“Go In to Pharaoh”

MOSES was a changed man. It seems that he had long since given up any idea that he was the one who would liberate his fellow Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Now, about 80 years of age, he had a wife and two children. He had spent four decades humbly at work, shepherding his father-in-law’s flocks in the hot, arid country where the Midianites lived.

Jehovah saw how Moses had changed. One day, He got Moses’ attention by causing a thornbush at the base of Mount Horeb (Sinai) to burn brightly without being consumed. When Moses approached, Jehovah spoke to him from the fire by means of a mighty angel. God directed Moses to go back to Egypt and lead His people to freedom! To encourage Moses, God revealed an aspect of the meaning of His sacred name, Jehovah, by saying: “I Will Become What I Choose to Become.” So Jehovah could become a Savior to his oppressed people, doing whatever was needed to free them and make them a mighty nation.

Still, Moses was hesitant. He felt unqualified, unable to speak before Pharaoh of Egypt. Jehovah corrected him and boosted his faith by doing something amazing. For the first time in the Bible record, we find Jehovah enabling a human to perform miracles. And He gave Moses a helper and spokesman, his brother, Aaron. Reluctantly, Moses accepted the assignment. He was now a messiah, a man chosen by Jehovah to save His people.​—Heb. 11:26.

Moses returned to Egypt with Aaron by his side and made an appearance before Pharaoh. It did not go well. Instead of releasing Israel, the angry monarch made the slaves’ workload even heavier! Then Jehovah sent Moses back to Pharaoh to announce His first plague against Egypt. The plague struck! The mighty Nile River was turned into blood. Pharaoh was unmoved. Jehovah kept sending Moses back, each time to announce another devastating plague. “Go in to Pharaoh,” Jehovah commanded, and Moses bravely went. But that proud ruler refused to listen. Beginning with the fourth plague, Jehovah shielded his own people while the Egyptians suffered.

Each plague exposed Egypt’s gods, their magic-practicing priests, and Pharaoh himself for what they were​—powerless. Yet, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart, refusing to let his slaves go. The ninth plague covered Egypt in dense darkness, while the Israelites still had light in their homes. Pharaoh gave in at first but then stubbornly changed his mind again. He warned that if Moses ever tried to come before him again, Moses would die.

Yet, Jehovah sent Moses to Pharaoh one last time, and Moses went. The tenth and final plague had brought death upon all the firstborn of Egypt, human and animal. Pharaoh, who had lost his own son, finally relented. Humiliated, he called Moses, freed Israel, and demanded a blessing. Israel was free at last, exactly 430 years after Abraham first entered the Promised Land! The former slaves left, accompanied by “a vast mixed company,” many of whom were likely Egyptians. Then Pharaoh changed his mind again. He gathered his huge army and chased after the Israelites!

At the shore of the Red Sea, Moses and his people seemed trapped. The Israelites were terrified. Moses called out to Jehovah for help. And Jehovah answered​—with one of the most spectacular miracles in history. He parted the Red Sea, so Israel was able to cross the seabed on dry ground. When Pharaoh saw that the Israelites were getting away, he led his army in pursuit. But once the Israelites were safely on the other side, Jehovah let the Red Sea come crashing back onto the seabed, drowning the Egyptians. The mightiest army in the world was gone!

Moses never forgot those amazing events. His faith was now stronger than ever. And for the next 40 years, until he died at 120 years of age, he led God’s people and cared for them with exemplary faith, love, and courage.

Read the Bible account:

• Exodus 2:15–5:23; 7:1–11:10; 12:29-41; 13:17–14:31

• Deuteronomy 29:2, 3; 34:5-7

For discussion:

In what ways did Moses show courage during this part of his life?

Dig Deeper

1. 1. The Pharaoh of this period is unnamed, and no Egyptian record of the Exodus has yet been found. Still, why is it reasonable to believe this Bible account? (g04 4/8 7 ¶4–9 ¶1)

   Your answer

2. 2. Why did people fear Pharaoh? (w14 4/15 8 ¶1) A

   Your answer

   

   PRISMA ARCHIVO/​Alamy Stock Photo

3. 3. How did the Ten Plagues humiliate the gods of Egypt? (it “Gods and Goddesses” ¶24-26)

   Your answer

4. 4. What indicates that Jehovah opened up a wide channel through the Red Sea, and how many Israelites may have crossed through it? (it “Exodus” ¶46-51) B

   Your answer

   

Reflect on the Lessons

• How can Moses’ example encourage us when we feel unqualified to fulfill an assignment from Jehovah? (Ex. 4:10; 7:6, 7)

  Your answer

• Just as Aaron helped Moses to fulfill his assignment courageously, how can we help our brothers and sisters today? (Ex. 4:14-16) C

  Your answer

  

• How might you imitate the courage shown by Moses in this account?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does this account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• In the resurrection, what would I like to ask Moses about this part of his life?

  Your answer

Learn More

Consider how the meaning of Jehovah’s name can help young children to be courageous.

Jehovah’s Name (1:54)

What did Moses’ experiences teach him about Jehovah’s qualities?

“Coming to Know Jehovah’s Ways” (w05 5/15 20-25)