In 1300 BC, a young man named Moses (Christian Bale), a general and member of the Egyptian royal family, prepares to lead an attack against the formidable Hittite army, alongside Prince Ramesses (Joel Edgerton). For 400 years, the Hebrews have endured the harsh realities of slavery in Egypt. Amidst this turmoil, a high priestess interprets a prophecy through the examination of animal intestines, relaying the ominous message to Seti I ([John Turturro]), Ramesses' father. The prophecy foretells that one of the two men will ultimately save the other and ascend as a leader.
During the battle against the Hittites, Moses heroically saves Ramesses’ life, leaving both of them deeply troubled by the encounter. Subsequently, Moses is dispatched to the city of Pithom to confer with Hegep (Ben Mendelsohn), the viceroy overseeing the Hebrew slaves. Upon arrival, he is horrified by the brutal conditions faced by the slaves, particularly when he meets Joshua ([Aaron Paul]) and witnesses their plight. Soon thereafter, Moses encounters Nun (Ben Kingsley), who unveils the truth of Moses' heritage—he is of Hebrew descent, having been raised by Pharaoh's daughter after being sent away by his sister Miriam. Stunned by this revelation, Moses leaves in a state of anger, unaware that his lineage has been overheard by two Hebrews who hastily report it to Hegep.
Soon after Moses returns to Memphis, tragedy strikes as Seti passes away, leading Ramesses to ascend the throne as Pharaoh. In a turn of events, Hegep arrives to disclose Moses' true identity to Ramesses. Conflicted about the validity of this revelation, Ramesses, at the insistence of Queen Tuya (Sigourney Weaver), questions Miriam, who denies being Moses' sister. Faced with the threat of violence against Miriam, Moses boldly steps forward to defend her, publicly revealing his Hebrew identity. Although Queen Tuya pushes for Moses’ execution, Ramesses opts instead to banish him from Egypt. In a poignant farewell, Moses meets his adoptive mother and Miriam, who refer to him by his birth name, Moishe.
Seeking refuge, Moses retreats into the desert, leading him to Midian, where he encounters Zipporah ([María Valverde]) and her father, Jethro. Embracing a new life as a shepherd, Moses marries Zipporah, and they welcome a son named Gershom. Fast forward nine years—after sustaining injuries in a rockslide, Moses comes face to face with a burning bush and a young boy named Malak, symbolizing the presence of God. While recovering, Moses confides in Zipporah about his divine mission, creating tension between them as Zipporah fears for their family’s future.
Upon returning to Egypt, Moses reunites with Nun and Joshua, as well as meeting his brother Aaron for the first time. He confronts Ramesses, demanding the liberation of the enslaved Hebrews. Ramesses, however, denies Moses, arguing the economic repercussions would be catastrophic. As tensions rise, Ramesses retaliates by ordering the execution of random Hebrew families until Moses is found. Undeterred, Moses utilizes his military expertise to equip the slaves for rebellion against their oppressors.
The Hebrews rise up, leading Ramesses to launch raids on slave settlements. During this chaos, Malak informs Moses that ten plagues will befall Egypt, starting with the transformation of all the water into blood, followed by an invasion of frogs, lice, and flies. The plagues continue with the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and deep darkness. The horror culminates as Moses learns that the final plague will claim the lives of all firstborn children. He instructs the Hebrews to mark their doors with lamb's blood to safeguard themselves. Grieving the loss of his son, Ramesses ultimately concedes and allows Moses and the Hebrews to depart.
As the Exodus unfolds, Moses leads the Hebrews on their journey through the desert toward the Red Sea. Ramesses, still reeling from his personal tragedy, pursues them with his army. When they reach the edge of the sea, uncertainty looms over their escape. With resolve, Moses thrusts his sword into the waters, compelling them to part. As Ramesses and his forces close in, Moses stands firm, and the sea returns to its natural state, resulting in the drowning of most of the Egyptian soldiers while Moses escapes back to his people.
Although Ramesses survives, he is left devastated by the devastation of his army. Moses and the freed Hebrews make their way to Midian, where he joyfully reunites with Zipporah and Gershom. At Mount Sinai, disturbed by Malak's displeasure at the Hebrews’ idolatry through the construction of the Golden Calf, Moses transcribes the Ten Commandments. Years later, an elderly Moses, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, observes Malak walking alongside the Hebrews amidst their journey through the desert.
