The story of Moses is one of the most significant in the Bible. His life can be divided into three distinct 40-year phases: as a prince of Egypt, a shepherd in Midian, and as the leader of the Israelites during their exodus. So, how old was Moses when he left Egypt?
Moses was 40 years old when he first left Egypt, fleeing after he killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was abusing a Hebrew slave. His decision to defend his people led to a sudden and dramatic change in his life. Pharaoh sought to kill Moses for the murder, forcing him to escape to Midian, where he would spend the next 40 years as a shepherd (Acts 7:23).
Moses’ Early Life in Egypt
Moses grew up in the palace of the Pharaoh after being saved from a decree that all Hebrew baby boys be killed. Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him, and he was raised as part of the royal family. During these first 40 years, Moses was likely educated in the wisdom and ways of Egypt, learning leadership skills that would later serve him well in leading the Israelites. But despite his privileged upbringing, Moses never forgot his Hebrew heritage. This awareness of his identity led to the fateful decision that forced him to leave Egypt for the first time.
Moses in Midian
After fleeing Egypt, Moses settled in the land of Midian. At this point, Moses was a fugitive, far from the life of luxury he once enjoyed. He became a shepherd and married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest. Moses spent 40 years in Midian, during which time he learned humility and developed a deep sense of patience. These traits would later be crucial in his leadership of the Israelites during their exodus and 40-year journey in the wilderness.
At the age of 80, Moses encountered God at the burning bush. This marked a turning point in his life, as God called him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses obeyed and made his way back to Egypt after four decades of living in exile (Exodus 3:1-10).
The story of Moses is a powerful reminder that sometimes, life takes unexpected turns. Moses’ journey from the heights of Egyptian royalty to a fugitive shepherd in Midian, and finally to the leader of a nation, shows how God can use even the most unlikely individuals to fulfill His plans.
What Did Moses Do When He Was 40?
When Moses was 40 years old, he made a life-altering decision. After living in the luxury of Pharaoh’s palace for decades, he became increasingly aware of the suffering of his fellow Hebrews. The event that led to his departure from Egypt was his decision to kill an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. While Moses’ action was driven by his sense of justice, it was also impulsive and ultimately forced him into exile. This act of violence set Moses on a path that would prepare him for his eventual role as the leader of the Israelites. The next phase of his life, which he spent in Midian, was a time of reflection and growth. At 40, Moses might have seemed like a man who had lost everything, but in reality, he was entering a period of deep personal development.
What Does the Bible Say About 80 Years Old?
The Bible explicitly states that Moses was 80 years old when he returned to Egypt and confronted Pharaoh. This detail is found in Exodus 7:7, which mentions that Moses and his brother Aaron were 80 and 83 years old, respectively, when they began to speak to Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites. At 80, many would consider themselves too old for such a monumental task, yet Moses’ age did not hinder him from becoming one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. In fact, Moses’ advanced age adds weight to his story, showing that God can use people at any stage of life for His purposes. The number 80, like other numbers in the Bible, carries symbolic meaning. It indicates a time of maturity, wisdom, and readiness for significant responsibility. For Moses, 80 marked the beginning of his leadership role, and the next 40 years of his life would be dedicated to guiding the Israelites through the desert and toward the Promised Land.
How Much Older Is Moses Than Jesus?
Moses and Jesus are separated by a considerable span of time, both in terms of their lifespans and the eras in which they lived. Moses lived to be 120 years old, while Jesus is widely believed to have been crucified in his early 30s. This means Moses lived nearly four times as long as Jesus. Additionally, Moses lived approximately 1,400 years before Jesus, with the former’s life being central to the Old Testament and the latter’s life forming the core of the New Testament. Despite the differences in their lifetimes, both figures hold immense significance in religious history. Moses is seen as the great lawgiver and deliverer of the Israelites, while Jesus is regarded as the Messiah and Savior in Christian theology. Although Moses’ life spanned over a century, and Jesus’ life was much shorter, both figures had a profound impact on their followers and changed the course of religious history.
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