The Book of Exodus narrates the story of God liberating His people from Egypt. The Lord wanted to establish a long-term and special relationship with them. Exodus, which is one of the Pentateuch, presents the Ten Commandments, the plaques, and crossing of the Red Sea. Moses serves as an intermediary between the Lord and the Israelites. He delivers the Laws to God’s children and even beseeches the Lord to have mercy on them. Moses played a leading role by introducing the Law and God’s name, preparing the Israelite for the final redemption.
In the Old Testament, Moses is a symbol of the Laws and promises of salvation. The coming of Jesus fulfills Moses’ contract with God. Thus, Jesus is an illustration of the fulfillment of the Laws as given to Moses. According to Palmer (1999), John the Baptist epitomizes these laws, and therefore, prepares the way for Christ. The four Books of the Gospel illustrate the continuation of Moses’ covenant. For instance, Jesus Christ did not come to re-write the laws, but to validate them. Hence, while Moses is the representation of the Law, the Gospel of John reveals that Jesus came to rescue the world (Palmer, 1999). John clarifies, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17, NIV). The above quote illustrates that through Jesus, Christians can experience the grace and truth of the Law. God presented the Laws to Moses to reveal Himself as the God of order. It is through these laws that Christians can have redemption. Jesus spoke, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt 5:17, NIV). In a larger Biblical context, there is a connection between Moses’ laws, the fall of humanity, and redemption.
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Knowing about Moses and the history, culture, and theology related to the Laws is vital in understanding God’s plans in saving humanity. It is through Moses that God set the basic principles to govern humanity. According to Bartholomew and Goheen (2014), Old Testament figures such as Moses prepared the ground for the Messiah. Biblical history reveals that Moses is the representation of the start of God’s redemption plan. Thus, by reading the exodus story, Christians can understand God’s love and plans. God says, “… indeed I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering” (Ex. 3:5, NIV). Hence, Moses led the first redemption by leading the Israelites out of their bondage. The Lord instructed Moses to inform His people, “I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians…” (Ex 6: 6, NIV). In general, God’s redemption plans start by showing His grace to the Israelites.
The name Moses means to draw out, and therefore, he symbolized liberation. He came to save the Israelites from slavery and servitude in Egypt (Alexander, 2003). Moses symbolized Jesus’ coming ministry. God revealed Himself to the Israelites through Moses and the Laws. Thus, through Moses, Christians can understand the kindness and the love of Yahweh. Indeed, God reached down and draw His people out of bondage (2 Sam 22: 17, NIV). God uses Moses as a vessel to exhibit His power and names. By reading Exodus, Christians can learn that the Lord is Yahweh. The Book of Exodus reveals that God was moving closer to His people and making Himself known. God states, “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but my name the Lord, I did not make myself known to them” (Ex. 6:3, NIV). Overall, Moses symbolizes the saving grace and redemption.
References
Alexander, T. D. (2003). Pentateuch . Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press.
Bartholomew, C., & Goheen, M. (2014). The Drama of Scripture: (Second edition) . New York: SPCK.
Moses definition and meaning - Bible dictionary . (n.d.). Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/moses/
Nelson, E. R. M. (2015). The Sabbath Is a Delight. Genesis , 1 , 26-28.
Palmer, E. F. (1999). The book that John wrote . Regent College Publishing.
