The First Named Prophet of Israel
The first person of the nation of Israel called a prophet was Moses. Concerning his death, the statement is made, “since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deut. 34:10, NKJV). Abraham was the father of the nation of Israel, but Moses was the first prophet in Israel’s history—an example for all the prophets who followed him.
What do the following texts tell us about Moses’ personality and character? Exod. 4:10; 32:11–13, 32; Num. 12:3; 20:10–12; Heb. 11:24–26. How do some of these traits help us understand how he fit into his role as a prophet?
Through his upbringing in Egypt, his strong faith in God, and his personal experience with the Almighty at the burning bush (Exod. 3), Moses was well equipped to lead the people of Israel. From Scripture, we know that because of Israel’s repeated failure to have faith in God, Moses constantly was interceding with God for the nation (Exod. 32:11–13, Num. 14:13–19, 16:46–50), while at the same time admonishing the Israelites to be faithful.
Following the golden-calf episode at Mount Sinai (Exod. 32), Moses spent 40 days with God on the mountain. When he returned from the mountain, his face shone (Exod. 34:28–35). The radiant face of Moses was but a reflection of Divine glory (2 Cor. 3:7). Considering the fact that Moses had the unique privilege of seeing the glory of the Creator, it is small wonder that his face shone after such an experience, but this was not the only reason. The golden-calf rebellion not only was directed against God, but also against Moses. The evidence of his communion with God was instrumental in restoring him to his rightful place of leadership. When the people realized where he had been, his role of leader and mediator that had been questioned was restored.
Anyone filled with the Spirit of God will in some way reflect the glorious character of God. Those who live close to God will have a telling effect on the lives of others, though they may not know it themselves.
| Who is someone who seems to have a close relationship with the Lord? How is that closeness revealed in their lives? What character traits do they manifest? How can you learn to walk closer to the Lord? What things in your life are holding you back from that closer walk? |
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