Moses is one of the most important figures in the Bible. He led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, received the Ten Commandments, and played a key role in shaping the faith of God's people. His life is full of miracles, challenges, and divine encounters. Here are ten interesting facts about Moses that you may not know.
1. Moses Had an Egyptian Name
The name "Moses" comes from the Egyptian word moshe, which means "drawn out" or "born." This name was given to him by Pharaoh’s daughter after she rescued him from the Nile River (Exodus 2:10). Interestingly, it also connects to his later role in drawing the Israelites out of Egypt.
2. He Was Raised as an Egyptian Prince
Although Moses was born a Hebrew, he was raised in Pharaoh's palace as part of the royal family. This meant he received the best education and training of his time. Acts 7:22 tells us that "Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action."
3. Moses Killed a Man and Fled to Midian
Before God called Moses to lead His people, Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12). When Pharaoh found out, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a shepherd for 40 years.
4. God Spoke to Him Through a Burning Bush
One of the most famous moments in Moses’ life is when God spoke to him from a burning bush that did not burn up (Exodus 3:2-4). During this encounter, God told Moses to go back to Egypt and lead His people to freedom.
5. He Performed Miracles with His Staff
Moses’ staff became a symbol of God's power. Through it, he performed many miracles, such as turning the Nile River into blood (Exodus 7:17), summoning plagues, parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), and bringing water from a rock (Exodus 17:6).
6. Moses Parted the Red Sea
One of the greatest miracles in the Bible is when Moses stretched out his hand, and God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape from Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14:21-22). Once the Israelites crossed, the waters came crashing back down, destroying the Egyptian army.
7. He Received the Ten Commandments
On Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments directly from God (Exodus 31:18). These laws became the foundation of moral and legal systems for generations to come.
8. Moses Spoke with God Face to Face
Exodus 33:11 says, "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." Unlike other prophets who received visions or dreams, Moses had a direct and personal relationship with God.
9. He Lived to Be 120 Years Old
Moses’ life was divided into three major periods of 40 years:
- Forty years in Pharaoh’s palace
- Forty years as a shepherd in Midian
- Forty years leading the Israelites in the wilderness
Despite his long life, Deuteronomy 34:7 says that “his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone” when he died.
10. God Buried Moses Himself
Unlike any other person in the Bible, Moses was buried by God. Deuteronomy 34:5-6 tells us that God laid him to rest in an unknown location in Moab. This mystery prevents people from turning his burial site into a place of worship.
Moses' story is filled with faith, miracles, and deep trust in God. His life continues to inspire believers today, showing how God can use anyone for His purposes, no matter their past mistakes.
