Moses the Legislator and Prophet

Feast Day: September 4

Moses was born in Egypt at a time when the Israelites were slaves. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, was afraid of the Israelites because there were so many of them. He ordered that all baby boys from Israelite families be killed. To save her child, Moses’ mother placed him in a basket and hid him in the river.

The baby was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. She felt sorry for him and decided to raise him as her own. Moses grew up in the palace. He had food, clothes, and a safe home. But he knew he was not Egyptian. He knew he came from the people who were being treated badly.

Even though he lived in a rich home, Moses cared about the pain of his people. One day, he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. Moses became angry and killed the Egyptian. When Pharaoh found out, Moses ran away to another land.

He went to a place called Midian. There, he helped some women at a well. Their father gave Moses one of his daughters to marry. Moses became a shepherd and lived a quiet life for many years.

God had a plan for Moses, even though Moses did not know it yet. His story was just beginning.

• Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
• More Resources
• Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
• More Catholic Resources by Date
• Calendar of Saints

One day, while watching his sheep, Moses saw a bush that was on fire but not burning up. This was strange, so he went closer. Then he heard a voice. It was God. God told Moses to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.

God said He had seen the suffering of His people in Egypt. He said He wanted Moses to go back and lead them out. Moses was afraid. He said he was not a good speaker. He asked God to choose someone else.

But God said He would be with Moses. He told Moses that his brother Aaron could speak for him. God gave Moses signs to show that the message was real. One of these signs was turning a staff into a snake.

Moses obeyed and returned to Egypt. He spoke to Pharaoh and asked him to let the Israelites go. But Pharaoh said no. He made the work even harder for the people.

Still, Moses trusted God. He knew that God would help. He kept going back to Pharaoh, even when things got worse.

God sent plagues on Egypt. Water turned to blood. Frogs filled the land. There were flies, hail, sickness, and darkness. But Pharaoh would not listen.

The final plague was the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian home. But the Israelites were told to mark their doors with lamb’s blood. This night became the first Passover. The angel of death passed over their homes.

After this, Pharaoh told Moses to take the people and leave. The Israelites packed quickly and left Egypt. They began their journey to the land God had promised them.

Soon after, Pharaoh changed his mind. He sent his army to bring them back. The Israelites were trapped between the army and the Red Sea. They were afraid.

But God told Moses to raise his staff over the water. The sea opened, and the people walked through on dry land. When the Egyptian army followed, the sea closed back in and they were gone.

The people were free. God had saved them. They sang songs of praise and thanked God.

Moses became the leader of the people. He led them through the desert. He showed them how to follow God.

The journey through the desert was not easy. The people often complained. They missed the food in Egypt. They said they were thirsty. They said they were tired. Many times, they wanted to go back.

Moses kept praying to God for help. God gave them manna, a kind of bread from heaven. He gave them water from a rock. He gave them meat when they asked.

At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. These were rules for the people to live by. Moses went up the mountain and stayed there for forty days. The people thought he was gone for good.

While he was gone, they made a golden calf and began to worship it. When Moses came down and saw this, he was very upset. He threw down the stone tablets and broke them.

But Moses prayed for the people. He asked God to forgive them. God gave Moses new tablets. He told Moses that He would still lead the people.

Moses led the people for many years. They walked in the desert for forty years because they often disobeyed. But God stayed with them, and Moses stayed faithful.

After many years, the people came near the Promised Land. Moses was now very old. God told him that he would not enter the land. Moses had once disobeyed God by striking a rock. Because of this, he could only see the land from a distance.

Moses climbed a mountain called Nebo. From there, he saw the land that God had promised. It was a good land, full of life. But it was Joshua, not Moses, who would lead the people into it.

Moses did not complain. He had done what God asked. He blessed the people and told them to follow God’s law. He told them to be strong and trust God always.

Then Moses died. He was 120 years old. The Bible says that God buried him, but no one knows where his grave is.

The people mourned for Moses. They knew he had been a faithful leader. He had guided them from slavery to freedom.

Moses is one of the most important people in the Bible. He led God’s people out of slavery. He spoke with God. He received the Ten Commandments. He gave his life to serving others.

The Church sees Moses as a great leader and a model of faith. He listened to God and obeyed, even when it was hard. He helped prepare the way for Jesus, who would come much later.

Moses is remembered in the Roman Martyrology on September 4. This is not a feast like those for saints, but it is a day to honor him. The Church sees him as part of God’s great plan.

Many saints and teachers have looked to Moses as an example. His patience, strength, and trust in God are still praised today.

He is a reminder that God can work through anyone. Moses was once afraid, unsure, and slow to speak. But with God’s help, he became a strong leader.

His story teaches us to trust God, to keep going, and to lead with love and truth.

If you would like an image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.

Called From the Mountain

This portrait of Moses reflects a life shaped by listening, courage, and trust in God’s call. From the burning bush to the long journey through the desert, his story speaks of leadership formed through obedience and prayer.

This image works well in bulletins and newsletters focused on vocation, covenant, and God’s guidance in uncertain times. Subscribers are invited to use it to support reflections on faith, perseverance, and the call to lead with humility.

Paid subscribers may download this file without watermarks for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.