I've been reading Exodus. Exodus means “exit” in Greek. From Hebrew the name is translated “These are the names of;” which are the first words of the book. It’s intended not as a book separate from Genesis, but as a second part of it.

Moses, of course, is the main character; and if he’s also the author as tradition holds, he was brutally honest about his shortcomings.

Moses is an Egyptian name. It means “is born.” It is similar to a Hebrew word which means “drawn out” (of the water.)

Moses must have been a very interesting guy. Nothing is said of his childhood after he left his mother to live with Pharaoh’s daughter. Only when he was grown did he go out and kill and Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew.

Who was Moses growing up in Pharaoh’s palace? Was he truly like an adopted son (Prince of Egypt?) Was he more like a second class citizen or a servant? Did he always know he was Hebrew and what happened to Hebrews outside the palace? Or was the information sprung on him one day?

Did Pharaoh despise him?
Did Pharaoh’s daughter love him?

He was 40 when he left the palace and killed an Egyptian. Had he married? If he hadn’t, why not? Would no Egyptian woman have him because of his heritage? Why had he finally gone out to see the Hebrews? Was God leading him even then? Did Moses have a bad temper or was he just shocked by what he saw?

40 is the number for probation or trial (so some say.)

Moses was 40 when he left Egypt.
He stayed in the wilderness for 40 years.
He led the Israelites through the desert for 40 years.
He was on the mount for 40 days.

There’s plenty of other 40s in the Bible.

It rained for 40 day and 40 nights.
Noah waited 40 days after the mountains were visible to open the ark.
Isaac was 40 when he married Rebekah.
It took 40 days to embalm Jacob.
Joshua and Calab explored the land for 40 days.
Goliath mocked the Israelites for 40 days.
Saul was 40 when he became king.
David reigned for 40 years.
Solomon reigned for 40 years.
Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights while he was fleeing from Jezabel.
Nineva had 40 days to repent or be destroyed.
Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights.
Jew were forbidden to give more than 40 lashes with a whip. They stopped at 39 incase they had miscounted. Jesus received 39 lashes unless they miscounted.
Jesus appeared over a period of 40 days after the resurrection.

FYI