Moses – Leader of the Israelites
Moses is one of the most important figures in Judaism. He was born during a time when the Israelites (the descendants of Jacob) were living in slavery in Egypt. This was around 400 years after the time of Abraham.
Because the Pharaoh was afraid the Israelite population was growing too fast, he ordered that all baby boys be killed. To save her son, Moses’ mother placed him in a basket and hid him in the River Nile. He was found by one of Pharaoh’s daughters and raised in the royal palace as if he were Egyptian.
As a young man, Moses saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite slave. He reacted in anger and killed the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to the desert to live in hiding.
The Burning Bush
While living in the desert, Moses had a powerful experience. He saw a bush that was on fire but not burning up. From within the flames, God spoke to him and told him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
The Ten Plagues
Moses returned to Egypt and asked Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. When Pharaoh refused, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to convince him. These included water turning to blood, swarms of frogs and locusts, and darkness. The final plague was the most serious: the death of every firstborn son in Egypt.
To protect themselves, the Israelites followed God's instruction to mark their doors with lamb’s blood. The Angel of Death "passed over" their houses, sparing their children. This event is remembered in the Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach).
The Parting of the Red Sea
After the tenth plague, Pharaoh finally agreed to let the Israelites go. Moses led them out of Egypt. However, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. When they reached the Red Sea, God parted the waters so the Israelites could walk through on dry ground. Once they had crossed safely, the waters returned and drowned the Egyptian soldiers.
The Exodus
The Israelites began a long journey through the desert to return to the Promised Land. This journey is called the Exodus, meaning “departure” or “going out.” It became one of the most important stories in Jewish history.
The Ten Commandments
While in the desert, Moses climbed Mount Sinai. There, God gave him the Ten Commandments – a set of laws for the Israelites to follow.
📚 Key Terms:
Known as the father of the Jewish people. God made a covenant with him, promising him land and descendants.
Known as the founding father of Judaism
The person through whom God set the Israelites free from slavery in Egypt, gave the Ten Commandments and made a covenant with Israel.
Festival that celebrates the Jewish Exodus from Egypt, often called Passover.
The mountain where Moses received the Law and where the covenant between God and Israel was made.
Source of authority; religious and moral rules that were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.
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Level: 7