Deuteronomy 34:10: “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”
Moses was a unique figure in the Bible with an extraordinary story. His birth was marked by danger, as Pharaoh had commanded all Hebrew baby boys to be killed. However, Moses’ mother hid him for three months, and when she could hide him no longer, she placed him in a basket on the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and raised him as her own, giving Moses a unique upbringing in the Egyptian palace.
Moses faced many challenges throughout his life. Despite being raised in luxury, he chose to identify with his Hebrew slaves and ultimately fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. In the wilderness, God called him from a burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Despite his initial hesitation and feeling of inadequacy, God used Moses mightily, demonstrating that even those with flaws can be instruments of His will.
Moses stands out as a prophet for three main reasons:
1. Moses Knew God Face to Face
Deuteronomy 34:10 emphasizes that Moses had a unique relationship with God, who spoke to him “face to face.” This direct communication was unparalleled.
As stated in Numbers 12:6-8, God said, “With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold.” Moses’ familiarity with God set him apart from all other prophets. Moses had insight to God that others simply didn’t have.
2. Moses Was an Amazing Leader
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, a massive task considering there were 600,000 men, likely totaling 2 to 3 million people including women and children. These were not trained soldiers or organized citizens but slaves who had known only oppression. Leading such a vast multitude through the desert, dealing with their constant complaints and lack of faith, required exceptional leadership. Despite his flaws, God equipped Moses for this monumental task, demonstrating that true leadership is often about reliance on God’s strength rather than one’s own abilities.
3. Moses Had Patience
Moses’ patience was tested many times. The Israelites were often rebellious and ungrateful, yet Moses continually interceded on their behalf.
For instance, when they worshipped the golden calf, God was ready to destroy them, but Moses pleaded for mercy (Exodus 32:11-14).
His patience was also evident as he led them for 40 years in the wilderness, never entering the Promised Land himself because of an earlier disobedience (Numbers 20:12). Moses accepted God’s judgment with grace, a testament to his enduring patience and faith.
Moses also pointed to the coming of Christ. Deuteronomy 18:15 records Moses saying, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as confirmed in the New Testament in Acts 3:22-23, where Peter declares that Jesus is the Prophet like Moses. Jesus, like Moses, had an intimate relationship with God, led His people, and showed immense patience and compassion.
Today, we follow Jesus, who was a perfect version of Moses. God in the flesh and the only one who can save the soul of men.
Moses’ life teaches us about the importance of knowing God personally, leading with God’s guidance, and having patience through trials. In all of this he learned to point to Christ and we can learn from Moses to do the same.
