Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible. He was a leader, a prophet, and the one God chose to guide the Israelites out of Egypt. Here are some important facts about Moses that Bible teachers can use in their lessons.
What Does the Name Moses Mean?
The name Moses means “drawn out of the water.” This reflects how Pharaoh’s daughter saved him as a baby, and named him because she drew him from the Nile River. His name also sets the stage for his role in “drawing” the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Family of Moses
Moses had a rich family history, with several key members playing roles in his story:
- Parents: Amram and Jochebed
- Brother: Aaron
- Sister: Miriam
- Wife: Zipporah
- Children: Gershom and Eliezer
- Father-in-law: Jethro (also called Reuel)
Moses' Tribe
Moses belonged to the tribe of Levi, which was later designated for priestly duties.
What Is Moses Known For?
Moses is remembered for his extraordinary life and faith-filled leadership. Moses' life was marked by significant moments, including:
- Being saved from death as a baby and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:1-10)
- Receiving God's call at the burning bush to lead Israel out of slavery (Exodus 3)
- Leading the Israelites through the Exodus from Egypt and crossing the Sea (Exodus 14)
- Receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20)
- Leading the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness
- Writing the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch or Torah
Places Moses Lived
Moses’ life journey included key locations:
- Egypt: His birthplace and where he grew up as royalty living in Pharaoh's household.
- Midian: His refuge after fleeing Egypt, where he became a shepherd and married Zipporah.
- The Wilderness: Where he led the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land.
Moses’ Lifespan
Moses lived to be 120 years old. His life is often divided into three 40-year periods:
- 40 years: Born and grew into manhood in Egypt.
- 40 years: Lived in Midian as a shepherd.
- 40 years: Led the Israelites in the wilderness.
The Burial of Moses
Moses died on Mount Nebo and God Himself buried Moses in a valley in the land of Moab. The exact location of his grave remains a mystery. (Deuteronomy 34:5-6)
Biblical Sources
The story of Moses is found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books detail the facts of Moses' life, leadership, and the laws God gave through him.
Moses’ life offers timeless lessons on faith, obedience, and trusting God’s plan. To dive deeper into his incredible story, check out our Moses and Exodus study. This study provides tools and insights to help you teach your students about his extraordinary journey.
