Topical Bible: Humility: Moses

◄ Humility: Moses ►

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Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is often celebrated for his unparalleled humility, a trait that is highlighted in various passages of Scripture. His life and leadership provide a profound example of humility in action, as he consistently placed God's will above his own desires and ambitions.

Biblical Account and Characteristics

Moses' humility is explicitly noted in Numbers 12:3, which states, "Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" . This declaration comes in the context of a challenge to his leadership by his siblings, Aaron and Miriam. Despite their criticism, Moses does not defend himself; instead, he allows God to vindicate him, demonstrating his trust in God's justice and his own meekness.

Early Life and Calling

Moses' journey to humility began with his early life experiences. Raised in Pharaoh's palace, he was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). However, after killing an Egyptian in defense of a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian, where he spent 40 years as a shepherd. This period of obscurity and solitude likely contributed to his development of humility, as he transitioned from a prince of Egypt to a humble shepherd.

When God called Moses from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3), Moses' initial response was one of reluctance and self-doubt. He questioned his own abilities, saying, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). This self-effacing attitude is a hallmark of his humility, as he recognized his own limitations and inadequacies.

Leadership and Intercession

Throughout his leadership, Moses consistently demonstrated humility by prioritizing the needs of the Israelites and interceding on their behalf. In Exodus 32, when the Israelites sinned by worshiping the golden calf, God expressed His intention to destroy them and make a great nation out of Moses. However, Moses interceded for the people, pleading with God to spare them for the sake of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 32:11-13). This selfless act underscores Moses' humility, as he placed the well-being of the people and the honor of God's name above his own potential glory.

Moses' humility is further exemplified in his willingness to accept God's discipline. When he disobeyed God by striking the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as commanded (Numbers 20:7-12), God decreed that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. Moses accepted this judgment without complaint, demonstrating his submission to God's authority and his understanding of the consequences of his actions.

Legacy and Influence

Moses' humility had a lasting impact on the nation of Israel and on biblical history. His example of humble leadership set a standard for future leaders, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God and the prioritization of His will. Moses' life and character are frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a model of faithfulness and humility.

In Deuteronomy 34:10-12, Moses is remembered as a prophet whom the Lord knew "face to face" and as one who performed "all the signs and wonders" in Egypt. Despite these extraordinary accomplishments, it is his humility that stands out as a defining characteristic, illustrating the biblical principle that true greatness is found in humble service to God and others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 3:11
And Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 4:10
And Moses said to the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since you have spoken to your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Humility.
... Moses wist not that his face shone. If humility speaks of itself, it is gone. Someone
has said that the grass is an illustration of this lowly grace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

And yet I, O My God, Thou Lifter up of My Humility...
... And yet I, O my God, Thou lifter up of my humility, and rest of my ... neighbour as myself,
I cannot believe that Thou gavest a less gift unto Moses Thy faithful ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxvi and yet i.htm

Of the Reasons Why Jesus Christ Appears to Each one of us Either ...
... Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter VI. Of the reasons why Jesus Christ appears
to each one of us either in His humility or in His glorified condition. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter vi of the reasons.htm

Exhortations to Prayer, Humility, Etc.
... Chapter X."Exhortations to prayer, humility, etc. ... For "blessed are the meek;" [559]
and Moses was meek above all men; [560] and David was exceeding meek. ...
/.../chapter x exhortations to prayer humility.htm

The Saints as Examples of Humility.
... Chapter XVII."The saints as examples of humility. ... he said, "No man is free from
defilement, even if his life be but of one day." [75] Moses was called ...
/.../chapter xvii the saints as examples.htm

The Saints as Examples of Humility.
... Chapter XVII."The Saints as Examples of Humility. ... he said, "No man is free from
defilement, even if his life be but of one day." [4082] Moses was called ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xvii the saints as examples.htm

How those are to be Admonished who Decline the Office of Preaching ...
... who, though able to preach with profit, still shrink back through excessive humility
are to be ... Let them hear how Moses, when he saw that God was angry with His ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxv how those are.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Knowledge, distinguished from wisdom, [660]629; accompanied by charity and humility. ...
Law, written and unwritten, [665]1; of Moses promises temporal rewards ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

The Call of Moses
... It was not cowardice which prompted Moses' answer, but lowliness ... hot days were past,
and age and solitude and communion with God had mellowed him into humility. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the call of moses.htm

The Death of Moses
... To become, according to the book of Judges, just what Moses foretold"an ignorant ...
Nothing more shows the truth of this history than its humility, its continual ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xviii the death of.htm