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2-21-2024 – A Word to the Wise – What I have been presenting here called “Battles” is a short section from my larger manuscript. I am only presenting short sections because there is far too much material. This material on Moses’ early life is not well known today. I felt it relevant for those reading through the Old Testament.

Moses and Early Egyptian Military Training

The Egyptians had profited from the Hebrews for four hundred years. After two hundred years enslavement the population gets out of hand, so the Egyptians try modified genocide. Into this setting Moses is born. Adopted by an Egyptian princess Moses is groomed for leadership Moses thrives in this setting for forty years. Moses receives the same educational opportunities, and military experience as his peers.

Moses early combat experience with the Egyptians is obliquely referenced in ancient literature. Early manuscripts used by Jewish historian Josephus present intriguing information about the early years of Moses. Josephus may have accessed sources taken from the temple after the Romans destroyed it in 70 A. D., Josephus tells us about Moses as an Egyptian prince leading an army into battle against the Ethiopians.

Another early Jewish historian Artapanus in his work: “Concerning the Jews” credits Moses with leading a campaign against the Ethiopians and taking the city of Hermopolis. According to Artapanus the war and ultimate siege of Hermopolis lasted ten years.

Josephus places the conflict in the upper part of the Nile instead of Hermopolis. It is doubtful that the war lasted ten years since the campaigns of that period were seasonal in nature due to the necessity of providing food, water and other supplies.

It is not the purpose of this material to evaluate the information provided by either author. Artapanus’ work no longer exists but parts are quoted by the early Christian historian Eusebius.

I feel the tradition must refer to early events in Moses’ life particularly his military training. The ability to murder the Egyptian by Moses with no hesitant reflects training, ability, state of mind. (Exodus 2:11) This murder seems to indicate that Moses was comfortable with killing, knew how, and was confident at the time he could get by with it. As the verses indicate there is no remorse, no regret, and skillfully accomplished. However, the murder is discovered, and Moses flees Egypt.

Moses approached by the Lord forty years later is not responsive to the Lord’s offer. A soldier would have known when approached by the Lord the impossibility of leading the Jews out of Egypt. Familiar with warfare, and the lack of any training by these ignorant nomads, and more the untrustworthiness inherent as seen by their betrayal of him 40 years before, forms the basis for refusing the Lord’s invitation.

However, Moses’ final acceptance is rooted in military tradition. You do not refuse a direct order. Other elements of military tradition may be detected in scripture.

The command structure seen in Exodus through Deuteronomy is unique yet sound. The commander and chief is God. He is the General of the Army. He forms the overall strategy and gives tactical instruction to Moses. Moses is a good colonel. He follows the instruction to the letter, except once.

Only a military mind could have played the role. Military experience, tactical knowledge, and the ability to follow instruction form the basis of command. The Lord used the skills possessed by Moses. Each step of the way the Lord explains the tactical situation and provides directions.

Moses previous combat experience provides the foundation needed to accomplish the goals set forth by the Lord. Compare it to an artist who draws a beautiful picture. The artist possesses the skill, the Lord provides the inspiration.

Moses’ appearance before Pharaoh provides us with a glimpse of the power and influence Moses possessed in his earlier life. Pharaoh knows of Moses. Forty years have passed since Moses left Egypt. Yet it is as though the rumors of his achievements magnified in his absence. Notice please the first exchange between Pharaoh and Moses.

Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert.’ “ Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.” Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!” 5 Then Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working.” (Exodus 5:1-4).

Moses is blunt and to the point there is no indication that Moses and Aaron bow before the Pharaoh, or even give him much of a greeting. Just as if Moses had every right to be there, Moses tells Pharaoh to release the Hebrews.

Pharaoh does not challenge Moses on his right to appear before him rather Pharaoh reasons with Moses almost as if Moses is an equal, a king.

Pharaoh even waits for Moses to leave before he increases the burden of the Hebrews! Moses on the other hand seems to be afraid of Pharaoh. Letting Aaron speak for him serves two purposes; the Pharaoh cannot sense Moses’ fear, and it makes it appear to Pharaoh that Moses does not honor Pharaoh’s position. Something Pharaoh accepts for he never challenges Moses, lack of worship of him nor demands obeisance.

This behavior of Pharaohs substantiates Moses’ statute and reputation before the people. Pharaoh knows the famous Moses and his feats in battle.

With each encounter we see the confidence of Moses grow and the fear of Pharaoh increase. The basic reply of Pharaoh focuses on the loss of income due to the release of the Hebrews. It is not until the last plague before the deaths of the first born the Pharaoh gets enough confidence to threaten Moses. Moses snaps right back at him! Pharaoh is furious yet appears impotent! He cannot face Moses. It takes Pharaoh three days to get up the courage to go after Israel.

Some may say this is merely Moses’ interpretation. However, the lack of action on Pharaoh’s part and holding Moses at a distance speaks volumes about Pharaoh’s reticence to exert authority over Moses.

One can only guess why Pharaoh would respond in this manner yet Moses prior deeds no doubt rule over the court of Pharaoh.

It should be a constant awareness with God’s children that He has a plan and a purpose for each. Discovering the purpose of one’s birth is the richest blessing the Lord bestows on His children.

The Lord has a date with Pharaoh also. The results of that encounter live throughout history. It is a battle between a man who thought himself a god, and God who was I am.