspired several films over the years, reflecting its dramatic and epic nature.

Here are some notable movies based on Moses’ life:

1. The Ten Commandments (1956) – Directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston as Moses, this film is one of the most famous adaptations of the Exodus story. It’s well-known for its impressive special effects during the parting of the Red Sea and its portrayal of the biblical plagues.
2. Prince of Egypt (1998) – This animated musical by DreamWorks retells the story of Moses from his royal upbringing to his role in leading the Hebrews out of Egypt. It’s praised for its artistic style, music, and a more nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Moses and Pharaoh Rameses II.
3. Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) – Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Christian Bale as Moses, this film offers a modern, action-filled take on the biblical story, focusing on the conflicts and brotherly relationship between Moses and Ramses.
4. Moses (1995) – A TV movie that stars Ben Kingsley as Moses. This film focuses on the life of Moses from his birth to his death, covering his prophecy, leadership, and the delivery of his people to the Promised Land.
5. Moses the Lawgiver (1974) – This television miniseries, starring Burt Lancaster as Moses, chronicles the entire life of Moses and was used as a basis for a shorter theatrical release.

These films vary in their interpretation and presentation but each brings unique elements to the portrayal of Moses’ life and the dramatic events of the Exodus.