What Did God Command Moses to Do?
God’s commands to Moses form a central theme in the narrative of the Exodus, reflecting both God’s plans for the liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of His covenant with them. Moses, called by God from the burning bush, was entrusted with a series of responsibilities that required faith, courage, and leadership. Understanding what God commanded Moses to do provides insight into the nature of divine guidance, human obedience, and the unfolding of God’s purposes.
1. Lead the Israelites Out of Egypt
The primary command God gave Moses was to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God said to Moses: “I have indeed 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. So I have come down to rescue them” (Exodus 3:7–8).
Moses was instructed to confront Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and demand the freedom of the Israelites. This command was not merely about physical liberation but also about demonstrating God’s power and faithfulness to His people.
2. Perform Signs and Wonders
God commanded Moses to perform miraculous signs to authenticate his mission. These signs included turning his staff into a serpent, turning water into blood, and making his hand leprous and then healed (Exodus 4:1–9). These miracles served to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh of God’s authority and presence.
God’s command highlighted the partnership between divine power and human obedience: Moses was to act in faith, following God’s instructions precisely.
3. Speak God’s Words to the People
Another command was that Moses serve as God’s spokesperson. God told Moses to tell the Israelites: “I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:6). Moses was responsible for communicating God’s promises clearly and faithfully, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people.
This command emphasized the importance of trust in God’s word and the necessity of conveying hope and instruction during times of oppression.
4. Lead the Israelites Through the Wilderness
God commanded Moses to shepherd the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. This task included not only physical guidance but also spiritual leadership. Moses was to instruct the people in God’s laws, organize their camps, and ensure the observance of God’s commands, such as the Sabbath and ceremonial regulations (Exodus 12–20).
Leadership in the wilderness demanded patience, wisdom, and constant reliance on God, as the journey was marked by challenges, complaints, and temptations to stray from God’s covenant.
5. Receive and Deliver God’s Law
On Mount Sinai, God commanded Moses to receive the Law, including the Ten Commandments, which would define Israel’s covenantal relationship with Him (Exodus 19–20). Moses was then to teach these laws to the people, ensuring their obedience and spiritual growth.
This command underscored Moses’ role as a mediator between God and Israel, emphasizing both accountability and divine provision for moral and religious guidance.
6. Establish Worship Practices and the Tabernacle
God also commanded Moses to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary for worship—and the establishment of priestly duties (Exodus 25–31). This command included detailed instructions regarding the Ark of the Covenant, offerings, and rituals, ensuring that God’s presence could dwell among His people.
The command highlighted the importance of order, reverence, and attention to divine instructions in spiritual life.
7. Intercede for the People
Finally, God commanded Moses to act as an intercessor whenever the Israelites sinned or faced divine judgment. Notably, when the people worshipped the golden calf, Moses prayed for God’s mercy, appealing on behalf of the nation (Exodus 32:11–14).
This aspect of God’s command revealed the relational dynamic between God and His servant: Moses was both a leader and a mediator, demonstrating compassion, humility, and courage in pleading for God’s forgiveness.
Conclusion
God’s commands to Moses were multifaceted, encompassing liberation, leadership, teaching, intercession, and worship. They reveal a God who works through human instruments to accomplish divine purposes while requiring faith, courage, and obedience. Moses’ response—though marked by fear and doubt at times—demonstrates the necessity of trusting God in the face of immense challenges. The commands given to Moses continue to offer lessons about leadership, obedience, and the centrality of faith in fulfilling God’s plans.