Who Was Commanding Moses?
Throughout the narrative of the Exodus, one truth is unmistakably central: Moses was commanded, guided, empowered, and sent by God Himself. The unfolding story consistently shows that Moses’ leadership did not arise from personal ambition or political influence, but from a divine mandate rooted in God’s covenant, character, and redemptive plan.
This article explores who was commanding Moses, how those commands were delivered, and why they carried such authority.
1. The Commander: The LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
The Scriptures repeatedly declare that the LORD (YHWH) is the One who commanded Moses. This is emphasized from the moment Moses encounters God at the burning bush (Exodus 3) through every stage of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
God’s identity was central
When God spoke, He did not appear as an anonymous deity; He declared His covenant identity:
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“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6)
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Later, God emphasized His personal name: YHWH—the LORD.
By doing this, God grounded His commands in His faithfulness to generations past.
2. How God Delivered His Commands to Moses
a. Direct Speech
God spoke directly to Moses—an extraordinary privilege not granted to most prophets.
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God gave Moses clear instructions: to confront Pharaoh, reveal God’s message, and lead Israel out.
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God explained the miracles Moses would perform.
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God responded to Moses’ insecurities and questions.
b. Through Divine Revelation and Signs
Commands were often paired with signs such as:
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the staff turning to a serpent
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the leprous hand
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water turning to blood
These were not mere displays of power—they confirmed the authority of the One commanding Moses.
c. Through Ongoing Communication
Even after Moses returned to Egypt, God continued instructing him:
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When to speak
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What to say
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How Pharaoh would react
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What judgments would follow
This shows Moses was not independent—he was continually under God’s direction.
3. Why God Was Commanding Moses
a. To Fulfill the Covenant
God remembered His promise to the patriarchs. Commanding Moses was the next step in fulfilling His oath to:
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multiply Israel
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give them the promised land
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make them His people
Moses’ mission was a continuation of God’s centuries-long plan.
b. To Demonstrate His Power Over Egypt
Through Moses, God intended to reveal His supremacy over:
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Pharaoh
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Egyptian gods
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Human power structures
Every command given to Moses served the purposes of divine judgment and liberation.
c. To Form Israel into His Nation
God’s commands were shaping Israel into:
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a redeemed people
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a covenant nation
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a community under divine authority
Moses was the instrument through which God orchestrated this transformation.
4. Moses’ Role: A Servant Under Command
Moses was never portrayed as a ruler acting on his own authority. Instead:
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He protested his calling.
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He feared facing Pharaoh.
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He doubted his speaking abilities.
Yet God consistently reassured him, strengthened him, and commanded him step by step. Moses became powerful not because of personal qualities but because he obeyed God’s commands.
5. Summary: God Alone Commanded Moses
To answer the question clearly:
The One commanding Moses was the LORD—YHWH—the covenant-keeping God of Israel.
He commanded Moses:
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from the burning bush
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in Egypt
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during the plagues
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through the wilderness journey
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at Sinai
God’s voice established Moses’ authority, shaped Israel’s destiny, and revealed God’s redemptive plan.