What Was Moses Doing All Day?
Moses, one of the most significant figures in biblical history, was more than a prophet; he was a leader, lawgiver, and mediator for the people of Israel. Understanding what he did “all day” requires examining his multifaceted responsibilities during his time leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
1. Judging Disputes Among the People
One of the primary tasks that occupied Moses throughout the day was resolving conflicts and disputes among the Israelites. As the population grew during the Exodus, people brought their legal and personal issues to him for judgment. These could range from disagreements over property, family matters, or questions about God’s commandments.
The biblical account in Exodus 18:13-16 highlights how Moses would sit “from morning till evening” listening to the people, trying cases, and providing resolutions. This responsibility consumed most of his time, reflecting the immense burden of leadership and the lack of an organized judicial system at that time.
2. Communicating with God
Moses also spent significant portions of his day in spiritual communion with God. As a prophet, he frequently received divine instructions and guidance for leading the people, managing crises, and delivering God’s laws. Mount Sinai was often his retreat, where he would spend time in prayer and receive revelations, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:12-18).
This constant dialogue with God was crucial because Moses had to make decisions that affected thousands of people and shape the moral and spiritual foundation of the Israelite community.
3. Teaching and Instructing the People
Another important aspect of Moses’ daily activities was teaching the Israelites about God’s laws, ethics, and religious practices. He instructed them on the proper observance of sacrifices, festivals, and moral conduct. These teachings were vital for unifying the people and preparing them to live as a holy nation under God’s covenant (Exodus 19:3-8).
4. Administrative Duties
Leading a large community of over 600,000 men (plus women and children) required extensive administrative work. Moses had to organize the people for travel, assign responsibilities, and manage resources like food, water, and shelter in the desert. He coordinated with tribal leaders and ensured that orders were implemented efficiently, preventing chaos during the Israelites’ long journey.
5. Delegating Leadership
Eventually, Moses recognized that handling every issue alone was unsustainable. Following advice from his father-in-law, Jethro (Exodus 18:17-23), he appointed capable leaders over smaller groups to help judge minor disputes. This allowed Moses to focus on more significant issues and on guiding the people spiritually. Nevertheless, he still spent a large part of each day overseeing the work of these leaders and addressing matters beyond their authority.
6. Leading the People in Times of Crisis
Moses’ day was also filled with moments of crisis management. From complaints about lack of food and water to conflicts with neighboring peoples, Moses had to provide guidance, prayerfully seek God’s intervention, and lead the Israelites through physical and spiritual challenges. Events like the provision of manna, water from the rock, and battles against enemies illustrate how unpredictable his daily schedule could be.
Conclusion
Moses’ day was a blend of leadership, judgment, teaching, administration, and spiritual devotion. The biblical phrase “from morning till evening” accurately describes the exhaustive nature of his work. He bore the enormous responsibility of guiding a fledgling nation, ensuring justice, and maintaining a living connection with God for the people. Moses’ daily life reminds us that true leadership is not about authority alone but about service, patience, and tireless dedication.