Who was Moses, really?

From Hebrew slave to Egyptian prince to God's chosen deliverer, Moses' story is one of the most extraordinary in all of Scripture. In this book, learn how Moses finds his true identity face-to-face with God himself.

Through the exploration of the biblical, historical, social, and cultural contexts, biblical scholar J. Daniel Hays offers a biographical account of the life of Moses, illuminating the person that God befriended and empowered for liberation of his people.

Drawing from material in Exodus through Deuteronomy and rich ancient Egyptian historical background, this book brings Moses to life as a real person who lived, breathed, worked, ached, slept, rejoiced, wept, and prayed as we all do. Through Hays's careful analysis of historical, cultural, and literary contexts, you will discover fresh perspectives on Moses' extraordinary journey of discovering who he really is.

In this book, you'll find:



- A comprehensive character study spanning Moses' entire life, looking at his identities of royal Egyptian, fugitive, family man, friend of God, and more

- Insights from the best scholarship on Moses and his place in the biblical story

- Fresh biblical insights examining familiar passages through new lenses

- Informed speculation on Moses' inner life, emotions, and spiritual development grounded in biblical and historical evidence

What kind of education did Moses receive in Pharaoh's court? How did he understand his dual identity as both Hebrew and Egyptian? What was he thinking and feeling during his most pivotal moments? What was it like for him to speak directly with God? How do his experiences speak to Christians today?

Explore these questions and more with Moses. For readers who want more than a surface reading of Moses' story, this book offers a scholarly yet accessible portrait of a man whose struggles, identity, and friendship with God offer wisdom for believers today.

About the Series

The Biblical Biographies series, edited by J. Daniel Hays and J. Scott Duvall, provides dramatic biographies of some of the most colorful and influential people in the Bible. Building on the biblical text, these biographies offer insights from the best scholarship related to the historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds of the characters and their stories. With this context, these characters come alive as readers experience familiar stories in fresh ways that are biblically grounded, culturally informed, and historically sound.



Duvall is dean and Fuller Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology of the Pruett School of Christian Studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.



J. Daniel Hays (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor emeritus of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University and senior professor of Old Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author, coauthor, or coeditor of twenty books, including Grasping God's Word, The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of God, The Temple and the Tabernacle, The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, and God's Relational Presence.



Series Preface



Abbreviations



Introduction

1. The Royal Egyptian: Birth, Adoption, and Education



2. The Fugitive: Egyptian Slayer, Midianite Shepherd, Hebrew Deliverer



3. The Emissary of God: Moses and God versus Pharaoh



4. The Servant of God: Teacher, Conqueror of Egypt, Worship Leader



5. The Friend of God: Covenant Mediator, Intercessor, Builder of God's Holy Residence



6. The Complex Leader: Disobedient, Grumbling People and Complicated Family Relationships



7. The Final Days: Theologian, Prophet, and Scribe; His Death and His Legacy

Image Credits



Scripture Index