From early childhood the writer has been familiar with the Bible stories, their simple language far outweighing the fascinating romances of the famed "Arabian Nights' Entertainments" and other tales dear to the youthful heart. Among the best-loved was the story of Moses, and as with growth has come greater ability to recognize the lessons in this divinely directed career, interest has increased. Incidents hitherto unnoted have flashed with wondrous meaning, serving to emphasize gratitude for this signal example of fidelity.
The life of Moses naturally divides itself into three parts, each of forty years' duration, typical of his varying stages of consciousness. The first, a period of unconscious growth, briefly outlined in the first fifteen verses of the second chapter of Exodus, with a supplementary reference in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, is but meagerly described, though the account delineates the single-heartedness and trustworthiness of him for whom was destined the bestowal of so high a trust. Tradition has it that Moses grew to manhood ignorant of his ancestry, being universally regarded as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and that the revelation of his birth and parentage came to him without warning, during the tests imposed upon him when about to ascend the throne of Egypt. His immediate, unhesitant renunciation of all the wealth, power, and rank to which his training had accustomed him, indicated his strength of character and his heretofore unawakened love of race and kindred. Betrayed by this untried affection into a false step, censured by former associates, and distrusted by his newly found brethren, Moses closed this initial period of his career by a flight into Midian.
Of the second forty years, which may be termed the period of mental and moral development, scant account also is given. We read of his encounter with the daughters of the priest of Midian, his welcome into that household, his marriage and the birth of his son; then silence ensues, broken at length "in process of time" by the death of Egypt's king, and renewed stirring by Israel against their long and bitter bondage. The time foretold for deliverance was at hand, yet no change seemed imminent, nor was there any faintest indication of a deliverer.
