Exodus 1. Study of Exodus Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 1

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1 Exodus 1 I. The Souls (1-7) A. Where are they? Exodus 1:1 Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. 1. They were in Egypt, not in Canaan 2. Joseph had invited them to come and live in Egypt during the famine Genesis 45:17-20 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan; And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land. Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. 3. God had confirmed to Jacob that he wanted him to go to Egypt Genesis 46:1-7 And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him: His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt. B. Who is there? Exodus 1:2-4 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 1. These are the sons of Jacob 2. Joseph is not mentioned because he was already in Egypt Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 1

2 C. How many are there? Exodus 1:5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 1. The seventy souls speaks of those who came from Canaan not including Joseph 2. The number probably does not include women and children D. Who had died? Exodus 1:6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 1. Jacob Genesis 49:28-33 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them. And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah. The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth. And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people. 2. Joseph Genesis 50:22-26 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. 3. Joseph s brothers 4. That generation Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 2

3 E. Who had been born? Exodus 1:7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 1. God had promised to multiply Abraham s seed Genesis 22:15-17 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 2. Estimates are 1-2 million Israelites left Egypt under Moses II. The Slavery (8-14) A. Who put them into slavery? A new king Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 1. The new king did things differently than his predecessor 2. This new king did not know Joseph and his family B. Why were they put into slavery? Exodus 1:9-10 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. 1. They were afraid because there were more Israelites than Egyptians 2. They were afraid that the Israelites were more powerful than then Egyptians 3. They were continuing to increase in number 4. They were afraid that they would join with their enemies in a war 5. They wanted them out of their land C. How did they put them into slavery? Exodus 1:10-11 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 3

4 afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. 1. They dealt wisely with them meaning they brought them into slavery slowly possibly deceiving them 2. They appointed taskmasters over them 3. They built cities for public storage D. What happened while they were in slavery? Exodus 1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. 1. The more they were afflicted the more they multiplied 2. The Egyptians hated the Israelites E. How did the Egyptians treat the Israelites? Exodus 1:13-14 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. 1. They made them serve with rigour they were severe and cruel to them 2. They forced them to do hard laborious work III. The Slaying (15-22) A. The Orders Given to Slay the firstborn males Exodus 1:15-16 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 1. This order came from the authority of the king of Egypt 2. The king tried to cover up what was actually happening by having the Hebrew midwives be accomplices 3. This awful order to kill the male babies a) They were to murder the innocent baby b) They were to betray the mother s confidence in her caregiver c) They were to engage in a brutal killing B. The Opposition to the Orders Exodus 1:17-20 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. And the Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 4

5 king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 1. The midwives feared God and knew that this was sin 2. They refused to murder the babies 3. They gave reason as to their conduct the Hebrew wives deliver before the midwives arrive 4. God blessed the midwives because of their actions He kept them safe from harm by the Egyptian king C. The Second Order Given Exodus 1:22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. 1. The order was given to all of the people 2. They were to drown the male babies and save the females Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 5

6 Exodus 2 I. Moses Birth (1-10) A. His Parents Exodus 2:1 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 1. Moses father s name was Amram, son of Kohath, son of Levi 2. Moses mother s name was Jochebed also from the tribe of Levi Exodus 6:20 And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. B. His Parent s Fears Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 1. Just having a son was fearful because Pharaoh had decreed that the male babies should be killed 2. His parents tried to hide him for three months 3. His parents were faithful to the Lord Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. C. His Parent s Ark Exodus 2:3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 1. He could not be hid at the house any longer 2. He was placed in an ark and hid at the river s edge D. His Sister, Miriam Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 1. Miriam was probably much older than Moses 2. She is called a maid or of a marriageable age Exodus 2:8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother. 3. She was standing close by watching over Moses Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 6

7 E. His Adoption Exodus 2:5-6 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. 1. It is possible that Jochebed had devised a plan for the baby to be noticed by Pharaoh s daughter 2. Pharaoh s daughter noticed the basket near the river possibly hearing the baby cry 3. She recognized the baby as a Hebrew and had compassion on him F. His Upbringing 1. His own mother cared for him as an infant Exodus 2:7-9 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother. And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. 2. Pharaoh s daughter raised him as her own son Exodus 2:10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. 3. Historians suggest that Pharaoh s daughter had been married for many years and had no children of her own II. Moses Initial Efforts to Free the Israelites (11-15) A. His lineage he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; B. His compassion he saw his brethren in slavery Exodus 2:11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 7

8 C. His reaction after seeing an Israelite mistreated he killed the Egyptian Exodus 2:12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. D. His rebuke he tried to correct two Israelites who were quarreling Exodus 2:13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? E. His fear he found out that his deeds were not secret Exodus 2:14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. F. His escape Pharaoh found out and he fled for his life Exodus 2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. III. Moses in the Wilderness (15-22) A. The Country Midian Exodus 2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. 1. Midian was east of Egypt 2. It included a rather large area B. The Well 1. The dispute the women and the shepherds Exodus 2:16-17 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 2. The hero Moses came to their aid C. The Family 1. He was invited by Reuel, their father to eat bread with them Exodus 2:18-20 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 8

9 his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. 2. He was given a wife, a job and a baby Exodus 2:21-22 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. IV. Moses People in Egypt (23-25) A. The king had died Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 1. Could Moses have been in line to be a Pharaoh? 2. This new king would not be eager to punish Moses for murder B. The people cried unto the Lord for deliverance Exodus 2:24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. C. God heard their cries Exodus 2:25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. 1. God heard them 2. God remembered his promises 3. God saw their affliction 4. God planned to deliver them Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 9

10 Exodus 3 I. The Call of Moses (1-5) A. Where Moses was living the desert Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 1. In the desert, near Mount Horeb (the exact location of Mount Horeb is not known most believe that Mount Horeb and Mount Sinai are either the same mountain or two peaks in the same mountain range) 2. Shepherds would travel many miles to find the best places for their sheep to graze B. What Moses saw a bush Exodus 3:2-4 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 1. He saw a burning bush, that was burning but not being consumed 2. He deliberately decided to go closer to see this phenomenon 3. The angel of the Lord is actually a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jehovah Jesus of the New Testament 4. The angel later on calls Himself, God C. What Moses did removed his shoes Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 1. The Old Testament command to stay away reminds us that God is holy and that man is not. 2. The New Testament command draw nigh reminds us that Jesus death on the cross allows us to come close Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 10

11 3. The command to remove your shoes demonstrates a respect for holy God II. The Call Came from God (6-9) A. The Voice of God Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. 1. There was no question as to who was speaking to Moses 2. If God is speaking, then the message is true and needs to be given high priority B. The Reaction of Moses Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. 1. He hid his face, he was afraid to look 2. Standing before God brings a natural fear and the feeling of being overwhelmed Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. C. The People of God 1. God had not forgotten them Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; a) He is a God of compassion b) He had heard their cries 2. God would deliver them Exodus 3:8-9 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. a) God would not just feel sorry for them but deliver them b) God would move them to the promised land of Canaan Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 11

12 III. The Call Came to Moses (10-14) A. God called Moses by name Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 1. God called his name twice Genesis 22:11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 2. Moses responded in submission Here am I a) He was ready to listen b) He was ready to serve B. God gave a general overview of the call to Moses Exodus 3:10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. 1. The time was now are we ready when the actual time comes? a) Many years of waiting for the Israelites b) Many years of preparation for Moses 2. God told him that Israel would be brought out of Egypt a) He should have been encouraged knowing what the end result would be b) It doesn t say that they would be going to Canaan God already knew what would happen to Moses and this generation C. Moses had some issues 1. I am not a significant person Exodus 3:11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? a) I am not the right person for the job b) I am not qualified for such a large task Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 12

13 2. God s answer Exodus 3:12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. a) God promised him that He would be present each step of the way b) God reminded him that God was sending him he was a representative of God c) God looked forward in time to when the children of Israel would be worshipping here at this place 3. Who shall I say has sent me? Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. a) Moses again is making excuses for his feelings of inadequacy b) Was this question even going to matter? 4. God s response a) I AM THAT I AM b) God can do whatever He wants, when He wants, where He wants, to who He wants and how He wants c) I am what I am at present, I am what I have been, I am what I shall be, and shall be what I am IV. The Specifics of the Call (15-22) A. What Moses should say 1. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has sent me Exodus 3:15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 13

14 2. Speak to the leadership Exodus 3:16-17 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. a) God is aware of your situation b) God is going to deliver you B. What Moses would hear 1. The children of Israel will hear you Exodus 3:18 And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. 2. The king of Egypt will not let you go Exodus 3:18-19 And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. 3. What God would do Exodus 3:20-21 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: a) There would be plagues b) Eventually, the king would let them go c) When they leave, they will not leave empty Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 14

15 C. What the people would receive Exodus 3:21-22 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. 1. The Egyptians would show favor to the Israelites 2. The Israelites would request (borrow) for possessions and they would receive them 3. The Israelites would strip away the wealth of the Egyptians (spoil) Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 15

16 Exodus 4 I. Moses Continues His Skepticism (1-9) A. Moses continues his excuses Exodus 4:1 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. 1. The people will not believe me 2. The people will not obey me 3. The people will not accept me as God sent 4. God had just told Moses that they people would listen so the unbelief problem was Moses problem Exodus 3:18 And they shall hearken to thy voice: 5. Moses wanted to obey if the people would listen and obey God wants us to obey regardless of the participation of others B. God s answer to Moses excuses 1. The snake proved that the people would listen and believe Moses Exodus 4:2-5 And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. a) God showed his power to Moses in making his rod turn into a snake b) Moses was afraid of snakes c) Moses was commanded to pick up the snake by the tail (not a good idea) d) Moses showed courage by grabbing the snake and then it turned back into a rod 2. The skin healed of leprosy proved that if they did not believe the first sign that they would believe the second sign only God could cure leprosy Exodus 4:6-8 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 16

17 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 3. The stream turned to blood would show that God would bring judgment upon Egypt Exodus 4:9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land. II. Moses Makes an Excuse about His Speech (10-12) A. Moses Claim Exodus 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 1. He felt that he wasn t eloquent enough in his speech to lead 2. He felt like his voice might be hard to understand by others 3. Moses was well educated and could speak well 4. Stephen s sermon excerpt Acts 7:20-36 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 17

18 stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. B. God s response Exodus 4:11-12 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. 1. God reminded Moses that He had made his mouth and would give him the words to say He would teach Him 2. God doesn t give us a command without also providing the means to obey the command 3. Verse 11 reminds us that God has made some handicapped III. Moses Wants God to Send a Substitute (13-17) A. Pick someone else not me Lord Exodus 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. B. Don t talk back God is moved to anger because of Moses excuses Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 18

19 C. The solution is already on the way Exodus 4:14-16 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. 1. Aaron was already on his way to meet Moses 2. Aaron would become the spokesman 3. God chooses to use Aaron at this point already knowing that Aaron will lead the people into idol worship in the future 4. Aaron would be subordinate to Moses D. Don t forget the rod Exodus 4:17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs. IV. Moses Finally Submits to God (18-23) A. Permission sought Exodus 4:18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. 1. Moses went and requested of his father in law permission to leave 2. He was vague in his reason possibly untruthful 3. Jethro allowed him to leave B. Protection given Exodus 4:19 And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. C. Preparations made Exodus 4:20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. 1. Moses took his wife and his two sons 2. Again, the rod is mentioned Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 19

20 D. Promise fulfilled to be with him and teach him Exodus 4:21-23 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. 1. Go and do the miracles before Pharaoh 2. Speak this message to Pharaoh 3. God would harden Pharaoh s heart a) God does not harden a soft heart Pharaoh hardened his own heart first by putting the Israelites into slavery b) The consequences of hardening your heart continue to increase c) Pharaoh hardened his heart by putting the nail there and God bent then nail 4. Moses would tell Pharaoh initially that his firstborn son would die if he did not let Israel go V. Moses Stopped for Failing to Circumcise His Son (24-26) Exodus 4:24-26 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. A. The Lord stopped Moses and his family because one (or possibly both) of his sons had not been circumcised B. The Lord was angry with Moses and sought to kill him apparently chastising him in such a way that he was disabled C. Moses wife Zipporah performed the circumcision although she did not share her husband s devotion to the Lord she and the boys did not continue on in the journey Exodus 18:2 Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back, Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 20

21 D. Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. VI. Moses Started the Work God had Given Him to Do (27-31) A. His partner, Aaron Exodus 4:27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. B. God s plan was shared Exodus 4:28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. C. The elders of Israel were informed Exodus 4:29 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: D. Miracles were shown to the people Exodus 4:30 And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. E. The people believed and worshipped God Exodus 4:31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 21

22 Exodus 5 I. The Request to Worship (1-5) A. What they asked of the Pharaoh 1. They wanted to be freed to go to the wilderness to worship God Exodus 5:1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. a) The God of Israel was the source of this request b) The people needed to be let go from their slavery 2. Moses and Aaron were persistent in their asking Exodus 5:3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. a) They were respectful in their request b) The request was to have animal sacrifices away from the Egyptians who would not have approved c) They spoke of God s punishment for disobeying His command B. How Pharaoh responded 1. Who is the Lord and why should I listen to Him? Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. a) He did not know the God of Israel b) He would not obey this God that he did not know 2. Why are the people not working? Exodus 5:4-5 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. II. The Command to Work Harder (6-14) A. Pharaoh thought that Israel had too much idle time 1. No more straw to make bricks Exodus 5:6-7 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 22

23 more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. 2. The quota of bricks to made per day would not change Exodus 5:8-9 And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. B. The Taskmasters Demands 1. You will need to find your own straw to make bricks Exodus 5:10-12 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. 2. You will need to keep up with the daily demands Exodus 5:13 And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. 3. The Israelites were punished for not keeping up with their demands Exodus 5:14 And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? III. The Protest about this Wrong (15-23) A. To Pharaoh 1. The Israelite leaders came to Pharaoh and complained that theses demand were impossible to meet Exodus 5:15-16 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. a) How can we do our job without straw? b) How can we labor if we are being beaten? Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 23

24 2. Pharaoh s response was that if you have time to go and worship then you are not busy enough doing your work Exodus 5:17-18 But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. a) You will not receive the straw b) The demands will not be reduced 3. The Israelite leaders felt like their deliverance was doubtful and their situation hopeless Exodus 5:19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. B. To Moses and Aaron Exodus 5:20-21 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. 1. The Israelite leaders complained to Moses and Aaron a) This is all your fault Moses this didn t make things better b) We were better off without your help 2. Pharaoh s impression of us is that we stink 3. Now, they are going to kill us with the sword C. To God 1. Moses begins to pass the blame and accuse the Lord Exodus 5:22 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? a) Blaming God? b) Why did you send me into this mess? 2. God, you said you would deliver the Israelites Exodus 5:23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. a) This has been a bad idea since the very start b) Moses has a short memory God said that Pharaoh would at first say, no Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 24

25 Exodus 6 I. Encouragement for Moses (1-5) A. A reminder of God s power Exodus 6:1 Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. 1. Moses would see God s power 2. Moses would see God s strong hand B. A reminder of God s name Exodus 6:2-3 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. 1. God Almighty Shaddai, most powerful 2. Was I not known to them is a rhetorical question C. A reminder of what God has done Exodus 6:4-5 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. 1. God had established His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob 2. God had heard the groanings of the Israelites in Egypt 3. God had remembered His covenant II. Encouragement for the People (6-9) A. A reminder of God s promises Exodus 6:6-8 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 25

26 1. God would remove their burdens 2. God would remove them from slavery 3. God would redeem them a) Payment required Egypt paid the price in this situation and Christ paid the price for our sins b) God s powerful arm set them free c) God would judge Egypt 4. God would receive them as His people 5. God would teach them about Himself 6. God would bring them to a new land 7. God would give them a heritage or an inheritance B. The reaction of the Israelites Exodus 6:9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. 1. They had a hard time believing Moses since he had just made things worse for them 2. They were overwhelmed with their suffering III. Instructions for Moses (10-13) A. Speak again to Pharaoh Exodus 6:10-11 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 1. God wanted Moses to again and speak to the Pharaoh surely a difficult task 2. The message this time is not a temporary leave, he asks for them to leave permanently B. Reluctance by Moses Exodus 6:12 And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? 1. If the Israelites don t believe me, how will Pharaoh comply? 2. Moses again complains that his speech is not eloquent C. God repeats the command Exodus 6:13 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 26

27 IV. The Ancestry of Moses (14-25) A. Moses great uncles the sons of Jacob Exodus 6:14-15 These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben. And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon. 1. Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob 2. Simeon, second born B. Moses great grandparent Levi Exodus 6:16-19 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years. The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years. And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations. 1. Levi, son of Jacob, third born 2. Levi s sons: Gershon, Kohath, Merari 3. Levi s grandsons a) Of Gershon: Libni, Shimi b) Of Kohath: Amram, Izar, Hebron, Uzziel c) Of Merari: Mahali, Mushi C. Moses parents Amram and Jochebed Exodus 6:20 And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. 1. Amram is Moses s father 2. Jochebed married a half-brother (as did Sarah) 3. Aaron is Moses older brother (3 years older) D. Moses uncles and their children Exodus 6:21-22 And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 27

28 E. Moses close relatives 1. Aaron s family Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2. Moses cousins Exodus 6:24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites. 3. Moses nephew Exodus 6:25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families. V. Summary (26-30) A. Family heritage Exodus 6:26-27 These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies. These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron. B. Instruction for Moses and his responses (28-30) Exodus 6:28-30 And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee. And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 28

29 Exodus 7 I. Summary of the Plan (1-7) A. The servants Exodus 7:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. 1. Moses is the representative of God to speak to the Pharaoh 2. Aaron is the spokesperson speaking to Pharaoh B. The speaker and the message Exodus 7:2 Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. 1. The message originated from God 2. Aaron would do the speaking 3. The command was to let the children of Israel go C. The signs Exodus 7:3-5 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. 1. There would be multiple signs 2. Pharaoh will not listen 3. There would be suffering upon Egypt 4. The Egyptians would get to know the Lord 5. Israel would be leaving D. The submission to the plan Exodus 7:6-7 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh. 1. They obeyed God s command 2. Moses was 80 years old and Aaron was 83 Grace Baptist Church Pastor Jason Gear Page 29