The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Moses

Moses is one of the most prominent and revered figures in Abrahamic religions, playing a central role in the narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is best known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Here are the key facts about Moses:

Early Life and Background:
- Moses was born in Egypt during a time when the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, were enslaved by the Egyptians.
- According to the Book of Exodus, his birth mother, Jochebed, placed him in a basket in the Nile River to save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys. He was found and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter.

Calling and Exodus:
- As an adult, Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite. He settled in Midian, where he married Zipporah and became a shepherd.
- While tending his flock, Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by the flames. God spoke to him from the bush, calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Confrontation with Pharaoh:
- Moses returned to Egypt with his brother Aaron and confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh's resistance led to a series of ten plagues inflicted upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn.

Passover and Exodus:
- The Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb's blood during the final plague, leading to the sparing of their firstborn. This event is commemorated in the Jewish holiday of Passover.
- After the last plague, Pharaoh relented, and the Israelites left Egypt in an event known as the Exodus.

Wandering in the Wilderness:
- The Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for forty years, guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
- During this time, Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws on Mount Sinai, forming the basis of the Mosaic Law.

Challenges and Leadership:
- Moses faced challenges from within the Israelite community, including instances of rebellion and grumbling.
- He intervened on their behalf before God, and his intercessions were often instrumental in averting disaster.

Promised Land Denied:
- Moses longed to enter the Promised Land, but due to an incident at the waters of Meribah, where he struck a rock instead of speaking to it as God had commanded, he was denied entry.
- He saw the Promised Land from a distance before passing away at the age of 120.

Legacy and Influence:
- Moses is regarded as a prophet, lawgiver, and liberator in all three Abrahamic religions. His leadership and connection with God are foundational to the faiths' teachings.
- His life story is recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the Bible's Old Testament.
- The Mosaic Law, including the Ten Commandments, continues to serve as a moral and ethical guide for millions of believers.

Moses' role as a central figure in the faith narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam reflects his enduring significance as a symbol of leadership, liberation, and divine guidance.