A Study of Exodus. Israel s Redemption and Deliverance

Transcription

1 A Study of Exodus Israel s Redemption and Deliverance The Lord said: I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. Exodus 3:7-8

2 Table of Contents Introduction.. 3 Outline of the Book of Exodus..5 Lesson 1: The Need For Redemption. 6 Lesson 2: The Preparation of the Leaders of the Redemption...7 Lesson 3: God s Redemption of Israel from Egypt..11 Lesson 4: The Preservation of Israel in the Wilderness. 16 Lesson 5: The Revelation of the Old Covenant Part Lesson 6: The Revelation of the Old Covenant Part Lesson 7: The Response of Israel to the Covenant Part Lesson 8: The Response of Israel to the Covenant Part 2...?? PAGE 2

3 Introduction As the book of Genesis closes, we see the nation of Israel in its infant stages. The promises that God made to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, 15, 17) were beginning to see their fulfillment. Joseph assured the people that God s promises would be fulfilled. He demonstrated this faith by requesting his bones be taken to the promised land (Genesis 50:24-26). When Joseph moved his family to Egypt, they were the honored family of the second in command in all of land. However, this honor would not last long. While still living in the land of Canaan, Israel has become slaves of the king. God had told Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16 Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete. We know that this is in reference to the bondage that Israel was now experiencing. God allowed Israel to enter the land of Egypt and suffer affliction because He wanted them to become and separate and distinct nation, one that was not influenced by the surrounding nations. This was possible since the Egyptians were a people who did not mix with the people who came into their land. Although Israel is not an organized nation, they are a large distinct people. Although the situation was not favorable towards Israel, God had not forgotten them. God continued to be with His people. The nation of Israel has grown at a phenomenal rate. This in part is what leads the Pharaoh to grow concerned and decide to afflict the people. As Exodus begins, we find the nation of Israel as it is about to be delivered from bondage. This will begin the fulfillment of the promises that God made to Abraham. Exodus records the birth of this nation by God. Ultimately, this will lead to the fulfillment of the seed promise which will bless all families through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Emphasis The Book of Exodus details the Israelites departure from their bondage in Egypt. This is perhaps the most important event in Israel s history. The exodus established Israel as a nation that was called by God. In reality, the exodus is more of a deliverance. Israel leaving Egypt was not their own doing but God delivering His people. In addition to Israel s deliverance from Egypt, we find recorded God s covenants with His people as well as the giving of Law. This is important for people of all ages as this will lead to the fulfillment of the seed promise. This nation would be the vehicle through which Jesus would come. The Author Moses is understood to be the author of the Book of Exodus. He is spoken of as the writer of others book in the Pentateuch (Numbers 33:1, Deuteronomy 1:1). Jesus references the writings of Moses and the fact that they pointed to Him (John 5:46-47). The New Testament attributes the Law to Moses (Matthew 19:8, John 7:19, Acts 3:22, Romans 10:5) which leads us to attribute the Pentateuch to Moses. PAGE 3

4 Exodus Relationship To The Pentateuch Exodus doesn t stand alone but is an important part of the Pentateuch. There are several links between Exodus and Genesis. 1. Exodus 1:1-5 identifies the people in Egypt with the patriarchs in Genesis; this text appears to be a shortened form of the genealogy found in Genesis 46: Abraham s earlier journey to Egypt in Genesis 12:10-20 foreshadowed Israel s experiences recorded in Exodus. 3. Genesis foretells of the bondage that Israel would suffer and their deliverance (see Genesis 15:13-14, 46:3-4). 4. Israel s God in Exodus identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 6:2-3) 5. The promises to the patriarchs, especially the promise of the land, are referred to frequently in Exodus (see Exodus 2:24, 6:4-5, 8). 6. Joseph is spoken of in Exodus 1. His bones were carried back to Canaan according to his wishes (Genesis 50:24-25, Exodus 13:19). Exodus is also linked with the remainder of the Pentateuch. Leviticus and Numbers continues the story that began with the promises given to Abraham. The Purpose There are three main purposes the Book of Exodus serves. 1. It proclaims Israel s redemption. Israel is delivered from Egypt as part of the ongoing story of redemption for all of mankind. 2. It records the covenant that God makes with Israel (Exodus 19:3-6). The remainder of the Old Testament is understood in light of this covenant. 3. It reveals the Law of God. The new nation was given a law that would govern it. This law was fulfilling the purpose of the nation itself (Galatians 3:19, 24). Importance of Exodus Today As with all scripture, the Book of Exodus has great value for readers today (Romans 15:4). We could not fully understand the New Testament without many things recorded in Exodus. We could not properly understand God Himself. We gain a much greater understanding of God by reading the Old Testament. It would also be more difficult to understand what God demands of His people. We gain an understanding of what God has expected of His people in order to be considered faithful and obedient. *Much of this material was taken from You Shall Be My People by Bob and Sandra Waldron and Truth for Today commentary on Exodus by Coy D. Roper PAGE 4

5 Outline of the Book of Exodus Part One: Redemption from Egypt (1:1-18:27) I. The Need For Redemption: 1:1-22 A. Israel s rapid multiplication: 1:1-7 B. Israel s severe Affliction: 1:8-14 C. Israel s planned extinction: 1:15-22 II. The Preparation of the Leaders of The Redemption: 2:1-4:31 A. Moses is redeemed from murder: 2:1-10 B. Moses tries to redeem by murder: 2:11-22 C. Israel calls upon God: 2:23-25 D. God calls upon Moses: 3:1-4:17 E. Moses accepts the call: 4:18-26 F. Israel accepts the call of Moses as deliverer: 4:27-31 III. God s Redemption of Israel from Egypt: 5:1-15:21 A. Moses confronts Pharaoh by word: 5:1-6:9 B. Moses confronts Pharaoh with miracles: 6:10-7:13 C. Moses confronts Pharaoh with plagues: 7:14-11:10 D. Israel redeemed by Blood through Passover: 12:1-13:16 E. Israel redeemed by Power from Egypt: 13:17-15:21 IV. The Preservation of Israel in the Wilderness: 15:22-18:27 A. Preserved from thirst: 15:22-27 B. Preserved from hunger: 16:1-36 C. Preserved from thirst again: 17:1-7 D. Preserved from defeat: 17:8-16 E. Preserved from chaos: 18:1-27 Part Two: Revelation from God (19:1-40:38) I. The Revelation of the Old Covenant: 19:1-31:18 A. The preparation of the people: 19:1-25 B. The Revelation of the Covenant: 20:1-26 C. The Judgments: 21:1-23:33 D. The Formal Ratification of the Covenant: 24:1-11 E. The Tabernacle: 24:12-27:21 F. The Priests: 28:1-29:46 G. Institution of the Covenant: 30:1-31:18 II. The Response of Israel to the Covenant: 32:1-40:38 A. Israel willfully breaks the covenant: 32:1-6 B. Moses intercedes for Israel s salvation: 32:7-33 C. Moses convinces God not to abandon Israel: 32:34-33:23 D. God renews the Covenant with Israel: 34:1-35 E. Israel willingly Obeys the Covenant: 35:1-40:33 F. God fills the Tabernacle with His Glory: 40:34-38 *The above outline is from Nelson s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, pp PAGE 5

6 Lesson 1 The Need For Redemption Exodus 1:1-22 Introduction: As Genesis concludes, we see Israel moving into Egypt due to the famine in the land. As Exodus begins, the peaceful reception of the Israelites has turned sour and the new king begins to treat the Israelites with hostility. I. Israel s rapid multiplication: 1:1-7 A. When Jacob took his family into Egypt there were only about seventy to seventy-five people (Genesis 46:26 27, Acts 7:14). B. As God had promised Abraham, the Israelites grew rapidly and became very strong. II. Israel s severe affliction: 1:8-14 A. A new king arises in Egypt who did not know of Joseph. B. The new king became fearful of Israel due to their might. C. The king began to afflict the Israelites, however the more they afflicted the Israelites the more they grew. D. They were forced to work in hard bondage. III. Israel s planned extinction: 1:15-22 A. The king decides to kill all male children of the Israelites. B. The midwives refused to do as the king said because they feared God. C. Pharaoh commands all the people to throw every son into the river. Questions: 1. How did Israel come to be in Egypt? Joseph brought his family into Egypt because of the famine. 2. What promise to Jacob was fulfilled in Egypt? (cf. Genesis 46:3, Exodus 12:37) God promised to make Jacob a great nation. 3. What promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Egypt? (cf. Genesis 15:13ff) The nation God promised to establish from Abraham is born in Egypt. 4. Why does the Pharaoh view Israel as a threat? They grew mighty in number and he feared they could attempt to overthrow him. 5. What did the Pharaoh do to Israel? (vs. 9-11, 13-14) He afflicted them, made their work more rigorous 6. What is the result of the affliction from Pharaoh? (vs. 12) Israel continued to prosper more and more 7. What does Pharaoh decide to do next? (vs. 16) He demands that all the newborn boys be killed 8. Why does God bless the midwives? They refused to do as pharaoh said 9. What does Pharaoh tell all his people to do? Throw every newborn male into the Nile River 10. (Discussion) What are some applications that can be made from this account? Futility of fighting against God, God s providence in Israel, the importance of women. 11. (Discussion) Why kill the baby boys and not the girls? Pharaoh would not want to kill all of his slaves but just the boys who could grow into soldiers. 12. (Discussion) If God wanted to preserve His people alive, why not prevent the famine? PAGE 6

7 Lesson 2 The Preparation of the Leaders of the Redemption Exodus 2:1-4:31 Introduction: The time is approaching for God s promise to be fulfilled. The man who will lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt is born and prepared for the task at hand. Moses returns to Egypt ready to deliver the people of God from the bondage they are enduring. I. Moses is redeemed from murder: 2:1-10 A. Pharaoh demanded all of the male Israelites be thrown into the river (1:22) B. Moses is born and his mother hides him inside for three months. C. Moses mother makes an ark of bullrushes and places Moses in it and places the ark in the reeds by the banks of the river. D. Pharaoh s daughter sees the ark, sees Moses and has compassion. E. Moses sister brings his mother to nurse him for Pharaoh s daughter. F. Moses mother is able to bring him up in Pharaoh s household. G. There are several similarities between Moses and Christ: Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:22, John 1:21, 25, 6:14, 7:40 1. Both were born at times of persecution: Matthew 2:16 2. Both lived exemplary lives (although Jesus was perfect and moses was not): Numbers 12:3, Matthew 11:28-30, Exodus 32:11-14, Matthew 23:37-39, John Both were God s spokesmen: John 1:17, Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:34, 7:16-18) 4. Both performed miracles: Acts 2:22, John 3:1-2, 20: Both delivered God s people: Luke 19:10, John 8:32 6. Both received a heavenly reward for faithful service: Matthew 7:1-13, Acts 2:36, Philippians 2:9-11 II. Moses tries to redeem by murder: 2:11-22 A. Moses kills an Egyptian that was beating an Hebrew servant. B. Pharaoh hears of this and seeks to kill Moses C. Moses flees from Pharaoh to Midian. D. Moses assists the daughters of the priest of Midian and he has Moses brought to him. E. Moses is content to live with Reuel and marries his daughter Zipporah. F. She bears him and son and his name is Gershom. III. Israel calls upon God: 2:23-25 A. After the King of Egypt dies, Israel groans due to their bondage. B. God hears their groaning and remembers his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12, etc) C. The text states that God remembers remembers His covenant and took notice of the Israelites. 1. This does not mean that God had forgotten. Consider other passages where God forgot Israel: Lamentations 5:20, Hosea 4:6 2. To forget simply refers to forsaking Israel when they are disobedient. 3. God remembered Israel means His plan to deliver Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians was now ready to take place. IV. God calls upon Moses: 3:1-4:17 A. While leading his father-in-law s flock, the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses through a burning bush. PAGE 7

8 B. God tells Moses of His plan to deliver the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. C. God commissions Moses to deliver His people from bondage. D. Moses offers God five excuses in response. 1. Excuse 1: Who am I? a. Moses does not feel qualified to deliver God s people. b. God assures Moses that He will be with him. 2. Excuses 2: Who are you? a. Moses isn t sure who to say commissioned him to deliver God s people. b. God tells Moses I AM WHO I AM, tell the people I AM me to you. 3. God previews the deliverance that was about to take place: 3:16-22 a. Moses presentation to the elders (3:16-17, cf. 4:29-31) b. The appearance before Pharaoh (3:18, cf. 5:1-3) c. Pharaoh s refusal (3:19, cf. 5:4-7:7) d. God s miracles (3:20a, cf. 7:8-12:29 f. Pharaoh s acquiescence (3:20b, cf. 12:30-32 g. Gifts from the Egyptians (3:21, cf. 12:33-36) 4. Excuse 3: They will not believe me! a. Moses fears the Israelites would not believe that he was sent by God to deliver them. b. God offers Moses three signs to confirm that he was sent by God. 1. His rod would be turned into a serpent. 2. Placing his hand in his coat and it came out leprous. When placed in his coat again it came out clean. 3. Moses would take water from the river and pour it on the ground and it would turn to blood. 5. Excuse 4: I am not eloquent. a. Moses doubts his ability to speak. b. Despite Moses lack of ability, his message was from God. c. God would teach him what to say. 6. Excuse 5: Send someone else. a. Moses simply does not want to go and asks God to send someone else to deliver his people from Egypt. b. God s anger burned against Moses and said Aaron would be his spokesman. God would command the words to Moses and he would put the words in Aaron s mouth. V. Moses accepts the call: 4:18-26 A. Moses asks Jethro to allow him to go to his brethren in Egypt. B. Moses gathers his family and returns to Egypt with the rod of God in his hand. C. God warns Moses that Pharaoh s heart would be hardened and he would not allow the Israelites to go. D. God is angry and Zipporah circumcises her son. VI. Israel accepts the call of Moses as deliverer: 4:27-31 A. God tells Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness. B. Moses tells Aaron all that God had commanded him. C. Moses and Aaron gathers all of the elders of the children of Israel and Aaron spoke all the words that God spoke to Moses. D. The people believed what Aaron had said and bowed their heads and worshipped God. PAGE 8

9 VII. Applications: A. God told Moses to take his sandals off for he was standing on holy ground. This reminds us of the reverence we ought to have when in the presence of God. B. Jesus identifies Himself and the Great I AM (John 8:24, 58). This proclaims the deity of Jesus as well as His care for us just as God cared for His people in the past. C. Moses offered five excuses to get out of going to deliver the people of God. How did Moses fare? How should we expect to fare if we offer excuses? D. While Moses offered excuses and talked back to God, he ultimately submitted to God s instructions. Are we submitting to God s will? E. Moses did not feel adequate to perform the task God had given him. God asked him What is that in your hand? Some important considerations: 1. Everyone has something in his hand: Matthew 25: God expects us to use whatever ability we have been given in His service: Ephesians 4:11-16 Questions: Chapter 2 1. What does Moses mother do after his birth? 2. When she could hide him no longer, where does Moses mother place him? 3. Where does the ark Moses was in end up? 4. Who is told to nurse the child? 5. Does it appear that Moses has some idea of who he is? (2:11-12) 6. What does Moses witness taking place? What does he do? (2:11-12) 7. What did Pharaoh plan to do when he heard of this? 8. Where does Moses flee to? 9. Who does Moses live with? Who does he marry? 10. What is said about God concerning Israel? (2:23-25) PAGE 9

10 Chapter As Moses is leading Jethro s flock, what does he encounter? 12. What are God s first instructions to Moses? 13. What plans does God share with Moses? Who would carry out these plans? 14. What was the first excuse Moses offered and God s reply. 15. What was the second excuse Moses offered and God s reply. Chapter What was the third excuse Moses offered and God s reply. 17. What was the fourth excuse Moses offered and God s reply. 18. What was the fifth excuse Moses offered and God s reply. 19. Despite Moses excuses, what did Moses ultimately do? 20. After speaking with his father-in-law, what does Moses do? (4:20) 21. What does God tell Moses He would do to Pharaoh? 22. What does God instruct Aaron to do? 23. Who do Moses and Aaron gather together? 24. What was the response of the people of Israel? 25. (Discussion) Name some of the ways we see Jesus foreshadowed through this lesson. PAGE 10

11 Lesson Three God s Redemption of Israel from Egypt Exodus 5:1-15:21 Introduction: Having been prepared, Moses does exactly what God told him to do. Moses returned to Egypt and is now prepared to face Pharaoh and deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians. God is with Moses and His people as they prepare to exit Egypt. I. Moses confronts Pharaoh by word: 5:1-6:9 A. Moses tells Pharaoh to let God s people go. B. Pharaoh defies God and refuses to let the Israelites go. C. Pharaoh commands that more work be laid on the Israelites because he believes they are idle. D. The Hebrew officers complain to Pharaoh regarding their harsh treatment. E. The officers complain to Moses and Aaron. F. Moses speaks to God on behalf of Israel. G. God assures Moses that He will deliver Israel from the hand of the Egyptians. H. Moses tells Israel of God s assurance but they refuse to listen. II. Moses confronts Pharaoh with miracles: 6:10-7:13 A. God renews His call to Moses to deliver the Israelites from bondage. 1. Israel failed to listen to Moses. 2. Moses fears that Pharaoh will also refuse to listen to him. B. Moses and Aaron s genealogy is revealed. C. God commands Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Moses expresses doubt that Pharaoh will heed him. D. God promises Moses success in delivering the Israelites. 1. At first, Pharaoh s heart will become hard and he will refuse to let the people go. 2. God will multiply His signs in judgment against Egypt. E. Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh. 1. Aaron casts down his rod and it becomes a serpent. 2. Magicians do the same according to their enchantments. Aaron s rod swallows them. 3. Pharaoh s heart become s hard. III. Moses confronts Pharaoh with plagues: 7:14-11:10 A. God begins to afflict Egypt with the Ten Plagues. 1. Water turned to blood: a. The Nile was the very lifeline of Egypt and the center of many of its religious ideas. The Nile was considered sacred by of the Egyptians b. The plague was an affront to many of the greatest gods in Egypt. The god Khnum was the guardian of the Nile. Hapi was the spirit of the Nile. Osiris was the god of the underworld, the Egyptians believed the Nile was his bloodstream. 2. Frogs: a. The frog was considered the theophany of the goddess Heqt, the wife of the creator of the world and the goddess of birth. b. The fact that Pharaoh entreated Moses to intercede with Jehovah to take away the frogs was a sign that he recognized the God of Israel as being the author of the plague. 3. Gnats: PAGE 11

12 a. This would have been an embarrassment to Geb, the great god of the earth. b. This also would have been dreadful to the priests who were required to shave their hair off daily and wear a single tunic that no lice would be permitted on their bodies. 4. Flies a. Amon-Ra, the creator and king of the gods, had the head of a beetle. b. As a scarab beetle pushes a round pall in front of it, Ra was pictured as a scarab pushing the sun across the sky. 5. Disease on the cattle: a. Horses and cattle were highly valued in the land of Egypt and were also Sacred. b. The god Apis was represented as a bull. Hathor was the cow-headed goddess of the desert. 6. Boils: a. These were painful boils which affected the knees. legs, and soles of the feet. b. This was an affront to Serapis, the deity in charge of healing. Imhotep, the god of medicine. Also Thoth, the god of intelligence and medical learning. 7. Hail: a. Egypt receives around 2 inches of rain per year. This was the worst thunderstorm this country had ever seen. b. This plague was formed within the realm of the sky goddess, Nut. Also Horus the sky god of upper Egypt, as well as Isis and Seth which protected the crops. 8. Locusts: a. Locusts were able to destroy an entire villages food supply in a matter of minutes. b. An affront to Nepri, the god of grain. Ermutet the goddess of childbirth and crops. Isis again is silent. Thermuthis, the goddess of fertility and the harvest. Also seth the god of crops. 9. Darkness: a. A plague of darkness was an insult to Egypt s religion and entire culture. b. Amon-Ra was considered one of the greatest blessings in all of the land of Egypt. Horus, the god of light personified the life giving power of the sun. Ptah the chief god of Memphis was the one who created the sun, moon and earth. 10. Pharaoh s continued to harden his heart B. The final plague announced: death of the firstborn 1. This plague was directed against all the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12). 2. Maskhenet was the goddess who presided at the birth of children. Min was the god of procreation. Isis, the goddess of fertility. Selket, the guardian of life. C. All information regarding the gods of the Egyptians was taken from Against All The Gods Of Egypt by David Padfield. IV. Israel is redeemed by Blood through the Passover: 12:1-13:16 A. God instituted the Passover. 1. God gives instructions to Israel for the passover feast. a. They were to kill the lamb. b. They were to apply the blood to the doorposts and lintel. c. They were to eat the lamb. d. They were to remain in the house e. They were to share the lamb. 2. When the Lord saw the blood on the doorposts, He would passover that house. The firstborn would be spared. PAGE 12

13 B. The firstborn of Egypt were killed and the Israelites were set free. C. The Exodus Begins. 1. Israel departs from Egypt. 2. Laws regulating the passover. 3. Firstborn of the Israelites are consecrated. 4. Moses institutes the Feast of Unleavened Bread. V. Israel is redeemed by Power from Egypt: 13:17-15:21 A. God leads the people out of Egypt to the Red Sea. B. Israel crosses the Red Sea. 1. Pharaoh and his army pursue the Israelites. 2. Israel loses faith. 3. God instructs Moses to lead Israel through the Red Sea. 4. Israel crosses the Red Sea on dry land. They are delivered from the Egyptians. 5. The Red Sea returned and covered the army of Egypt. 6. Israel sang a song of praise to God. VI. Applications: A. Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice? (5:2) B. Moses became discouraged when Israel did not heed his message. (5:20-23) C. Initial failure does not mean ultimate defeat. (5:20-23) D. Moses was strengthened by God. (Ch 6) E. How God dealt with Moses disappointment (6:1-13) F. God still delivers His people today. G. Beware of hardened hearts. (8:15) H. The finger of God (8:19) I. Pharaoh s lack of repentance (9:27-35) J. Telling our children of God s works (10:2) K. Not a hoof shall be left behind. (10:26) L. God shows no favoritism in His wrath. (11:5) M. Beware of Pharaoh s example (11:9-10) N. Christ, our Passover. (Ch. 12) O. Removing the leaven. (12:15) P. Letting God lead (13:17-18) Q. Testing of our faith. (Ch. 14) R. God provides freedom. (Ch. 14) S. Thankfulness for our blessings. (Ch. 15) Questions: Chapter 5 1. What do Moses and Aaron request of Pharaoh? (5:1,3) 2. What is Pharaoh s response? (5:2) 3.As a result of Moses petition, what does Pharaoh do to Israel? (5:4ff) 4. What is Israel s reaction to Moses and Aaron? (5:20-21) 5. What does Moses ask God? (5:22-23) PAGE 13

14 Chapter 6 6. How does God say Pharaoh will let Israel go? (6:1) 7. What does God remind Moses of? (6:2-8) 8. What does Moses do? How does Israel respond? (6:9) 9. What does God command Moses to do? (6:13, 29) 10. What is Moses response? (6:30) Chapter How does God describe Moses relationship to Pharaoh? (7:1) 12. How does God describe Aaron s relationship to Moses? (7:1) 13. How would God s message be given to Pharaoh? (7:2) 14. What does God warn He will do to Pharaoh? (7:3a) 15. What will God bring upon the Egyptians? (7:3b-5) 16. What sign does God give Aaron to perform? (7:8) 17. What did the Magicians do in response? What did Aaron s rod do? (7:11-12) 18. What is the first plague against Egypt? (7:14ff) Chapter What is the second plague against Egypt? (8:1ff) 20. What is the third plague against Egypt? (8:16-19) 21. To what do the magicians attribute these signs? (8:19) 22. What is the fourth plague against Egypt? (8:20ff) 23. What does Pharaoh tell Moses? (8:28) 24. What does Pharaoh do when relief is given? (8:31) Chapter What is the fifth plague against Egypt? (9:1ff) 26. What is the sixth plague against Egypt? (9:8ff) 27. How did the Lord harden Pharaoh s heart? PAGE 14

15 28. What is the seventh plague against Egypt? 29. What does Pharaoh acknowledge? (9:27-28) 30. Was Pharaoh s confession sincere? How do you know? Chapter What is the eighth plague against Egypt? (10:1ff) 32. What is the ninth plague against Egypt? (10:21) Chapter What was the final plague God would bring against Egypt? Chapter What feast does God institute? 35. What would God do when He saw the blood on the door? (12:23) 36. What was the extent of the tenth plague? (12:30) 37. After the tenth plague, what does Pharaoh do? (12:31-32) 38. Following the final plague, what does Israel do? (12:33-42) Chapter Who is to be consecrated? 40. What feast does Moses give instruction concerning? (13:3-10) 41. How does God take Israel out of Egypt? Why does He choose this way? (13:17ff) Chapter Israel comes across what body of water? 43. Who comes up behind Israel? 44. How does Israel cross the sea? How does Moses cause this? 45. Was God s promise fulfilled? Chapter What does Israel sing? PAGE 15

16 Lesson 4 The Preservation of Israel in the Wilderness Exodus 15:22-18:27 Introduction: God has kept His promise to Israel. Moses successfully led God s people from their bondage and brought them across the Red Sea. As Israel travels in the wilderness to Mount Sinai, God continues to be with them and guide them. God makes continual provisions for His people. I. Preserved from thirst: 15:22-27 A. Moses brings the Israelites into the Wilderness of Shur. B. The people become thirsty and found no water. C. They find water in Marah but could not drink it for it was bitter. D. The people complained against Moses and he cries out to the Lord. E. God showed Moses a tree and cast it into the water. The waters were made sweet. F. God makes a statute and an ordinance with His people: 1. They were tested by being asked to accept and obey God s laws. 2. The Israelites were to heed the voice of the Lord and keep all His statutes. 3. If Israel kept God s statutes, He would put none of the diseases that plagued the Egyptians upon them. G. The people come to Elim and find twelve springs of water and seventy palms. II. Preserved from hunger: 16:1-36 A. Israel journeys to the Wilderness of Sin. (Sinai) B. Israel begins to complain against Moses and Aaron: 1. Israel begins to remember the plenty they enjoyed while they were in Egypt. 2. They claim they ve been brought to the wilderness to die of hunger. C. God would rain bread from heaven for the nation: 1. God would use this to test the faithfulness and obedience of Israel. 2. Each day they would gather bread and on the sixth day, they would gather twice as much to save for the 7th day. D. Moses and Aaron speak to Israel and tell them the Lord heard their complaints. E. Israel looks toward the wilderness and sees the glory of the Lord appearing in a cloud. F. God speaks to Moses and promises to provide meat in the evening and bread in the morning. This would show Israel that the Lord was their God! G. God provided quail in the evening and manna in the morning. 1. Every man was to gather according to their need. 2. Some did not listen to Moses instructions and left some bread overnight, it bred worms and stank. Moses grew angry at their disobedience. 3. When the sun grew hot, the manna left on the ground melted. H. God prepares the nation to keep the Sabbath: 1. Israel was to prepare their food on the sixth day, and rest on the Sabbath. 2. God would preserve the food for the following day. 3. Some did not heed the instruction and found no food to gather on the seventh day. 4. This was a foreshadowing of the Law of Moses which would come shortly. I. Moses spoke to Israel to save an omer (just over two quarts) of manna as a reminder of the fact that God had given provisions during their time in the wilderness. J. Israel would eat manna for forty years until they entered the land of Canaan. PAGE 16

17 III. Preserved from thirst again: 17:1-7 A. As Israel journeys through the wilderness, they have no water and ask Moses to provide water for them. B. Moses spoke to them asking why they tested God. C. The people, again, lacked faith and complained that they were brought into the wilderness to die of thirst. D. Moses cries out to God for help. Moses felt the people were so upset, they would stone him. E. God instructs Moses to take his rod and strike the rock in Horeb and water would flow forth. This would unmistakably demonstrate God s provision for Israel. F. Moses did as the Lord instructed and named the place Massah (contention) and Meribah (testing), asking the people, Is the Lord among us or not? IV. Preserved from defeat: 17:8-16 A. Amalek comes to Israel to fight against them. B. Moses instructs Joshua to choose men to fight against Amalek and Moses would stand upon a hill overlooking the battle with the rod of God in his hand. C. Moses held up his rod and Israel would prevail. When he grew tired and lowered his hands, Amalek would prevail. D. Aaron and Hur went up with Moses and when he grew tired, they put a stone under him and he sat on it. They also took his arms and held them up. Moses hands remained steady until the sun set. E. Joshua defeated the Amalekites with the sword. F. God told Moses to record this event and promised to blot out the remembrance of Amalek. G. Moses built an altar and called it The Lord Is My Banner. H. God swore to have war with Amalek from generation to generation. V. Preserved from chaos: 18:1-27 A. Jethro, Moses father-in-law, heard of the great things God had done for Moses and Israel. The Lord had brought them out of Egypt. B. Jethro came to Moses where he was encamped and brought Moses wife, Zipporah, and sons, Gershom and Eliezer, with him. C. Moses went to meet Jethro and bowed to him and kissed him. D. Moses told Jethro of all the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians as well as the hardships Israel had faced and the Lord s deliverance through them all. E. Jethro rejoiced for all that God had done and praised God saying Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods. F. Jethro then took a burnt offering and sacrifices to offer to God. G. Moses sat to judge the people. Moses would listen to the people and intercede for them. H. Jethro advises Moses that he will become worn out if he continues to take this task upon himself. Jethro tells Moses to: 1. Stand before the people, so he may bring their difficulties to God. 2. Teach Israel the statutes and the laws, and the ways they must walk and work. 3. Also Moses should select able men who fear God, men of truth who hate bribes, and place them as rulers over the people. These would judge the people and the difficult things would be brought to Moses. 4. Moses would be able to endure this and the people will be at peace. I. Moses heeded his father-in-law s advice and chose able men to judge the people. PAGE 17

18 VI. Applications: A. Lessons from the manna: (Ch. 16) 1. Remember God s blessings. 2. Trust in God s provisions. 3. Obey God s commands. B. Israel s bread from heaven vs. our Bread from Heaven. C. Our daily bread. D. The need to work. E. Testing the Lord (Ch. 17:2, 7) F. Holding up one another s hands. G. God s punishment of those who oppose Him and His people. Questions: Chapter 15:22ff 1. Why could Israel not drink the waters of Marah? (vs. 23) 2. What did God instruct Moses to do to provide water? (vs. 25) 3. How did God test Israel? (vs ) Chapter 16: 4. Why did Israel complain against Moses and Aaron? (vs. 2-3) 5. What did God promise to Israel? (vs. 4) 6. How was God testing Israel? (vs. 4) 7. What was God s instruction concerning the sixth day? (vs. 5) 8. Moses tells Israel they would receive what provisions from God? (vs. 8) 9. What did Israel see when they looked toward the Wilderness? (vs. 10) 10. What did God instruct the people concerning the manna? (vs. 16) 11. What happened when people left some manna till morning? (vs ) 12. What would happen to the manna when the sun became hot? (vs. 21) 13. What instructions did Israel receive concerning the sixth day? (vs ) 14. What would happen to the bread on the seventh day? (vs. 24) 15. What did God expect Israel to do on the seventh day? (vs ) 16. (Thought Question) Why did God instruct Israel concerning the Sabbath? 17. What instruction did God give Moses concerning the manna? Why? (vs. 32ff) PAGE 18

19 Chapter Why did Israel contend with Moses? (vs. 1-2) 19. How did Moses respond to the people? (vs. 2) 20. What did the people say against Moses? (vs. 3) 21. What does Moses ask God? What does he fear? (vs. 4) 22. What instructions did God give Moses? (vs. 5-6) 23. (Thought Question) Why did God cause water to come from a rock? 24. What did Moses call the place? Why? (vs. 7) 25. Who came to fight against Israel? (vs. 8) 26. Who did Moses send to gather troops and fight? (vs. 9-10) 27. What did Moses do during the battle? (vs ) 28. What would God do to the Amalekites? Why? (vs. 14) 29. What did Moses name the altar to God? (vs ) Chapter Who was Jethro? (vs. 1) 31. Who did Jethro bring with him? (vs. 2-3) 32. What caused Jethro to rejoice? (vs. 8-9) 33. What would Moses do for the people? (vs ) 34. What did Jethro think of this? (vs ) 35. What did Jethro offer as a solution? (vs ) 36. Did Moses heed his father-in-law s advice? PAGE 19

20 Lesson 5 The Revelation of the Old Covenant, Part 1 Exodus 19:1-24:11 Introduction: Israel has been delivered from their bondage in Egypt and brought safely through the wilderness. Israel comes to Mount Sinai and God there will make His covenant with the people and establish the Law of Moses. I. The Preparation of the People: 19:1-25 A. Israel comes to the wilderness of Sinai. B. Moses goes up the mountain to God: 1. God instructs Moses what he should tell the people. 2. You saw what I did in Egypt 3. If you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my people. C. Moses goes down and calls for the elders of the people. Moses speaks what God had commanded him. D. The people answered that they would do all that the Lord had commanded them. E. Moses goes back up the mountain to give God the people s reply. F. God gives in instructions to Moses: 1. Go to the people and consecrate them, let them wash their clothes. 2. Let them be ready for the third day on which God would come upon Mt. Sinai in the presence of all the people. 3. Bounds are set for the people. No man or beast shall go up to the mountain or touch its base lest they should die. 4. Moses goes down and instructs the people. Moses sanctified them and they washed their clothes. G. On the third day, there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain. 1. The sound of the trumpet was very loud. 2. The people began to tremble. H. Moses brought the people to meet with God. They came to the foot of the mountain. I. The mountain was in smoke and the whole mountain quaked greatly. J. The trumpet sounded louder and louder and Moses spoke and God answered him. K. God came down upon the mountain and called Moses to come up to Him. 1. God tells Moses to warn the people not to come near the mountain or they will die. 2. The priests were to consecrate themselves when coming to the Lord, or the Lord would break out against them. L. Moses says the people would not come up for bounds had already been set for them. M. God tells Moses to go down and bring Aaron up with him. N. Moses goes down and speaks to the people. II. The Revelation of the Covenant: 20:1-26 A. God gives the Ten Commandments: 1. These commands are predicated on the fact that God is the Lord who delivered the people from bondage in Egypt. 2. Commandment 1: You shall have no other gods before me. a. God demanded the allegiance of His people. b. They were to worship the One True God alone! PAGE 20

21 3. Commandment 2: You shall not worship idols. a. God forbade Israel from worshipping any idol representing any created being. b. Idolatry would provoke God s jealousy. 4. Commandment 3: You shall not take the Lord s Name in vain. a. This commandment would protect the holiness of God. b. It forbade Israel from using God s name in false oaths: Leviticus 19:12 5. Commandment 4: Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. a. Israel was to do all their work in six days and the sabbath was to be a day of rest. b. This would demonstrate faith in God s ability to provide for the nation. 6. Commandment 5: Honor you father and mother. a. This command promote proper relationships between parents and children. b. Honoring your parents was done by: 1). Obeying them (Deuteronomy 21:18-20) 2). Speaking respectfully to them (Leviticus 19:3) 3). Not cursing or striking them (Exodus 21:15, 17, Leviticus 20:9) 4). Providing for their needs when they are no longer able (Mark 7:9-13) 7. Commandment 6: You shall not murder. a. This commandment is given to protect human life. b. Human life is valuable because it was derived from God (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7) 8. Commandment 7: You shall not commit adultery. a. This command forbade any violation of the marriage covenant through physical sexual contact. b. Death was prescribed as the punishment for adultery (Leviticus 20:10) 9. Commandment 8: You shall not steal. a. This command protected personal property. b. Individuals should not be wrongly deprived of their own property. 10. Commandment 9: You shall not bear false witness. a. Commandment protected people from false accusations in court. b. This was designed to guarantee the integrity of the judicial process. 11. Commandment 10: You shall not covet. a. This commandment deals with the heart of individuals. b. To covet means to desire something which is not one s own. Covetousness is closely connected with greed. c. God forbade coveting your neighbor s house, wife, servants, cattle, etc. B. When Israel saw the thunderings and lightnings, they trembled and stood afar off. C. The people asked Moses to speak to them in place of God lest they should die. D. Moses told the people not to fear for God had come to test them, that they may fear Him and not sin. E. God gives more instruction expanding on the Ten Commandments: 1. God instructs Israel not to make other gods beside Him. 2. God then explains that Israel is to make an altar of earth where burnt offerings and peace offerings would be offered. III. The Judgments: 21:1-23:33 A. God gives instructions concerning servants: 21: If one buys a Hebrew servant, he will serve six years and will go free on the seventh year. 2. If he came in by himself, he goes out by himself. If he came in married, he would leave with his family. PAGE 21

22 3. If the master provides a wife, the wife and children born should be left and the slave should leave alone. 4. If the servant says I love my master he will be brought to the judges, have his ear pierced with an awl and he will serve forever. 5. If a man sells his daughter, she would not go out with the male slaves. 6. If she does not please her master, he shall let her be redeemed. He must not sell her to a foreigner for it would be unfair to her. 7. If he betrothed her to his son, he shall treat her as a daughter. 8. If he takes another wife, he shall not deprive her of food, clothing and marriage rights. 9. If he does not do these for her, she shall go free. B. God gives instructions concerning violence: 21: If a man strikes a man and he dies, he shall be put to death. 2. If a man kills another but did not premeditate it, he will flee to an appointed place (city of refuge, Numbers 35). 3. If a man kills his neighbor with premeditation, he shall be taken from the altar and killed. 4. One who strikes his father or mother was to be put to death. 5. One who kidnaps another and sells him would be put to death. 6. One who curses his father and mother would be put to death. 7. If two men fight and one confines the other to his bed, when he rises from the bed, he shall be acquitted. He shall pay for lost time and provide for him to be healed. 8. A man who beats his servants so that they die, he will be punished. If the servant remained alive for a day or two, he shall not be punished for it was his property. 9. If two men fight and a pregnant woman is injured and is caused to give birth prematurely and the baby is not harmed, the man shall be punished as her husband dictates, he shall also pay as the judges order. If harm was done, he shall give life for life, eye for eye, etc. 10. If a man strikes a servant and causes the loss of an eye or a tooth, the servant shall go free for sake of the eye or tooth. C. God gives instructions concerning animal control: 21: If an ox kills a man, it shall be stoned and no one shall eat it, the owner shall be acquitted. 2. If the ox has thrusted with its thorns in the past and the owner has been notified and yet fails to keep it confined, the ox shall be stoned and the owner put to death. 3. If a ransom is demanded, the owner shall pay the ransom and shall redeem his life. 4. If an ox kills a servant, the owner shall give thirty shekels of silver and the ox shall be stoned. 5. If a man makes a pit and fails to cover it and an ox falls in it, he shall give money to the owner of the ox. 6. If one man s ox kills another man s ox, they shall sell the live ox and divide the money and they shall divide the dead ox. 7. If the man s ox has thrusted with its horns in times past, the man shall pay ox for ox. D. God gives instructions concerning responsibility of property: 22: If a man steals an ox or sheep and kills it or sells it, he shall restore 5 oxen per ox and 4 sheep per sheep. 2. If a man is caught breaking in and is killed, there will be no guilt for his bloodshed. 3. If the thief was killed after the sun had risen, he would be guilty of his blood. 4. If the thief had nothing with which to pay the restitution, he would be sold for his theft. PAGE 22

23 5. If the animal was found alive in the thief s hand, he is to return it and pay double for his theft. 6. If a man lets his animals loose and they feed in another man s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his field and vineyard. 7. If a fire got out of control, the one who started the fire must make retribution for the the damage caused. 8. If a thief stole something that had been entrusted to a man by his neighbor, the thief was to restore double. 9. If the thief was not found, the master of the house was brought before the judges to see whether he was innocent or guilty of the goods. 10. For any kind of trespass, it shall be brought before the judge and whomever the judge condemns shall pay double to the neighbor. 11. If a man entrusts a animal to keep and it dies, is hurt, driven away and none saw it, the owner shall take an oath from the neighbor and no restitution would be made. 12. If the animal is stolen from the neighbor, he shall make restitution to the owner of it. 13. If the animal was torn to pieces by a beast, the neighbor shall bring the carcass as evidence and he will not be required to make restitution. 14. If a man borrowed an animal and it was injured or killed while the owner was not with it, the borrower was to make restitution for the animal. 15. If the owner was present while the borrowed animal was killed or injured, the borrower was not required to make restitution. If it was hired, the price for hire would be sufficient payment. E. God gives instruction concerning moral and ceremonial principles: 22: If a man seduced a virgin and lied with her, he would be required to pay the dowry and take her as his wife. If the father refused, he would be required to pay the dowry for virgins. 2. One who practiced sorcery was to be put to death. 3. One guilty of sexual relations with an animal was to be put to death. 4. One who sacrificed to any god except the Lord was to be utterly destroyed. 5. Strangers were not to be mistreated or oppressed. 6. They were not to afflict widows or orphans. Those guilty of afflicting the widows and orphans would be killed by God when he heard their cry. 7. They were not to charge interest to the poor who borrowed money. 8. A lender could accept a cloak as collateral for a loan but it had to be returned before nightfall for the poor man needed his cloak to stay warm during the night. 9. No man was to curse God or a ruler of their people. 10. The people were to offer their first fruits to God. The best of their harvest, and crops, as well as the firstborn son and animals. 11. They were not to eat of the meat of an animal that had been torn to pieces in the field. 12. Israel was to be holy men to God. F. God gives instructions concerning justice: 23: No man was to offer a false report against another. God forbade any testimony that would render an unfair verdict. 2. No partiality was to be shown towards any poor man in a dispute. 3. One is to return their adversary s ox or donkey that has gone astray as well as helping the donkey of one who hates you who is lying helpless under its load. 4. Justice was not to be perverted even to help a needy brother in a dispute. PAGE 23

24 5. God forbade putting to death an innocent or righteous man. God would not justify the wicked man who caused the innocent man s death. 6. God forbade taking bribes when judging a matter. The matter was to be judged fairly. 7. God again forbids the oppressing of a stranger because they knew the heart of a stranger. G. God gives laws concerning the sabbath observances: 23: God instructed Israel to sow their land for six years and on the seventh they were to let it rest and lie fallow. 2. What grew of its own accord would be food for the poor first and the animals second. 3. This was also to be done with their vineyard, and olive grove. 4. God gives further instructions for the sabbath: a. Six days you shall work and on the seventh day you shall rest. b. This would provide rest for the ox and the donkey as well as refreshing for the son of your female servant and the stranger. 5. God instructed Israel to be circumspect that the name of others gods was not even mentioned or heard from their mouths. H. God gives instructions concerning three annual feasts: 23: God sanctioned three feasts that Israel was to observe throughout each year. a. The Feast of Unleavened Bread: eating unleavened bread for seven days following the passover observance. b. The Feast of the Harvest (Pentecost): offer the first fruits of their labors in the field. c. The Feast of Ingathering (Feast of Booths, Tabernacles): a celebration after Israel has harvested the fruit of their fields. 2. The males were to appear before the Lord three times each year. 3. The sacrifices in the Feast of Unleavened Bread was not to be offered with leavened bread. No fat was to remain until morning. 4. Israel was instructed to bring the first fruits of they soil into the house of the Lord. 5. A young goat was not to be boiled in the milk of its mother. I. God promises an Angel to guide them: 23: God sends an Angel to guard Israel and bring them to the Promised Land. 2. God warns Israel to obey this Angel for He would not pardon their transgressions and God s name was in Him. 3. God promises Israel if they will obey the Angel, He would be enemy to Israel s enemy and adversary to Israel s adversary and God would cut off the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 4. God warns Israel against bowing to the gods of the Canaanite people but they were to destroy them. 5. If Israel would serve God, they would be blessed with food and water, health, fertility and fruitfulness, longevity and victory. 6. God would send terror to the inhabitants to cause confusion among them and cause the enemies to turn their backs to Israel. 7. God would gradually drive the inhabitants of the land out until Israel took full possession of it. God revealed the land that the Israelites would inhabit when they possessed the land. 8. God instructs Israel not to make any covenant with the inhabitants of the land nor to allow them to continue to dwell in the land with Israel. If allowed to remain in the land, the Canaanites would cause Israel to sin and they would become a snare to Israel. PAGE 24