Extraordinary Manifestation Through Moses

At the opening of the Mosaic dispensation, as we have seen, the prophetic gift was manifested in an extraordinary measure through the great prophet Moses. This manifestation continued through the forty years of the journeyings of Israel from Egypt to the river Jordan. During that time both Aaron and Miriam, upon whom the prophetic gift had likewise been bestowed, had died. Joshua, who was to take Moses’ place as leader, had received the gift, as the following statement shows:AGP 52.4

“The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.” Numbers 27:18-20.

When they had reached the Jordan, and Moses had surrendered his commission to Joshua, the word says: “Joshua theAGP 52.5

son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” Deuteronomy 34:9.AGP 53.1

This brings us to the end of Israel’s long journey from Egypt to Canaan. It closes what is undoubtedly the greatest and most unique movement in the history of the human family. It was begun, carried forward, and finished under the visible leadership of a prophet. “By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.” Hosea 12:13.AGP 53.2

This prophet was, of course, under the leadership of God, who, through the channel of the prophetic gift, gave the instruction, counsel, and direction necessary for the accomplishment of the task. Through this gift Moses was commissioned to deliver the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and to lead them back to Canaan, the land of their forefathers. This, says M. G. Kyle, was “the most appalling commission ever given to a mere man (Exodus 3:10)—a commission to a solitary man, and he a refugee—to go back home and deliver his kinsmen from a dreadful slavery at the hand of the most powerful nation on earth.” “The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,” Vol. III, art. “Moses,” p. 2085.AGP 53.3