How Many Times Did God Promise to Bring His People Out of Egypt to Moses and Why Did He Choose Moses for This Task?

Moses, although adopted by the Pharaoh's daughter, was a man of extraordinary character, with an honest and humble heart. In the Bible, he is remembered as the most humble person ever to have lived. Despite his noble upbringing, God recognized and valued his genuine nature. God chose Moses for the monumental task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt because of his remarkable qualities and capabilities.

The Promise of Liberation

The process of God promising to bring His people out of Egypt was not a simple one. It involved multiple visits, conversations, and undeniable demonstrations of power. Moses encountered God in various experiences, but the most notable were the initial visit at the burning bush and the subsequent encounters at the mountain.

1. The Burning Bush Encounter: In Exodus 3, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush that was not consumed. Moses, full of curiosity, approached to investigate the source of the divine fire. When he drew near, God called out, "Moses! Moses!" and Moses replied, "Here I am." God then introduced himself, saying, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."

2. Further Revelations: Following this initial contact, God promised Moses that He would rescue the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. The specific words recorded in Exodus 3:7-10 are as follows:

‘I have surely seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt. I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. And I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians. And to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.'

This initial promise was followed by a more detailed revelation of the events that would unfold. God further reassured Moses of His power and presence in delivering the Israelites. In Exodus 3:19-20, God expressed his determination:

‘And now, the cry of the Israelites has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. So now, go, and I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Children of Israel, out of Egypt.’

2. Subsequent Promises in Exodus 6: The fulfillment of God’s promise was imminent, and He reiterated his intention in Exodus 6:6-8. God provided Moses with more specific instructions and assurances:

‘I shall bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I shall deliver you from their bondage. I shall redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I shall take you for My people, and I shall be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.’

Moses' Leadership and God's Choice

Moses was not just any leader. Raised in the royal palace of Egypt, he was groomed from a young age to lead and govern. His upbringing as a prince, combined with the best education available at the time, prepared him for the leadership role that lay ahead.

1. Leadership Skills: Moses was a man of great leadership skills. He possessed a rare combination of intelligence, empathy, and decisiveness. His ability to lead was evident even during moments of personal crisis, such as his confrontation with the Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). In this incident, Moses showed courageous leadership, demonstrating his commitment to justice.

2. Humility: Despite his noble upbringing, Moses remained remarkably humble. His initial reluctance to accept the call to lead the Israelites from Egypt was a testament to his humble nature. He expressed his doubts and even claimed to be unworthy of such a task (Exodus 4:10-13). However, God assured Moses that He would be with him and that his own family would support and assist him (Exodus 4:26-28).

3. Trust in Divine Guidance: One of Moses' most impressive qualities was his unwavering trust in God. Throughout his leadership, Moses consistently consulted God and relied on divine guidance. This trust was evident in his interactions with Pharaoh and his perseverance in leading the Israelites, even when faced with seemingly impossible challenges.

A Journey to Humility and Leadership

The story of God's promises and the choice of Moses for the mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt is a profound one. It is a tale of divine selection, humility, and the transformative power of leadership. God's choice of Moses was not based on his past achievements or social status but on his character and his willingness to serve. Moses' journey from early life to the leader chosen by God serves as a powerful example of how one can be called to a monumental task and rise to the occasion.

Thus, God's promise to bring His people out of Egypt to Moses was not just a matter of divine intervention but also a testament to the transformative influence of humility and trust in leadership. Through Moses, God demonstrated that even a humble heart and unwavering faith could lead to extraordinary results, paving the way for freedom and a new beginning.