How old was Moses when he went to Egypt? This question has intrigued scholars and religious enthusiasts for centuries. The story of Moses, as narrated in the Hebrew Bible, presents a fascinating journey from humble beginnings in the Egyptian pharaoh’s palace to becoming the leader of the Israelites. Understanding the age of Moses at the time of his arrival in Egypt is crucial for unraveling the timeline of his life and the events that unfolded during his remarkable journey.
The Bible does not explicitly state the age of Moses when he was taken to Egypt. However, we can deduce a rough estimate based on the biblical account. According to Exodus 2:1-10, Moses was born to a Levite couple, Amram and Jochebed, in the land of Egypt. The pharaoh had ordered the death of all Hebrew male infants, so Amram and Jochebed hid their newborn son in a basket in the Nile. When the basket was discovered, the pharaoh’s daughter found Moses and raised him as her own son.
Scholars generally agree that the pharaoh who ordered the death of Hebrew infants was Pharaoh Amenhotep II, who ruled Egypt from 1427 to 1401 BCE. This would place Moses’ birth around 1527 BCE. The Bible also mentions that Moses was placed in the basket three months after his birth. Therefore, we can estimate that Moses was approximately three months old when he was taken to Egypt.
Moses spent the first forty years of his life in the Egyptian palace, receiving an education and becoming well-versed in the language and customs of the Egyptians. During this time, he became aware of his Jewish heritage and his mission to lead the Israelites out of slavery. At the age of eighty, Moses encountered God at the burning bush and was called to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land.
The age of eighty is significant because it marks the beginning of Moses’ ministry as the leader of the Israelites. However, it is important to note that the biblical account does not explicitly state that Moses was eighty years old when he went to Egypt. The discrepancy in age could be attributed to the passage of time and the oral tradition that was passed down through generations.
In conclusion, while the exact age of Moses when he went to Egypt remains a subject of debate, scholars estimate that he was approximately three months old. This early event laid the foundation for Moses’ remarkable journey, which would ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Understanding the age of Moses at this critical moment helps us appreciate the significance of his life and the impact it had on the history of the Jewish people.
