Born under Pharaoh's edict to kill Hebrew boys, Moses was hidden by his mother Jochebed for three months. She placed him in a tar-coated papyrus basket set among the Nile reeds. Found and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, he was named Moses ("drawn out") for his rescue. Jochebed became his nurse, preserving his Hebrew ties during childhood.

Raised royally in Egypt, Moses identified with the enslaved Hebrews. As an adult, he killed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave. Forced to flee Pharaoh's death sentence, he settled in Midian. There, he married Zipporah, daughter of priest Jethro, shepherded for forty years, and named his first son Gershom, signifying his foreign displacement.

Tending flocks near Mount Horeb, Moses encountered a burning bush that did not consume itself. God spoke from it, revealing Himself as "I AM" and commissioning Moses to demand Israel's freedom from Egypt. Moses expressed reluctance, citing his lack of eloquence. God provided assurances and signs—turning Moses' staff into a serpent and afflicting then healing his hand. Due to Moses' persistent hesitation, God appointed his brother Aaron as spokesperson. Moses finally accepted and returned to Egypt at age eighty.

Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, demanding Israel's release. Pharaoh refused, triggering ten plagues inflicted through Moses: Nile turned to blood, infestations of frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, destructive hail, locusts, darkness, and death of Egyptian firstborns. Israelites were spared the final plague by marking doorposts with lamb's blood. After this, Pharaoh relented, and Moses led the Exodus eastward.

Pursued by Pharaoh's army, Moses parted the Red Sea with his staff, enabling the people to cross on dry ground before the waters engulfed the Egyptians. Moses guided Israel to Mount Sinai, mediating a covenant between God and the people. He ascended Sinai for forty days, receiving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. During his absence, the Israelites created and worshipped a golden calf. Witnessing this, Moses shattered the tablets, destroyed the calf, and oversaw the execution of those involved. After interceding with God to spare the people, Moses returned to Sinai where new tablets were inscribed.

Moses led Israel through forty years of wilderness wandering after they refused to enter Canaan based on spies' reports. He addressed complaints about food and water, instituted a judicial system, and quelled rebellions like Korah's revolt. At Meribah, lacking water, God instructed Moses to speak to a rock. Instead, Moses struck it twice in anger—disobedience that cost him entry into the Promised Land. He continued leading until transferring authority to Joshua.

Moses died at age 120 on Mount Nebo in Moab after viewing Canaan. His eyesight and vitality remained intact. God buried him in an unmarked grave in the valley opposite Beth Peor, its location undisclosed to prevent idolatry. Israel mourned thirty days before proceeding under Joshua.

Moses demonstrated humility despite his royal upbringing, becoming known as the most humble man of his time. He communicated directly with God "face to face, as one speaks to a friend." His character evolved from self-doubt and impulsiveness to steadfast obedience and patient mediation, though moments of frailty like his anger at Meribah persisted. His legacy centers on delivering Israel from slavery, establishing their covenantal laws, and modeling faithfulness despite imperfections.