Who Was Moses — In Biblical Context
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." — Exodus 3:14 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Moses is arguably the most significant figure in the Old Testament. Born during a time when Pharaoh ordered the killing of Hebrew baby boys, Moses was saved by being placed in a basket on the Nile and was raised in Pharaoh's palace (Exodus 2). At age 40, he fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian. At 80, God appeared to him in a burning bush and commissioned him to deliver Israel from slavery (Exodus 3). Through Moses, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, and gave the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Moses is credited with writing the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch). He spoke with God 'face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend' (Exodus 33:11). Despite his faithfulness, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). He died at 120 years old with undiminished strength (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses appears with Elijah at Christ's transfiguration, confirming his enduring significance in God's plan.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 3:14, sits inside Exodus 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
Supporting Passages
"And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face."
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."
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