Who Is Moses in the Bible? Bible Characters Explained

Not to be dramatic, but Moses was probably one of the most interesting people who ever lived.

He was born a slave, became a prince of a powerful empire, became an outcast, led a revolution, parted a sea, and met God on multiple occasions. And those are just a few highlights.

But mixed in with the dramatic twists and turns is a deeply human story of a man wrestling with his own weaknesses, insecurities, and failures. So while his story can feel like a fantasy novel, it’s also deeply relatable.

Quick Facts About Moses

Where’s his story? Moses’ story is told in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. He’s also mentioned throughout the rest of the Bible.

When did he live? Traditionally, Moses is placed in the Late Bronze Age, though scholars debate the exact dates.

Who was he? Moses was a Hebrew leader and prophet called by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery and guide them toward the Promised Land.

What is he known for? Moses is known for leading the exodus, receiving the 10 Commandments, and serving as one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history. He’s a major figure in multiple world religions.

When Does Moses Show Up in the Bible?

Moses first appears in Exodus 2, when Pharaoh’s daughter rescues him from the Nile. His story continues through the rest of Exodus and into Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. His life ends in Deuteronomy 34, where God shows him the Promised Land from Mount Nebo before his death.

Moses’ story happened after these Bible stories:

• The creation story in Genesis.
• Abraham’s covenant with God and the promise of descendants.
• Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and the rescue of his family during famine.
• The Hebrew people multiplying in Egypt and falling under an oppressive pharaoh.

Moses’ story happened before these Bible stories:

• Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
• The time of the judges, including Gideon, Samson, Ruth, and others.
• King David defeating Goliath and uniting Israel as one kingdom.
• The prophets who pointed forward to Jesus Christ.

Where Does Moses’ Story Take Place?

Moses’ story plays out in a world that felt stacked against his people. The Hebrews were living under an oppressive pharaoh in Egypt who used fear and forced labor to keep them under control. Life was difficult and dehumanizing.

Moses ran away to Midian and found a totally different rhythm of life. Instead of the noise and pressure of Egypt, he lived as a shepherd in the desert for decades. But God didn’t let him stay hidden.

He called Moses back to confront the empire that had crushed his people for generations.

Here’s the world Moses stepped into:

Political oppression: Pharaoh’s word was law, and was seen as divine. He used that power to break the Hebrew people. Moses had to walk into the palace and challenge the most powerful man in the world.

Economic hardship: The Israelites had nothing. In the wilderness, they faced hunger, thirst, and the threat of death. Moses had to help them trust God for daily provision.

Identity crisis: The people Moses led were traumatized survivors. Moses’ mission was to help them become a new, distinct nation while helping them heal from generational violence.

Who Was Moses?

Moses was a Hebrew prophet, leader, and lawgiver in the Old Testament. He’s remembered for his intense encounters with God and supernatural miracles. But behind the seismic events, we get to see an imperfect person trying to make sense of faith, his purpose, and God’s plan.

Moses Didn’t Always Feel Ready

Moses boldly spoke truth to power and led his people through intense challenges, but he wasn’t perfect.

From the moment God called him at the burning bush, Moses pushed back. He said he wasn’t good at speaking, that people wouldn’t listen, and that maybe God should just send someone else.

Throughout the stories of Moses, we see him struggle with anger, insecurity, and frustration. Yet God continued to work through him.

Moses Was a Sacrificial Leader

One of the most striking things about Moses is how direct he was with God.

When the Israelites rebelled and God threatened to start a new nation, Moses pleaded with God to forgive His people.

He reminded God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He even said he’d rather have his own name erased than see the people destroyed. That kind of honesty shows us a leader who wasn’t afraid to wrestle with God for the sake of others.

What Did Moses Do in the Bible?

Moses was called by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and lead them toward the Promised Land. He became known as a prophet, a leader, and a mediator who spoke directly with God.

Trusting God is, perhaps, the most consistent theme across the stories of Moses. He’s constantly asked to do things that were only possible with God’s help. Moses wasn’t perfect, but he was consistent.

What Are the Famous Stories About Moses?

Moses’ life is filled with well-known stories that continue to shape how we understand God, faith, and freedom. Here are some of the most famous moments from the biblical story of Moses.

• Moses in the Basket (Exodus 2:1-10) As a baby, Moses was placed in a basket on the Nile to escape Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew boys. Pharaoh’s daughter rescued him and raised him in the palace.
• Moses Kills an Egyptian and Flees (Exodus 2:11-15) Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating an enslaved Hebrew. He fled to Midian, where he lived in hiding until God called him back to Egypt.
• The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-12) While tending sheep in Midian, Moses saw a bush on fire that wasn’t consumed by it. From it, God called Moses to return to Egypt and deliver His people.
• The 10 Plagues (Exodus 7–12) God sent 10 plagues to confront Pharaoh and show His power, leading to Israel’s release.
• Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-31) God parted the waters so the Israelites could escape Egypt, then closed the sea over Pharaoh’s army.
• The 10 Commandments (Exodus 19–20) On Mount Sinai, Moses received God’s law, setting the foundation for Israel’s agreement to follow His way of life. 
• Water From the Rock (Numbers 20:1-13) In the wilderness, God provided water for His people through Moses, even when Moses struggled to trust Him fully.
• Moses Sees the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1-5) Near the end of his life, God showed Moses the land Israel would inherit, though Moses himself would not enter it.
• Moses at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3) Centuries after his death, Moses appeared alongside Elijah and Jesus on a mountain, showing that his life and story pointed forward to Christ.

Why Does Moses’ Story Matter?

Moses’ story is about a God who hears the cries of His people and chooses an imperfect person to bring freedom and hope.

Moses’ life shows us that:

God is faithful even when we struggle. Moses doubted, got angry, and disobeyed, yet God never gave up on him.

God cares about justice and freedom. Through Moses, God delivered the Hebrew people from an oppressive pharaoh and gave them a new identity.

God points us forward. Moses’ story matters because it shows us that God’s plans aren’t stopped by human failure. They move forward because of His love. Moses’ story looks ahead to Jesus Christ, who brings ultimate freedom and leads us into life with God.

Reflect or Discuss

• Have you ever felt underqualified for something important, like Moses did when God called him at the burning bush? How did you respond?
• Think about a time when you felt stuck with no good options. How does the story of God parting the Red Sea encourage you to trust Him in your own challenges?
• Moses didn’t always get things right, but God still used him. How might God be inviting you to step forward in faith, even if you feel imperfect or unsure?