Character Study Of Moses Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MOSES – LED ISRAEL OUT OF EGYPT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

Exodus 3:10 – “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”

Supporting Texts:

Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 14:13-16, Numbers 12:3, Deuteronomy 34:10-12, Hebrews 11:24-29

INTRODUCTION

Moses is one of the most remarkable figures in the Bible. He was born into slavery but raised in Pharaoh’s palace. God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and gave him the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. His life was filled with divine encounters, leadership challenges, and moments of both faith and human weakness.

Despite his initial reluctance, Moses grew into a great prophet, lawgiver, and intercessor for Israel. His story teaches us about God’s calling, obedience, humility, and the importance of trusting in divine direction.

From his miraculous birth to his final days before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses’ life was a testament to God’s power and faithfulness. His leadership journey was not easy, but through God’s grace, he fulfilled his divine mandate.

1. MOSES’ MIRACULOUS BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE

a) Born at a dangerous time – Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all Hebrew male babies. (Exodus 1:22)

b) Saved by divine providence – His mother placed him in a basket on the Nile, where Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted him. (Exodus 2:1-6)

c) Raised as an Egyptian prince – He received royal education and training in leadership. (Acts 7:22)

d) God prepared him for his future assignment – Though raised in Pharaoh’s palace, he never forgot his Hebrew roots. (Exodus 2:11-12)

e) Biblical Example: Joseph was also prepared for leadership through divine circumstances. (Genesis 41:38-41)

2. MOSES’ CALLING AT THE BURNING BUSH

a) God appeared to Moses – He encountered God in a burning bush that was not consumed. (Exodus 3:2-4)

b) God gave him a mission – He was chosen to deliver Israel from Egypt. (Exodus 3:10)

c) Moses doubted himself – He questioned his ability to lead. (Exodus 4:10-12)

d) God reassured him – The Lord promised to be with him and perform miracles. (Exodus 4:1-5)

e) Biblical Example: Gideon also doubted his calling but was empowered by God. (Judges 6:14-16)

3. MOSES CONFRONTS PHARAOH AND LEADS ISRAEL OUT OF EGYPT

a) He boldly stood before Pharaoh – He demanded the release of Israel. (Exodus 5:1-2)

b) God performed ten plagues – Each plague demonstrated God’s power over Egypt’s gods. (Exodus 7:14 – 12:30)

c) The Passover was instituted – Israel was saved by the blood of the lamb. (Exodus 12:13-14)

d) The Red Sea was parted – God made a way where there was none. (Exodus 14:21-22)

e) Biblical Example: Elijah also confronted wicked rulers with God’s power. (1 Kings 18:17-39)

4. MOSES AS A LEADER AND LAWGIVER

a) He received the Ten Commandments – God gave Moses the Law at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 20:1-17)

b) He interceded for Israel – When they sinned, Moses pleaded for God’s mercy. (Exodus 32:11-14)

c) He guided them through the wilderness – Despite their complaints, he remained faithful. (Numbers 14:1-5)

d) He set up the tabernacle and priesthood – Establishing Israel’s worship system. (Exodus 40:1-3)

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also led God’s people through challenges. (Nehemiah 2:17-20)

5. MOSES’ STRUGGLES AND MISTAKES

a) He struggled with anger – He killed an Egyptian in his youth. (Exodus 2:11-12)

b) He doubted God’s power – At one point, he hesitated to trust God’s ability. (Numbers 20:10-12)

c) He grew frustrated with Israel’s complaints – Leading them was difficult. (Exodus 17:2-4)

d) He was not allowed to enter the Promised Land – His disobedience at Meribah had consequences. (Deuteronomy 32:51-52)

e) Biblical Example: Saul also lost his destiny due to disobedience. (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

6. STRENGTHS OF MOSES

a) Great faith in God – He trusted God in impossible situations. (Hebrews 11:24-29)

b) Humility – He was described as the meekest man on earth. (Numbers 12:3)

c) Powerful intercessor – He stood in the gap for Israel. (Exodus 32:31-32)

d) Obedient to God’s call – Despite initial fear, he obeyed. (Exodus 4:18-20)

e) Biblical Example: Jesus also demonstrated humility and obedience. (Philippians 2:5-8)

7. WEAKNESSES OF MOSES

a) Struggled with self-doubt – He hesitated when God called him. (Exodus 4:1-13)

b) Had a quick temper – This led to some serious consequences. (Numbers 20:10-12)

c) Carried too much burden alone – Until Jethro advised him to delegate. (Exodus 18:17-24)

d) Was not allowed to enter Canaan – Due to his disobedience. (Deuteronomy 32:51-52)

e) Biblical Example: Jonah also struggled with anger and impatience. (Jonah 4:1-4)

CONCLUSION

Moses was an extraordinary leader who played a key role in Israel’s history. His life teaches us the importance of faith, obedience, humility, and perseverance in the face of challenges. Though he had weaknesses, God used him mightily to fulfil His divine plan.