The Story of Moses and the Deliverance of Israel

Many years after Joseph had brought his family to dwell in Egypt, their population multiplied rapidly, and they grew into a nation. In time, a new Pharaoh came to power who did not know about Joseph and how he had saved Egypt from famine. Seeing the growing numbers of the Israelites as a threat to national security, he subjected them to severe punishment by forcing them into hard labor.

The work imposed on the Israelites by the Egyptians was cruel and extremely harsh. The Egyptian masters oppressed them ruthlessly, making their lives bitter. As a result, Israel languished in misery and suffering. However, despite the harsh treatment, the children of Israel continued to grow.

Pharaoh became furious and commanded the midwives to kill all the male children born to the Hebrew women. He ordered them, saying, "When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live" (Exodus 1:16).

The midwives, who feared God, disobeyed the royal order, and in turn, the children of Israel continued to multiply. It was this mistreatment by the Egyptians that set the stage for their redemption. The Lord heard the cry of the Israelites and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moved with compassion, God decided to deliver them from the hand of the Egyptians.

God Calls Moses

The Lord spoke to Moses out of a burning bush in Midian, where Moses was residing, and told him that he must deliver His people from bondage. God said to him, "I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10).

Moses is one of the greatest leaders in history. His 120-year life can be divided into three phases:

40 years as a prince in Egypt
40 years in the wilderness of Midian as a shepherd
40 years as the leader of God's people

He was born during the period when Pharaoh had ordered the midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives refused to kill Moses and instead hid him for three months.

His mother, Jochebed, made a small boat and placed Moses in the river near the area where Pharaoh’s daughter came to bathe. Moses' older sister, Miriam, watched from a distance. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, Miriam suggested that Jochebed nurse him.

Unaware that Jochebed was the child’s mother, Pharaoh’s daughter agreed. Thus, Moses was raised as a prince in Pharaoh's palace, yet he was nurtured by his own mother, who likely instilled in him the knowledge of the true God and His people.

Moses Flees to Midian

When Moses became a man, he gave up the pleasures of Egypt and chose to identify with his enslaved people rather than remain a prince in Pharaoh's house.

One day, he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite and, in defense of the Israelite, killed the Egyptian. When Pharaoh learned of this, Moses fled to the land of Midian, a region several hundred miles east of Egypt.

In Midian, Moses met Jethro, a priest of God, and married his daughter, Zipporah. He became the father of two sons and worked as a shepherd. It was during his time in Midian that God called him from the burning bush to lead Israel out of slavery.

Moses' Excuses and God's Reassurance

Moses hesitated to accept God's call, offering several excuses. He asked, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11).

But God reassured him, saying, "I will be with thee" (Exodus 3:12).

Obeying God's command, Moses returned to Egypt. He informed Jethro, his father-in-law, of his mission, then took his wife and sons and set out for Egypt. By this time, the Pharaoh who had sought his life had died.

Moses Confronts Pharaoh

Upon arriving in Egypt, God sent Moses' elder brother, Aaron, to meet him. Aaron, who was a good public speaker, was appointed by God to serve as Moses' spokesperson.

Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and declared, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go" (Exodus 5:1).

However, Pharaoh, the wicked king, refused and questioned them, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go" (Exodus 5:2).

Instead of releasing the Israelites, Pharaoh intensified their afflictions. In response, God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let His people go.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt

Water turned to blood – Pharaoh hardened his heart.
Frogs covered the land – Pharaoh remained stubborn.
The dust turned into lice – Pharaoh still refused to free them.
A plague of flies – Only the Egyptians suffered, but Pharaoh refused.
A disease struck Egyptian livestock – Pharaoh still hardened his heart.
Boils afflicted the Egyptians – Pharaoh did not relent.
Hailstorm destroyed crops – Pharaoh admitted his sin but changed his mind.
A plague of locusts – Pharaoh acknowledged his sin but revoked his decision.
Three days of total darkness – Pharaoh still refused to let Israel go.
Death of the firstborn – The final blow that forced Pharaoh’s hand.

The Passover and Israel's Deliverance

Before the final plague, God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a one-year-old male lamb without blemish. They were to strike its blood on their doorposts on the 14th day of the month.

The Israelites followed God's command, and that night, the Lord passed through Egypt, killing all the firstborn—both human and animal. However, He spared the houses marked with the lamb’s blood.

This devastating plague forced Pharaoh to release the Israelites immediately.

The story of Moses and the deliverance of Israel is one of faith, obedience, and God's unwavering power. Despite Pharaoh's resistance, God's plan prevailed, leading to one of the most remarkable acts of redemption in history.

Through trials, miracles, and divine intervention, God demonstrated His sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. The legacy of Moses continues to inspire faith in God's promises and the power of deliverance.

Thank you for your time reading. God bless you!