Moses and the Exodus | Part 1

Moses was born in 1593 B.C.E., in Egypt, being the son of Amram, the grandson of Kohath, and the great-grandson of Levi. His mother Jochebed was Kohath's sister. Moses was three years younger than his brother Aaron. Miriam their sister was some years older. - Ex 6:16, 18, 20; 2:7. As a member of Pharaoh's household, he was "instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," becoming "powerful in his words and deeds," undoubtedly powerful in both mental and physical capabilities. - Ex 2:1-10; Ac 7:20-22.

In spite of his favored position and the opportunities offered to him in Egypt, Moses' heart was with God's enslaved people. In fact, he hoped to be used by God to bring deliverance to them. In the 40th year of his life, while making observation of the burdens his Hebrew brothers were bearing, he saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew. In taking up his fellow Israelite's defense, he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. It was at this point that Moses had made the most important decision of his life: "By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God rather than side with the Masters." Moses thereby gave up the honor and materialism that he might have enjoyed as a member of the household of mighty Pharaoh. - Heb 11:24, 25.

Actually, Moses felt that the time had come that he would be able to give the Hebrews salvation. But they did not appreciate his efforts, and Moses was forced to flee from Egypt when the Pharaoh heard of the slaying of the Egyptian. - Ex 2:11-15; Ac 7:23-29.

Forty Years in Midian: It was a long journey across wilderness territory to Midian, where Moses sought refuge. There, at a well, Moses' courage and readiness to act forcefully to help those suffering injustice again came to the fore. When shepherds drove away the seven daughters of Jethro and their flock, Moses delivered the women and watered the flocks for them. As a result he was invited to Jethro's house, where he entered Jethro's employment as a shepherd for his flocks and eventually married one of Jethro's daughters, Zipporah, who bore him two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. - Ex 2:16-22; 18:2-4.

Training for future service: While it was God's purpose to deliver the Hebrews by the hand of Moses, God's due time had not yet arrived; neither was Moses yet qualified to serve over God's people. He had to undergo another 40 years of training. The qualities of patience, meekness, humility, long-suffering, mildness of temper, self-control, and learning to wait on Yahweh needed to be developed in him to a higher degree, in order for him to be the fitting one to lead the people. He had to be groomed and prepared to endure the discouragements, disappointments, and hardships he would encounter, and to handle with loving-kindness, calmness, and strength the multitude of problems a great nation would present.

He possessed much learning, and his training as a member of Pharaoh's household had doubtless given him dignity, confidence, and poise and had accentuated his ability to organize and command. But the lowly occupation of shepherding in Midian provided the training needed to develop fine qualities that would be even more important for the task ahead of him. Similarly, David underwent rigorous training, even after being anointed by Samuel, and Jesus Christ was tried, tested, and proved, to be perfected as King and High Priest forever. "He (Christ) learned obedience from the things he suffered; and after he had been made perfect he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him." - Heb 5:8, 9.

Video source material : Decoding the Exodus, Moses & The 10 Commandments, The Exodus Revealed, Re-edited by Captain Black