What is a timeline of Moses' life?

from the old testament

• Moses’ life can be divided into 3 parts, each approximately 40 years: his life in Pharaoh's house, his life as an outcast, and his life as Israel’s leader.
• The first 40 years display God’s providential protection of Moses. When he was born, the current Pharaoh was greatly worried about the growing Israelite population (Exodus 1:8–10) and ordered all male Israelite children to be killed (Exodus 1:15–16, 22). Moses’ mom initially hid Moses, but when he was about three months old, she made a basket to hide him in the river (Exodus 2:1–3). Through God’s providence, Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing in the river (Exodus 2:5a) and discovered the boy, adopting him as her own (Exodus 2:5b–10). Because of that, Moses was in a position of great honor, being well educated as a part of Pharaoh's family (cf. Acts 7:21–22).
• Though raised as an Egyptian, Moses had an allegiance toward his fellow Israelites. One day, he saw someone being beaten by an Egyptian guard, and he attacked and killed the guard (Exodus 2:11–12). He buried him, thinking no one saw (Exodus 2:12). However, the next day it was clear that not only did the other Israelites know (Exodus 2:13–14) but that the word was quickly spreading to Pharaoh (Exodus 2:15). So, Moses fled to Midian, where he met and married Zipporah (Exodus 2:16–21). He would be there for the next 40 years of his life (cf. Acts 7:30).
• While Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flock (Exodus 3:1), he noticed a bush that was burning but not consumed (Exodus 3:2). When he approached it, God spoke from it, commissioning Moses to rescue His people from captivity (Exodus 3:3–10). Though initially reluctant (Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10), Moses and his brother Aaron went (Exodus 4:27–31). Pharaoh initially refused to listen to Moses (Exodus 5:1–2), but after God inflicted 12 plagues on the nation (Exodus 7–11), he relented. That ended Israel’s 430 years of captivity (Exodus 12:40–41). The initial plan had been to lead them to the Promised Land (Exodus 13:5), but the people grumbled and rebelled until God finally punished them with wandering and dying in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33–34). While Moses was able to see the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1–4), he himself was not allowed to enter because he had not trusted God at one point along the journey (Numbers 20:7–12).

from the new testament

• Moses' life, despite his sin, modeled one of faithfulness (Hebrews 11:24–27). Because of this, Moses was presented as a type, a prophet who pointed forward to the greater prophet, Jesus (Acts 3:22; Hebrews 3:1–6). Illustrating his historical and theological significance to the Christian faith, Moses also appeared with Jesus in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–3).

implications for today

Moses was the greatest prophet, second only to Jesus. He led God’s people out of Egypt, foreshadowing Jesus’ rescue of sinners from this world. He was their great spiritual leader, illustrating both righteousness and a servant heart, also prefiguring Jesus. In short, he was a great man.

However, he was just a man. Unlike Jesus, he was sinful. He doubted God (Exodus 4:10–14), he was impatient (Numbers 20:10–12), and he even murdered (Exodus 2:11–12). Even Moses needed Jesus to die for his sins.

What, then, are some lessons we can learn from the life of an imperfect man like Moses?

First, we learn something about God. He is exceedingly patient. He commanded Moses to be His spokesman to Pharaoh but endured Moses’ self-doubt, allowing him to share his role with his brother (Exodus 4:14–16). We also learn that God may prepare people for a long time before using them. In Moses’ case, it took 80 years before God used him. As long as we live, we must never assume God is done with us.

Second, we learn that even the sin of God’s people has ramifications, and those who represent God more closely are under greater risk of judgment (James 3:1). Moses, as God’s representative, was prevented from entering the Promised Land because he displayed distrust in God (Numbers 20:12). Let us also be careful to obey and trust God, never assuming He’ll overlook our sin just because He saved us!

Third, we learn that being a spiritual leader requires commitment to truth and faithfulness. Moses carefully led the Israelites to safety despite their complaints at being led away from slavery (Exodus 16:2–3). Those who lead in the church must also willingly bear pain from those we are called to help.