story of moses
The Early Life of Moses
In the sweltering heat of ancient Egypt, around 1300 BCE, a young boy named Moses was born to a Hebrew family. His father, Amram, was a member of the tribe of Levi, and his mother, Jochebed, was a member of the tribe of Kohath. As a newborn, Moses was spared from the cruel edict of Pharaoh Ramses II, who ordered the death of all newborn Hebrew males to prevent the growing population of slaves from becoming a threat to the Egyptian monarchy.
The Divine Intervention
Moses’ life was forever changed when he was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, Bithiah, who was bathing in the Nile River. She found him floating in a basket made of papyrus and reeds, surrounded by the sweet-smelling waters of the Nile. Moved by compassion, Bithiah took Moses under her care and raised him as her own son. This act of kindness would ultimately lead to a dramatic turn of events that would shape the course of history.
The Call to Leadership
As Moses grew up, he became aware of his true identity and the fate of his Hebrew brothers and sisters. He saw how they were brutally treated by their Egyptian taskmasters, forced to work tirelessly in the construction of cities and monuments. One day, while watching over the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Filled with indignation and anger, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand.
News of this act soon spread, and Pharaoh became aware of what had transpired. He summoned Moses to appear before him, but instead of punishing him for his actions, he told him to leave Egypt and never return. Moses realized that he had no place among his own people and that his presence would only lead to further trouble.
The Burning Bush
Years passed, and Moses continued to wander in the desert with his father-in-law’s family. One day, while tending to his sheep, he encountered a strange phenomenon – a bush that was burning but not being consumed by fire. The bush spoke to Moses in a voice that echoed within his heart, saying, “Come no closer! Remove your sandals from your feet, for you are standing on holy ground.”
In this moment, Moses understood that he was being called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land. The burning bush symbolized the fiery passion of God’s desire for justice and freedom.
The Ten Plagues
With God’s guidance, Moses returned to Egypt and demanded that Pharaoh let his people go. However, Pharaoh refused to listen, and as a result, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt. The first nine plagues were designed to convince Pharaoh of the power of God and to demonstrate His mercy towards Israel. The tenth plague would be the most severe – the death of every firstborn son.
As the night fell on Passover Eve, Pharaoh’s daughter summoned her son home for dinner. Unbeknownst to her, an angel had been sent by God to strike down every firstborn son in Egypt. When she entered her son’s room, she found him lying dead on his bed. The scream she let out echoed throughout the land.
The Exodus
As the sun rose over Egypt on that fateful day, the Hebrews were instructed by God to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that they would be spared from the tenth plague. As they followed this instruction, they were able to escape death while every Egyptian firstborn son perished.
With their numbers reduced by half due to the plague, Pharaoh finally relented and allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt. They departed with great haste, taking with them their flocks and possessions. The Egyptians watched as they disappeared into the horizon.
The Parting of the Red Sea
As they journeyed towards freedom, they came across a seemingly insurmountable barrier – the Red Sea. The waters seemed endless and impassable. But God had already prepared this miracle for them. With a mighty wind at their backs and a pillar of cloud leading them forward, the Israelites began to cross the sea.
As they walked through its waters, the sea miraculously parted in two sections, allowing them to pass safely through while drowning their Egyptian pursuers. The Egyptians who had followed them into the sea were consumed by its waters as it returned to its natural state.
The Wilderness Wanderings
After crossing the Red Sea, Moses led his people into the wilderness for forty years. During this period, they were tested repeatedly by God’s trials and tribulations. They faced hunger and thirst in the wilderness; they complained against God; they were tempted by idols; and they were plagued by snakes and scorpions.
Yet through it all, God remained faithful to His covenant with Abraham and His promise to Abraham’s descendants. He provided for their needs; He protected them from harm; and He guided them through unfamiliar lands.
The Promise Land
After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses finally led his people into the Promised Land – Canaan. With Joshua by his side, he ascended Mount Nebo and looked out upon the land that had been promised to their ancestors.
In this moment of triumph and sorrow, Moses knew that his time on this earth was drawing to a close. With a heavy heart, he wrote down his final words in Deuteronomy – a testament to God’s faithfulness and love for His people.
And so ended the story of Moses – a man who had been chosen by God for greatness; who had faced unimaginable challenges; who had led his people through miracles and trials; and who had ultimately fulfilled his destiny as a leader chosen by God himself.
