Moses is one of the most colorful and fascinating characters of the entire Bible, primarily known for his leadership of the Israelites out of Egypt and to the doorstep of the Promised Land. His life of 120 years can be divided into three segments of roughly forty years each.
The first forty years took place in Egypt. Born during a time when the midwives were under orders to murder all Hebrew baby boys, Moses survived due to his mother's quick thinking and God's protective hand. Hidden among the reeds near the river's bank, he was discovered by Pharaoh's daughter and brought to the palace to be raised as her own. Acts 7:22 informs us that during these years Moses was "educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action." One event, however, served to discharge him from the palace and Egypt, as well. He defended an Israelite by killing an Egyptian, only to discover that it was common knowledge. Fearful of the Pharaoh, Moses escaped to Midian. (Cf. Ex. 1:1-2:15)
For the next forty years, Moses served as a shepherd for his father-in-law's flocks. At the close of that time another event compelled him to return to Egypt. Confronted by a burning bush, Moses drew closer to investigate. From the bush, God commissioned him to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from their bondage. (Cf. Ex. 2:16-4:31)
During the final forty years of his life, Moses led the (by now) large nation out of Egypt to the threshold of the land of Canaan. The deliverance occurred through ten horrendous plagues God unleashed on Egypt. Finally, Pharaoh relented and sent the Israelites on their way only to change his mind (cf. Ex. 5-13). The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites and pinned them against the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds). God provided protection in the form of a pillar of cloud and deliverance through a strong east wind parting the Red Sea for Israel's passage. When the Egyptian forces attempted to follow they were engulfed in a watery grave (cf. Ex. 14). Shortly after their dramatic escape, God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving Israel his law (cf. Ex. 19-40). In the wilderness, Moses continued to lead the Israelites. During this time they wandered, having failed to trust God and enter the Promised Land. As his life came to a close, Moses climbed to the top of Mount Nebo, where he was allowed to view the Promised Land before he died (Deut. 34:1-8).
