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Moses, lawgiver and prophet
13th or 15th century BC (traditional)· Person· People
Faith & scriptureHeld by believers on faith and scripture; history can neither confirm nor rule it out.
The Hebrew leader who, the Bible says, led Israel out of Egypt and received God's Law at Mount Sinai.
See it on the Bible & Christianity map →What it is
Exodus says Moses was born to Hebrew slaves when Pharaoh ordered their newborn boys killed. Hidden in a basket on the Nile, he is adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. After killing an Egyptian, he flees to Midian, where God speaks from a burning bush and reveals the name YHWH (Exodus 3). He confronts Pharaoh, leads the people out and receives the Law. He dies on Mount Nebo, seeing the Promised Land but never entering (Deuteronomy 34).
Why it matters
Judaism's greatest prophet and lawgiver, honored in Christianity and in Islam (as Musa). The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as a new Moses.
Life, legacy and sources
No Egyptian record mentions Moses. His name is likely Egyptian, as in Thutmose ('born of Thoth'). Many historians allow a possible core memory behind a figure shaped by centuries of tradition.
Questions and debates
Tradition credits him with writing the Torah; most scholars see several later sources. Whether a historical Moses stands behind the story is debated.
Connections (3)
▸Moses, lawgiver and prophet led The Exodus from EgyptFaith & scripture
The connection
Moses is God's spokesman throughout. With his brother Aaron he confronts Pharaoh repeatedly, announces the plagues, organizes the first Passover, and stretches out his hand over the sea so it parts (Exodus 14:21). He then guides the people toward Sinai.
When and where
In Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, under an unnamed Pharaoh, often linked to Ramesses II (reigned c. 1279–1213 BC).
How do we know?
Scripture only. No Egyptian record mentions Moses or an escape, though Egyptian sources do show Semitic workers and slaves in the Delta.
Questions and debates
Which Pharaoh, if any, Moses faced is debated; candidates include Thutmose III (early date) and Ramesses II (later date). The Bible never names him.
▸Moses, lawgiver and prophet received Ten Commandments and the Law at Mount SinaiFaith & scripture
The connection
Moses climbs Mount Sinai and stays forty days and nights. God writes the commandments 'with the finger of God' on two stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). Moses is the go-between: the people, terrified by thunder and fire, ask him to hear God for them (Exodus 20:19).
When and where
At Mount Sinai (also called Horeb), about three months after leaving Egypt (Exodus 19:1).
How do we know?
Scripture only. Older law collections like Hammurabi's code (c. 1754 BC) show the region had a long tradition of written laws.
Questions and debates
Sinai's location is unknown. Jebel Musa in southern Sinai has been the traditional site since the 4th century AD; others propose sites in Arabia or the Negev.
▸Moses, lawgiver and prophet is traditionally credited with writing The Torah (Pentateuch, five books of Moses)Debated by scholars
The connection
Jewish and Christian tradition names Moses as author of all five Torah books, often called 'the five books of Moses'. The text shows Moses writing down laws (Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 31:9), and Jesus speaks of 'the law of Moses' (Luke 24:44).
When and where
Set in the wilderness after the Exodus; belief in Moses' authorship is firm by the time of Josephus and the Talmud (1st to 5th centuries AD).
How do we know?
Uncertain. Deuteronomy 34 reports Moses' own death and burial; the Talmud assigns those verses to Joshua. Most modern scholars see several later authors.
Questions and debates
Whether any material goes back to Moses, and whether he was a historical person, remain open; traditional Jews and many Christians affirm his authorship.