Lifespan

Uncertain. Moses led the Israelites from Egypt and spent the next 39 years as their spiritual and political leader as they wandered the wilderness. (Approximately 1290-1250 B.C.?)

Ministry

Moses served as the leader of the Israelites during their escape from Egyptian bondage and subsequent 40-year wanderings predominantly in the area of the Sinai Peninsula and wilderness south of the Dead Sea, much of which seems to have been spent in the vicinity of Kadesh-barnea in the northern Sinai desert.

Preparation and Calling

Moses was the product of a secret birth during a time of mortal persecution. Hidden in amid the reeds of the Nile River, he was found by the daughter of Pharaoh, and nursed by his own mother through a bit of quick thinking on the part of his older sister. He was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter in privileged circumstances, but when, as an adult, he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew man, he had to flee the country to save his life. He ended up in Midian, where he married Zipporah, had two sons, and tended his father-in-law’s flocks. While Moses was tending those flocks one day near Horeb, God appeared to him in a burning bush and called him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage.

Interaction with God

Moses experienced a full range of experiences with the God whom he represented to the people of Israel. He spoke to God as He appeared in a burning bush, he visited with Him face to face, he received His word through inspired counselors and friends, and he counseled with God in prayer and the quiet whisperings of the Spirit.

Social Situation

The story of Moses and the Israelites covers several social scenarios. The two major ones are (1) the people of Israel serving in slave-labor camps to the Egyptians, and (2) after escaping, a nearly 40-year existence in the wilderness awaiting God’s permission to re-enter the promised land. However, the theme that connects the entire Moses’ story is the need to understand that God is all-powerful, and Israel must learn to depend on and obey their God.

Some have drawn a close parallel between Moses leading the children of Israel in the wilderness and the modern prophet Brigham Young leading the Mormon pioneers west to the Great Salt Lake Valley in the mid-1800s. He was nicknamed an “American Moses.”

Key Teachings

Moses has left us many important teachings, some of which include:

• The Ten Commandments
• The principle of delegating administrative responsibilities
• The principle of commitment to one God only: the true God
• The witness of miracles for those who believe
• A detailed code of laws for those unable to live God’s higher laws

Prophecies of Christ

“The Lord thy God will raise up onto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deut. 18:15).

Living with the Prophet

Moses had the perfect background for his calling: an Israelite with an Egyptian education and credentials. But freeing the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage was not his only task. He then had to live with and lead the freed Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, and they tended to sometimes be less than grateful for their blessings. They lacked the perspective of Moses, the prophet. When you perceive that life is difficult, read the words of ancient and modern prophets and tie into their perspective. You’ll find that your life suddenly becomes more manageable.

Sources

Encyclopedia of Religion, s.v. “Moses”

Oxford Companion to the Bible, s.v. “Moses”

Holy Bible, the book of Moses

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, s.v. “Young, Brigham”