The Virtuous Journey of Moses: A Biblical Portrait

Moses, often hailed as a central figure in the Old Testament, has been a source of fascination for scholars and believers alike. Yet, the question often arises: Who did Moses meet while he was alive? Contrary to certain mythological narratives, Moses was a real man who lived in the 13th century B.C. and left an indelible mark on the course of world history through his encounters and decisions.

Early Life in Egypt

According to biblical accounts, early in his life, Moses was a “divinely beautiful” child born into a time of great trials. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing the growing Hebrew population, had issued a cruel decree to kill all newborn Hebrew males. In a remarkable story of divine preservation, Moses was hidden by his mother for three months. Soon after, his mother placed him in a papyrus basket and sent him floating down the Nile, where he was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter.

Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, who raised him in the royal household. This privileged upbringing gave him a unique perspective on both the wealth and injustices of Egyptian society. As a member of Pharaoh’s family, he had access to the finest education, eventually becoming “instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” and being “powerful in his words and deeds.” However, Moses’ heart was never fully aligned with the gods of Egypt; his true calling was among his own people.

The Decision of a Lifelong Devotion

At the age of 40, Moses made a life-altering decision. While observing the burdens his Hebrew brothers bore, he witnessed an Egyptian servant striking a Hebrew. In a moment of righteous indignation, Moses interceded, leading to the death of the Egyptian. After burying the Egyptian, Moses chose to escape Pharaoh’s wrath rather than continue enjoying the temporary privileges of his position. This decision placed him at a crossroads, marking a turning point in his life. As Scripture notes, Moses gave up “the temporary enjoyment of sin” to follow his true calling, which was ultimately to deliver his people from slavery.

The Journey to Midian

Moses fled to Midian where he sought refuge. In Midian, Moses came across Jethro, a priest of Midian, whom he married and whose daughter, Zipporah, bore him two sons: Gershom and Eliezer. Moses’ fortitude and unwavering sense of justice were evident even in this new setting. When seven of Jethro’s daughters were maltreated by shepherds, Moses bravely interceded, delivering the women and their flocks. This encounter not only allowed Moses to establish himself in Midian but also further demonstrated his willingness to protect the weak and oppressed.

Leadership and Divine Calling

Moses’ newfound experience and learning paved the way for his future leadership. When he was called upon by God to bring about the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage, he initially hesitated. However, Jehovah’s persistent call and the promises of deliverance overcame Moses’ doubts. Moses and his brother Aaron faced a formidable challenge in their mission to convince Pharaoh to release the Hebrews. In a battle of the gods, the first few plagues demonstrated Jehovah’s supremacy over the Egyptian gods, leading to further challenges and miraculous events.

Finally, Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, achieving the deliverance they had long waited for. His journey culminated in the establishment of the Israelites as a free people, setting the stage for their subsequent travels and the eventual receipt of the Torah.

The Significance of Moses’ Journey

Moses’ life and journey are filled with encounters that shaped his character and destiny. From the early days under Pharaoh, his bold acts in Midian, and the trials and triumphs in the wilderness, each encounter was a testament to his faith and commitment to God’s will. Moses’ journey remains a powerful example of listening to the call of God, the power of divine intervention, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it means facing incredible odds.

Moses, thus, is not just a fictional character, but a real individual who continued to face challenges and meet new people throughout his life, all in the name of following God’s plan. His story, steeped in divine intervention and personal growth, continues to inspire countless individuals to seek their own life’s purpose and to confront the world with justice and righteousness.

Keywords: Moses, Biblical Journey, Early Life in Egypt