The story of Moses is one of the most powerful and enduring narratives in the Bible. His life, filled with miraculous events, leadership, and divine encounters, has inspired generations of believers. Among the many significant moments in Moses’ life, one of the most profound is when God called him from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This moment marked a turning point in Moses’ life, setting him on a path that would change not only his life but the course of history for God’s people.
But how old was Moses when he was called by God? To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the timeline of Moses’ life, the circumstances surrounding his call, and what we can learn from this pivotal event in his journey. This article will explore the details of Moses’ age when God called him, as well as the significance of this moment in his life and in God’s plan for the Israelites.
The Early Life of Moses
Moses was born in a time of great oppression for the Israelites. They were slaves in Egypt, and the Pharaoh had ordered the death of all Hebrew male infants in an attempt to control the growing Israelite population. Moses’ mother, Jochebed, defied the Pharaoh’s decree and hid Moses for three months. When she could no longer keep him hidden, she placed him in a basket and set it afloat on the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby and adopted him, raising him as her own.
Moses grew up in the royal court of Egypt, receiving the finest education and privileges available. However, as he matured, he became increasingly aware of his Hebrew heritage. One day, he witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave, and in anger, Moses killed the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, Moses fled Egypt and went to the land of Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of a priest named Jethro.
Moses spent many years in Midian as a shepherd, far from the palace and the life he once knew. It was during this period that God called him to a life of purpose far beyond anything Moses could have imagined.
The Burning Bush: God’s Call to Moses
Moses was around 80 years old when he encountered the burning bush on Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. This was the moment when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The event is recorded in Exodus 3, and it marks the beginning of Moses’ public ministry.
In Exodus 3:1-2, we read:
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up.”
Moses, intrigued by the sight, approached the bush, and when he did, God spoke to him from the bush, calling him by name. God revealed His plan for Moses to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from bondage. This moment was not just a physical encounter with God, but also a divine commissioning.
In Exodus 3:10, God says to Moses:
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
At this point, Moses was 80 years old. This means that Moses was already an elderly man with a long life behind him. He had lived in exile for decades, working as a shepherd and seemingly living out the remainder of his days in relative obscurity. But God had other plans for him. He called Moses to lead the Israelites in a way that would change the history of God’s people.
Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Assurance
Despite God’s clear calling, Moses was initially reluctant to accept the task. He raised several objections, expressing doubts about his abilities and his worthiness to lead the Israelites. Moses questioned why Pharaoh would listen to him, and he was concerned that the Israelites would not believe that God had sent him. Moses even pleaded with God to send someone else, feeling inadequate for such a monumental mission.
However, God responded with reassurance, addressing each of Moses’ concerns. God promised that He would be with Moses every step of the way, providing signs and miracles to convince both Pharaoh and the Israelites. God also gave Moses the power to perform miracles, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then healing it, to show that He was indeed with Moses.
Finally, God became angry with Moses’ persistent reluctance, but He did not abandon him. Instead, God appointed Moses’ brother Aaron to be his spokesperson, relieving some of Moses’ fears about his ability to speak in front of others. With this divine assurance, Moses reluctantly agreed to return to Egypt and fulfill the calling that God had placed on his life.
The Significance of Moses’ Age
Moses was 80 years old when he was called by God. This is a striking detail because it shows that God can use anyone, regardless of their age, to fulfill His purposes. Moses was not a young man full of energy and strength; he was elderly, having lived through many years of obscurity and hardship. His age suggests that it is never too late for God to call someone to do His will.
Moses’ call at 80 also reflects God’s perfect timing. At that stage in Moses’ life, he had experienced a great deal of hardship and had come to a place of humility and dependence on God. He had lived a life of preparation, learning patience, leadership, and wisdom during his years as a shepherd in Midian. Though Moses initially doubted his abilities, God knew that Moses was the right person for the task because of the wisdom and maturity he had gained over the years.
This can be an encouragement to all of us, regardless of our age, to trust that God has a purpose for our lives. Just as Moses’ calling came later in life, many of us may find that God’s plans for us unfold at unexpected times.
God’s Plan for Moses and Israel
Moses’ calling was not just about his personal journey. It was part of God’s grand plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land. Moses became the instrument through which God performed mighty miracles, leading His people through the wilderness and giving them the Law.
In the years that followed, Moses would confront Pharaoh, witness the ten plagues, part the Red Sea, and receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. His leadership would define the history of Israel and point to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would ultimately fulfill the law and bring salvation to all people.
Moses’ life teaches us about God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Even when Moses was doubtful and reluctant, God provided everything he needed to accomplish the mission. Moses’ age did not disqualify him; rather, it equipped him with the wisdom, experience, and humility necessary for the role he was called to play.
Conclusion
Moses was 80 years old when he was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This moment, marked by the burning bush, was the beginning of a new chapter in Moses’ life, one that would see him become a great leader and servant of God. His age at the time of God’s call serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, at any stage of life, to fulfill His purposes.
Moses’ journey was not without its struggles, doubts, and challenges, but through it all, God was faithful to equip him and guide him every step of the way. The story of Moses teaches us about God’s timing, His ability to work through imperfect vessels, and His deep desire to redeem His people.
No matter how old or young we are, God has a plan for our lives. Like Moses, we may not always feel prepared or worthy, but we can trust that God will equip us with everything we need to accomplish His will. The life of Moses encourages us to be faithful, obedient, and willing to answer God’s call, no matter when it comes.
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