The Redemption of Moses

Welcome to our first weekly review of our Redemption Scripture Plan – Redeemed: 30 Days with the Israelite Slaves! In the first week we covered Exodus 1-4. As I prepared this study, and realised that week one would focus on Moses preparation to lead the Israelites, I saw that the redemption of Moses was a key part of the story, and an illustration of what was to come for the Israelites – and us!

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The Redemption of Moses

In my research on redemption (see my post on how to study the Bible by topic where I used my Redemption Bible Study as an example) I came up with the following definition of Biblical redemption:

God’s plan of redemption, both for the Israelites and for us, is not just about setting us free to then be and do what we want. He wants us to live with him, his way. And this is the only way to true freedom.

As I studied the life of Moses from his birth to the Burning Bush, I saw that God did not just set Moses free to live the life he wanted. In Exodus 3:12 God told Moses that He would be with him and send him. The redemption of Moses was for a purpose.

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Redemption of Moses

Moses redeemed at birth

The first time we see God working in the life of Moses is at his birth. Before he has even been born there is a death sentence over him. Pharaoh (the King of Egypt) has declared that all Israelite boys are to be killed at birth. However, due to the courage and faith of the midwives and Moses’ mother he is rescued from death.

Moses’ mother realises she can no longer keep her son in hiding so she does what she has to do. She follows the Pharaoh’s instructions (‘You must throw every son born to the Hebrews into the Nile’ Exodus 1:22) with one significant difference: she placed him in a waterproof basket.

The Hebrew word usually translated ‘basket’ is only used in one other place in Scripture – in Genesis 6-9 it is the word used for Noah’s ark.

These two ‘arks’ have a number of similarities. They are both simple vessels used to carry their occupants above water to safety. Since they had no method of steering, their journey was placed in God’s hands.

Just as Noah’s ark was used to rescue and deliver Noah and his family (and ultimately all mankind), Moses basket was used to rescue and deliver Moses (and ultimately the Hebrew nation).

Moses delivered from Punishment

Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and grew up in the privileged environment of the palace. Yet, according to Hebrews  11:24-26, Moses chose to suffer with his people rather than call himself the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He had sympathy for his people and hatred for the way they were treated.

This sympathy and hatred led him to murder an Egyptian who was striking an Israelite.

Acts 7:23-25 tells us that Moses thought his actions would inspire the Israelites to join him. But this was not the right time or way. When Pharaoh found out he tried to kill Moses but he fled.

God had saved Moses again, and this time he was free to go wherever he wanted. 

Moses is redeemed at the Burning Bush

Forty years later Moses is married with a family and living as a shepherd.

But, God had other plans.

Without Moses knowing it, God had been preparing him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.  He had grown up with the leaders of Egypt and spent time living in the wilderness. He was perfect for the job, but he could not see this. 

God had a plan for his people, and Moses was to be a part of it.  Throughout the Bible we often see God meeting with people, telling them he will be with them, and giving them instructions to carry out.  

This is all part of being redeemed. God rescues us, but doesn’t leave us there. He calls us to himself and gives us instructions to follow.

The redemption of Moses gives us a picture of God’s plan for the Israelites and for our own redemption. We will see this in the Israelite slaves as we continue with the Redeemed: 30 Days with the Israelite Slaves Scripture Plan.

Moses asks God ‘Who am I?’ and doubts his abilities. God answers ‘I AM’ and declares who HE is. Here are some resources to help you identify or remember who you are in Christ, and who God is.

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