When God commanded him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses demurred, “Who, me?” Yet, as he followed God’s guidance, step by step, Moses’ confidence grew. A multitude of people who’d been enslaved for many decades was depending on him. And despite setback after setback, disappointment after disappointment, Moses obeyed, without wavering, God’s clear command to negotiate with Pharaoh for the Israelites’ release (see Exodus, chaps. 3—12).
After quite a time, persistence paid off, and there finally came the day when the slaves were allowed to walk away free. But even after that, things didn’t go as smoothly as Moses must have hoped. Rather than being grateful to him, the Israelites now blamed Moses for the scarcity of food and water. Though they’d already witnessed Pharaoh, the supreme political power in their region, complying with Moses’ appeals—and they’d even seen the Red Sea split and open a way to permanent freedom—they still didn’t trust Moses or God, who was guiding him. In fact, they intended to stone and kill Moses.
Ultimately, Moses and the Israelites made their way through the wilderness and learned to treasure their independence. It’s surprising that, as badly as he was characterized and treated by everyone, Moses didn’t carry any grudges. He just kept his eyes and his trust on God, encouraging everyone “to love the Lord thy God, and to walk ever in his ways” (Deuteronomy 19:9).
