Moses is one of the most important leaders in the Bible. God chose him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, give them the Law, and guide them through the wilderness.
If you’re teaching about Moses, here are the key facts your students should know.
What Does the Name Moses Mean?
The name Moses means “drawn out of the water.”
Pharaoh’s daughter gave him this name after she rescued him from the Nile River (Exodus 2:1–10). His name also looks ahead to his calling — God would use Moses to “draw out” the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Family of Moses
Moses’ family played important roles in his life and leadership.
-
Parents: Amram and Jochebed
-
Brother: Aaron
-
Sister: Miriam
-
Wife: Zipporah
-
Children: Gershom and Eliezer
-
Father-in-law: Jethro (also called Reuel)
Aaron later became Israel’s first high priest of the Lord and served in the Tabernacle. Miriam was a prophetess who helped lead the people in worship.
What Tribe Was Moses From?
Moses belonged to the tribe of Levi.
The Levites were later set apart for priestly service. This connection becomes especially important when God establishes the priesthood through Aaron and his descendants.
What Is Moses Known For?
Moses’ life is filled with pivotal moments in biblical history:
-
Saved as a baby and adopted into Pharaoh’s household (Exodus 2)
-
Called by God at the burning bush (Exodus 3)
-
Confronting Pharaoh and leading the Exodus (Exodus 7–14)
-
Crossing the Red Sea with those who came out of Egypt (Exodus 14)
-
Receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20)
-
Leading Israel for 40 years in the wilderness
-
Writing the first five books of the Bible (Genesis–Deuteronomy), also called the Pentateuch or Torah
His leadership shaped the nation of Israel and the foundation of biblical law.
Places Moses Lived
Moses’ life unfolded across three major regions:
Egypt
Where he was born and raised in Pharaoh’s household.
Midian
Where he fled after leaving Egypt. He worked as a shepherd, married Jethro's daugther, Zipporah, became a father of two sohns, and then encountered God at the burning bush.
The Wilderness
Where he led the Israelites toward the Promised Land for 40 years. It is in the desert, that Moses died.
How Long Did Moses Live?
Moses lived 120 years (Deuteronomy 34:7).
His life is often divided into three 40-year periods:
-
40 years in Egypt
-
40 years in Midian
-
40 years leading Israel in the wilderness
This simple breakdown helps students understand the timeline of his life and leadership.
How Did Moses Die?
Moses died on Mount Nebo. God buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, and the exact location of his grave remains unknown (Deuteronomy 34:5–6).
Though he did not enter the Promised Land, he saw it before he died.
Where Is the Story of Moses Found in the Bible?
The life of Moses is primarily recorded in:
-
Exodus
-
Leviticus
-
Numbers
-
Deuteronomy
These books describe his leadership, the Law God gave through him, and Israel’s journey from slavery to being a covenant nation chosen by God.
Why Moses Matters for Bible Students
Moses’ life teaches powerful lessons about faith, obedience, leadership, and trusting God’s plan — even when the path is difficult.
If you’re ready to walk your students step-by-step through his life, our Moses and Exodus Study helps you teach the full timeline clearly and confidently.
Simple to use. Flexible for families or classrooms. Easy to review and retain.
