This narrative is primarily found in the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 1 to 4.
The Birth of Moses
The birth of Moses is a significant event in the biblical narrative and is recorded in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, who were members of the Levite tribe in Egypt.
According to the biblical account, Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. The Pharaoh at that time became fearful of the growing number of Israelites and ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be killed.
Pharaoh had decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys be thrown into the Nile River to die.
In an attempt to save their newborn son, Jochebed and her husband Amram hid Moses in a basket among the bulrushes by the Nile River.
Moses’ sister, Miriam, watched from a distance to see what would happen.
Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the baby Moses while bathing in the river and took pity on him. Miriam approached her and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh’s daughter agreed, and Miriam brought Moses’ own mother to care for him. When he was older, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as an Egyptian prince.
Moses was given the name “Moses” by Pharaoh’s daughter, which means “drawn out” or “delivered” in Hebrew.
Moses’ Settlement in Midian
After growing up in Pharaoh’s household, Moses witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster mistreating an Israelite slave. Overcome with anger, Moses killed the taskmaster and hid his body in the sand. When Pharaoh learned about this incident, he sought to kill Moses, forcing him to flee from Egypt.
One such incident occurred when Moses attempted to intervene in a fight between two Hebrews. According to the biblical account in Exodus 2:11-14, Moses witnessed two Hebrews fighting and tried to separate them. In doing so, he asked the guilty party why he was attacking his fellow Hebrew. The guilty individual responded with a question that challenged Moses’ authority: “Who made you a prince and a judge over us?” This remark suggests that the Hebrew man questioned Moses’ right to intervene in their dispute.
Moreover, the man accused Moses of having committed murder, saying, “Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” This statement reveals that news of Moses killing an Egyptian had spread among the Hebrew community. It seems that Moses’ act of killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was mistreating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12) was no longer a secret.
Moses realized that his secret deed was now known, and he feared its consequences. The Bible states in Exodus 2:14 that Moses became afraid, thinking that his act of killing the Egyptian might have reached Pharaoh’s ears and would result in punishment or even death for him. This realization prompted Moses to flee from Egypt and seek refuge in Midian (Exodus 2:15).
Moses traveled to the land of Midian and settled there. While resting near a well, he defended some shepherd girls who were being harassed by local shepherds. The girls’ father, Jethro (also known as Reuel), invited Moses into his home and eventually gave his daughter Zipporah to be Moses’ wife. Together, they had a son named Gershom.
Moses named his son Gershom, which translates to “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” This name reflects Moses’ own experience as a foreigner in the land of Midian and highlights the fact that he was not a native of that region. It also serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ own status as foreigners in Egypt, as they were enslaved and not considered native to the land.
During his time in Midian, Moses worked as a shepherd for Jethro’s flock. It was while tending to the sheep on Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai) that Moses encountered God through the famous burning bush. This encounter marked the beginning of Moses’ mission to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Moses’ settlement in Midian is important because it is during this time that he receives his calling from God and prepares for his future role as a leader. Additionally, Moses’ marriage to Zipporah and his relationship with Jethro play crucial roles in his life, providing him with the support and guidance he needs to fulfill his mission.
What five lessons can be drawn from the life of Moses?
1) God’s Providence and Protection
One of the key lessons from Moses’ life during his birth and settlement in Midian is the demonstration of God’s providence and protection. Moses’ birth occurred during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all Hebrew male babies. However, Moses was saved by his mother who placed him in a basket on the Nile River, where he was eventually found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the palace. This event shows that even in difficult circumstances, God can provide a way of escape and protect His chosen ones.
2) Humility and Patience
Another lesson we can learn from Moses’ life is the importance of humility and patience. After Moses fled Egypt due to killing an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave, he settled in Midian and became a shepherd. This period of his life taught him humility, as he went from being a prince in Egypt to a lowly shepherd. It also taught him patience, as he spent forty years in the wilderness before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This demonstrates that sometimes we need to go through periods of obscurity and waiting before we are ready for God’s purpose in our lives.
3) Preparation for Leadership
During his time in Midian, Moses received crucial training and preparation for his future role as the leader of the Israelites. As a shepherd, he learned important skills such as guiding and protecting a flock, which later translated into guiding and protecting the Israelite nation. Additionally, his time in Midian allowed him to develop qualities such as empathy, compassion, and resilience, which were essential for leading a rebellious people through challenging circumstances.
4) Encountering God in Ordinary Moments
While tending his flock in Midian, Moses had a remarkable encounter with God at the burning bush. This event teaches us the lesson that God can reveal Himself and speak to us in the midst of our everyday lives. Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush marked a turning point in his life, as he was commissioned to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It reminds us to be attentive and open to God’s presence, even in the ordinary moments of our lives.
5) Faithfulness and Obedience
Lastly, Moses’ life during his settlement in Midian teaches us about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s calling. Despite initially feeling inadequate and hesitant to accept God’s command to confront Pharaoh, Moses ultimately chose to trust God and obey His instructions. This demonstrates that faithfulness and obedience are key elements in fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives.
