How Long Did Moses Live?
The Bible tells us explicitly in Deuteronomy 34:7:
“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.”
This verse not only answers how long Moses lived but also highlights his exceptional vitality even in his final years. Unlike most people of that age, Moses remained physically strong and mentally sharp. The verse says, “his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone” (Deuteronomy 34:7), indicating he retained full vitality. This suggests that Moses's life was not merely long, but divinely sustained.
In Jewish tradition, the number 120 is considered symbolic:
- It is seen as a complete and full life. Genesis 6:3 even refers to 120 years as the general lifespan of humanity post-Flood.
- Moses, as the most revered prophet in Judaism, exemplifies what it means to fulfill one’s divine purpose over a complete life cycle.
The Life of Moses in Three Acts
Moses’s 120-year life can be divided into three distinct 40-year phases:
1. Life in Egypt
- Where was Moses born? Moses was born in Egypt during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the death of all Hebrew male infants. He was hidden by his mother, placed in a basket, and discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter. Raised as Egyptian royalty, Moses enjoyed privilege and education.
- When was Moses born? Biblical scholars generally place his birth around the 15th or 13th century BCE, though the exact year remains debated.
- How old was Moses when he found out he was Hebrew? The Bible doesn’t specify the exact age, but it is understood that Moses became aware of his heritage during his early adulthood.
- How old was Moses when he killed the Egyptian? He was about 40 years old when he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and, in defense, killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11–12).
- Was Moses exiled? Yes. After killing the Egyptian, Moses fled Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. This marks the end of his first 40 years.
2. Life in Midian
- How old was Moses when he left Egypt? He was 40 years old when he fled to Midian.
- There, he married Zipporah, tended sheep, and lived a quiet life for another 40 years. This was also the period of preparation for his divine calling.
- How old was Moses when he returned to Egypt? God called Moses from the burning bush when he was 80 years old, instructing him to return to Egypt to free the Israelites.
3. Life Leading Israel
- After confronting Pharaoh and witnessing the plagues, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.
- 40 years in the desert followed, a time of testing and transformation as the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land.
- How long did Moses lead Israel? He led the nation for 40 years, from the Exodus until his death.
- During this time, he received the Ten Commandments, interceded for the people, and wrote much of the Torah.
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The Death of Moses
How Did Moses Die?
The account of Moses's death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34:
Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land - from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, he Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar.
After leading Israel to the edge of the Promised Land, God told Moses that he would see the land but not enter it. On Mount Nebo, Moses looked over the land of Canaan before he died.
The Bible attributes Moses’s death to his disobedience in striking the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as God had commanded (Numbers 20:12):
But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”
Who Wrote About the Death of Moses?
Traditionally, Moses is credited with writing Deuteronomy, including the Torah (first five books of the Bible). However, since he could not have written about his own death, scholars believe that Joshua or another contemporary scribe wrote the final chapter (Deuteronomy 34).
After Death: Did Moses Go to Heaven?
The Bible doesn't provide a detailed account of what happened to Moses after his death, but his story doesn’t end at the grave. While Deuteronomy 34 describes Moses dying alone on Mount Nebo and being buried in a location known only to God, later scriptures give us hints that Moses’s journey continued in a spiritual sense.
For a deeper exploration of this fascinating question, be sure to read our full article: Did Moses Go to Heaven?
Final Thoughts
Moses lived 120 years, and every part of his life had meaning. He didn’t just live a long time, he lived with purpose. From being saved as a baby, to leading the Israelites out of Egypt, to climbing Mount Nebo at the end of his life, Moses followed God’s plan even when it was hard.
His story shows us that it’s never too late to do something important. God used Moses at every age, when he was a prince, a shepherd, and a leader. Even though he didn’t enter the Promised Land, Moses finished his journey strong, full of faith.
References:
- BibleGateway. “Deuteronomy 34:7 (NIV).” Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+34%3A7&version=NIV
- BibleGateway. “Genesis 6:3 (NIV).” Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6%3A3&version=NIV
- BibleGateway. “Exodus 2:11–12 (NIV).” Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+2%3A11-12&version=NIV
- BibleGateway. “Numbers 20:12 (NIV).” Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+20%3A12&version=NIV
