Next week (and on Sunday morning at Kirk@KIlry) we are going to look afresh at the story of Moses. We will focus on the Book of Exodus.
A long read …. But you can pick and choose which parts to pick out.
Here is a quick quiz to get is started. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4996164/jewish/Take-the-Moses-Quiz.htm
And a reminder of the story …..
THE LIFE, LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY OF MOSES
According to the Book of Exodus, Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, received the Ten Commandments, and guided his people toward the Promised Land. Raised as an Egyptian prince after being found in the Nile, he later fled to Midian, encountered God in a burning bush, demanded freedom for the Israelites, and parted the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh.
Early Life and Exile
- Birth in Danger: Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Pharaoh ordered all newborn Hebrew boys killed. Moses' mother hid him, then placed him in a basket in the Nile.
- Adopted by Royalty: Pharaoh's daughter found and raised Moses in the Egyptian palace.
- Exile in Midian: As an adult, Moses killed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave and fled to Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for 40 years, marrying Zipporah.
The Call and the Exodus
- Burning Bush: God appeared to Moses on Mount Horeb in a bush that burned without being consumed, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
- Ten Plagues: When Pharaoh refused to let the people go, God brought ten plagues, including the final plague (death of the firstborn), causing Pharaoh to relent.
- The Passover: Israelites marked their doors with lamb's blood, allowing the Angel of Death to "pass over" their homes.
- Parting the Red Sea: Trapped by the Egyptian army, Moses raised his rod, and God parted the Red Sea. The Israelites crossed safely, but the sea closed over the pursuing army.
Wilderness and Covenant
- Ten Commandments: Moses led the people to Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God, establishing a new covenant.
- Wandering in the Desert: Due to lack of faith (refusal to enter the Promised Land earlier), the Israelites wandered for 40 years.
- Final Days: Because he struck a rock in anger rather than speaking to it as instructed, Moses was forbidden from entering the Promised Land.
- Death: Moses saw the Promised Land from Mount Nebo and died there at 120 years old.
Significance
Moses is a foundational figure in Judaism (as the receiver of the Torah/Law), Christianity, and Islam, regarded as a prophet, leader, and lawgiver.
More notes to follow...