Introduction: Setting the Scene

Exodus 1 (NIV)

Q1 - Evidently Abram had no children until the birth of Ishmael. At that time, he was eighty-six years old (Genesis 16:16). When Isaac was born, Abraham was 100 years old (Genesis 21:5). How many other children did Abraham have and what were their names? (See Genesis 25).

A1 - Abraham had six sons by Keturah: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Keturah is called his wife in Genesis 25:1 and his concubine in 1 Chronicles 1:32. It would be through Isaac’s lineage that God’s promise would ultimately be carried out. However, God blessed Ishmael and made of him a great nation (Genesis 17:20). Upon Abraham’s death, Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 25:9).

As for his other sons, Abraham gave them gifts while he was still living and sent them away from Isaac to live in a country to the east (Genesis 25:6). One of these sons was named Midian, and it was among his descendants that Moses found a home when he fled from Pharaoh (Exodus 2:15–16).

Q2 - If Moses wrote the book of Exodus, why do you suppose so little of the first eighty years of his life is mentioned in these writings?

A2 - Numbers 12:3 states that Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. After he accepted God’s calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he strove to obey God in every way. He followed the will of God rather than his own inclinations. Throughout the his writings, he reveals very little of a personal nature. It would have been out of character for Moses to expound on his own life beyond what God had instructed him to write. Evidently God considered what has been included concerning Moses's early life to be sufficient.

Q3 - In Exodus 1:15 the names of the two midwives are recorded. What does this tell you about their significance in the history of the Hebrew people?

A3 - You would think that more than two midwives would be needed for the great number of Israelites. Perhaps these women were over a larger group of midwives. Nevertheless, we are told in Exodus 1:17 that these midwives feared God and did not do as Pharaoh commanded them but kept the male children alive instead. These women were greatly honored by having their names recorded in history, and rightly so. They helped preserve the lineage of the Hebrew people.

Chapter 1: The Baby Drawn Out of the Water

Exodus 2:1-10

Q1 - In Exodus 2:2 when Moses’s mother gave birth, she saw that he was a “fine child” (other versions use various terms, such as beautiful, healthy, special baby, goodly child). Consider that the birth of a healthy child was a precious gift, especially during these desperate times. Do you think God had a hand in his birth as well?

A1 - Considering how hard the Hebrews worked as slaves, God likely had a hand in not only Moses's birth but in the births of all the other Hebrew babies as well in order for the people to be able to multiply at the rate at which they did. If babies were not born healthy and robust, the possibility of them being able to survive would have been greatly diminished even under the best of circumstances in ancient times.

Q2 - In Hebrews 11:23, NIV, the writer includes Moses’s parents among those who showed great faith: “By faith Moses’s parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” What did these people know about God that gave them such faith in Him? Contrast the knowledge and resources available to you today to learn about God with those available to people living during the time of Moses’s parents.

A2 - The Hebrew people at the time of Moses's birth knew God only from second-hand information that had been passed down to them by their ancestors. God had not communicated directly with anyone, at least that’s recorded in scripture, since the time of Jacob when God told him to go on down to Egypt (Genesis 46:2–4). While priests seem to have existed, it was certainly not the organized system of priests which was established under the Law which God later presented to Moses.

Today we have many resources available to help us learn about God, the most valuable of which is our Bible. This incredible privilege which we tend to take for granted has been available for only a few centuries. Bibles were not available to very many people until after the invention of the printing press which occurred around 1436. Even then, the Bible was printed in Latin, and few common people were literate in any language. Finally, when King James authorized an English translation, which first appeared in 1611, the Bible started to become more widely available. Think of the many generations of God’s people who lived before that time, both under the Old Law and the New Covenant, who had little direct access to the scriptures.

Through the centuries since Bibles have been more available, people have studied and researched God’s Word, and we can benefit from their knowledge and insight by reading their works. With many Bible concordances, commentaries, and dictionaries available in libraries and online, we can easily learn more on almost any Bible topic. Today, most of us are limited in our search for knowledge of God’s Word only by our own desire and motivation.

Q3 - Do you feel like you’re only supposed to bother God with the hard stuff, the problems you can’t handle on your own? Why do you feel that way? What if you decided to turn your burdens over to God sooner? Read and comment on these scriptures: Matthew 11:28–30, 1 Peter 5:6–7, and Philippians 4:6–7. Perhaps you have other favorite scriptures that you can share.

A3 - The cares and worries which we deal with every day often distract us from the joy Christians are afforded in Christ Jesus. Jesus encouraged us to come to Him in Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV): “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’”

The Apostle Peter further instructed us in 1 Peter 5:6–7 (NIV): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

In Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV), the Apostle Paul provided these words of comfort: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

You’ll notice in these scriptures there is no litmus test we are told to apply, there is no filter we are told to use in determining which of life’s cares to turn over to the Lord. He is more than willing and able to handle them all. Allow Him to do so, and accept the peace and comfort which He so graciously offers.

Chapter 2: Moses Escapes from Egypt

Exodus 2:11-15

Q1 - Moses had royal standing, so why did he not use his status to command the Egyptian to stop beating the Hebrew? What might have compelled Moses to kill the slave master?

A1 - Moses likely didn’t fit in well with either the Egyptians or Hebrews, meaning his royal standing may not have been recognized or honored by either group of people. We do know that Moses essentially renounced his Egyptian heritage and identified strongly with the Hebrew people from Hebrews 11:24–25 (NIV): “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”

By killing the Egyptian, Moses thought he was solving the problem at hand. Instead, he created an even greater problem for himself. Perhaps his anger got the better of him at that moment. Whatever motivated him to kill, he seems to have acted more on impulse rather than by rationally thinking over the situation.

Remember that at this point in his life, Moses had not personally encountered God. He only knew God from information passed down to him by his ancestors. Later on in his life, you will notice a real difference in the way he handled various situations. Although his anger caused him to break the tablets of stone and strike the rock at Meribah, for the most part he learned to listen to God, to depend on Him, and to accept His guidance.

Q2 - How many Pharaohs reigned during Moses’s life up until the Exodus? Ancient timelines vary, but it’s possible that the Pharaoh when Moses fled to Midian was not the same Pharaoh whose daughter had adopted Moses. Compare a Bible timeline, such as the "Bible Hub Bible Timeline” (http://biblehub.com/timeline), with a timeline of the Pharaohs, such as the “Pharaoh Timeline" (https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/pharaoh). Dates differ among various timelines, so you might want to research several to get a broader picture of the time period.

A2 - The BibleHub timeline puts Moses's birth at around 1525 BC and his flight to Midian approximately forty years later at 1486 BC. The World History Pharaoh Timeline has Ahmose I as the pharaoh from 1550–1525 BC. This seems to make him the pharaoh who issued the decree to kill the male Hebrew babies. Then, right around Moses's birth, Amenhotep I became pharaoh from 1525–1504 BC. He was followed by Thutmose I as pharaoh from about 1504–1492 BC. Then, Thutmose II reigned from 1492–1479 BC, making him the pharaoh during the time that Moses killed the Egyptian and fled to Midian. Certainly, other timelines may offer different dates for the various events, but it’s unlikely that the same pharaoh ruled the entire time during the first forty years of Moses's life.

Q3 - The Law that was later given to Moses on Mount Sinai was the first written law given to God’s people. In the years prior to the Law being given, how did the Hebrews receive instruction from God? How did they learn about God, particularly while they lived as slaves in Egypt?

A3 - So far as is recorded in scriptures, the time between Jacob being told by God to go to Egypt and God calling to Moses from the burning bush was a silent period in which God did not communicate with anyone. So, the Hebrews evidently only knew God from information that had been passed down to them from their ancestors.

We know that at least from the time of Cain and Abel, people offered sacrifices to God (see Genesis 4:3–5). Noah built an altar and offered burnt offerings after coming off the ark (see Genesis 8:20). Abraham built several altars to worship God, and in Genesis 15 God told him which animals to bring when He made His covenant with him. Other than these instances, little is recorded about how and when people made sacrifices to God.

The fact that Moses found a home with a priest in Midian indicates that some amount of information concerning the worship of God had been passed down from generation to generation. Recall that Midian was one of Abraham’s sons by his wife, Keturah (see Genesis 25:1–2). So, it stands to reason that Abraham passed information on to his family members. However, there were no formal, written instructions from God until He gave His Law to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Chapter 3: Moses Finds a Family among the Midianites

Exodus 2:16-22

Q1 - What was Sarai’s heritage? See Genesis 20:12.

A1 - Both Abram’s and Sarai’s names were changed when God made His covenant of circumcision with Abram in Genesis 17. In verse 5, God told Abram his name would now be Abraham, and in verse15 He changed Sarai’s name to Sarah. These name changes reflected God’s intent for many nations to come from their offspring.

Abraham stated in Genesis 20:12 that Sarah was the daughter of his father but not of his mother. That would make her his half-sister, with both of them being children of Terah, Abraham’s father. It would also mean that Terah had more than one wife, although none are mentioned in the Bible.

The account of Terah is given in Genesis 11:27–32. From this one man would come not only the Israelites (from Jacob), but also the Edomites (from Esau), the Moabites (from Lot), and the Ammonites (also from Lot). However, it would be through Abraham’s son, Isaac, that Christ would ultimately come.

Q2 - Jethro asked why his daughters returned so soon. What does this imply about what may have been the norm in caring for their flock?

A2 - Jethro’s question to his daughters implies that it usually took them much longer to water their flock. The reason could be that possibly the other shepherds routinely harassed them, or it could be that it physically took them much longer to accomplish the watering of the flock than it did when Moses helped them.

Q3 - Other than being the first born, how was Ishmael different from the six sons of Keturah?See the Bible Hub commentary page for Genesis 25:1 for further information: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/25-1.htm.

A3 - Sarai gave Hagar to Abraham as her representative (see Genesis 16:1–4). If Sarai had not had children, Ishmael would have been the rightful heir. Hagar was Sarai’s substitute, while Keturah was not.

It seems that Abraham was close to Ishmael and loved him. When he learned he would have a son through Sarah, he told God in Genesis 17:18 (NIV), “‘If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!’” God promised Abraham that Ishmael would be the father of twelve rulers and that He would make him into a great nation. However, it would be with Isaac that He would establish His covenant (see Genesis 17:19–27). Later, only Isaac and Ishmael are mentioned as being the ones who buried Abraham (see Genesis 25:7–11).

The sons Abraham had through Keturah did not receive the promises from God that Ishmael had. Moreover, while Abraham was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines (secondary wives) and sent them away from Isaac to the land to the east (see Genesis 25:5–6). Isaac would be the one to receive Abraham’s inheritance.

For a further discussion on this topic, see http://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/25-1.htm.

Chapter 4: Moses’s Call to Leadership

Exodus 2:23-3:10

Q1 - Why do you suppose God commanded Moses to remove his shoes? How does this foreshadow some of the directives God will give later concerning priests?

A1 - As a shepherd tending to animals, his shoes were probably not very clean. Removing one’s shoes before entering a tent or abode may have been expected in order to keep things clean. Also, the cleansing process would later become a necessary part of what the priests were to do before performing their duties.

The ground where Moses stood became holy because he was in the presence of God. In taking off his shoes, Moses showed both his respect toward God and his willingness to obey His command.

Q2 - Are we to consider Mount Horeb (also called Mount Sinai) as holy ground today? Why or why not?

2A - The location of this mountain is the subject of much controversy. The mountain located toward the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula which today bears the name Mount Sinai was designated as such by Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, who had a small church erected there around 300 A.D. (https://wyattmuseum.com/the-traditional-mt-sinai/2011-212).

The Sinai Peninsula has been part of Egypt since the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt (c. 3100 BC). So any mountain located there would not have been safe for Moses to take the sheep, nor would it have been safe later for the Israelites to camp nearby while Moses ascended the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God. (To learn more about the Sinai Peninsula, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinai_Peninsula.)

As a further strike against this mountain being the Mount Sinai in the Bible, its distance is quite a ways from Midian and would have been a long trek for Moses when he was tending his father-in-law’s sheep.

All this is to say, if God had wanted the site of Mt. Sinai to be designated as holy ground today, He would have told us and made its location clear. During the time of the Law, God clearly made known His desires concerning how, when, and where His people were to worship.

In John 4, Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water from the nearby well. As they spoke, she asked Him in verses 19–20 where they ought to worship, upon a mountain in Samaria or in Jerusalem. He replied to her in verse 21 (NIV), “‘Believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.’” Then He continued In verses 23–24 (NIV), “‘Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’”

Q3 - Have you ever had a day when the whole trajectory of your life changed? Did you initiate the change, or was it thrust upon you? What life lesson did you learn? Perhaps you know of others who have had such an experience from which you can draw inspiration or gain insight.

A3 -  Answers will vary, depending on personal experiences.

Chapter 5: God Reveals His Plan to Moses

Exodus 3:11-22

Q1 - Why do some versions of the Bible use “Yahweh” for the name of God in these passages while others use LORD in capital letters? When is “Jehovah” used? Discuss these names and how Bible translators have influenced the names by which we call God. These articles provide further insight:

“Is Jehovah the true name of God?" (https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovah.html)

“Ex 3:15” (https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/reformation-study-bible/Exod.3.15).

A1 - It would be interesting to be able to go back in time and hear Moses speak the name of God and the words of the Law, even if we couldn’t understand what he said. Because vowels were not recorded in ancient Hebrew writing, it’s not clear how the name of God should be pronounced.

The writer of the article, “Is Jehovah the true name of God?” referenced above at GotQuestions.org provides a good overview of the topic and ends the discussion with this statement: “In conclusion, it is highly unlikely that ‘Jehovah’ is the correct pronunciation of YHWH. Further, it is far more important to know God through faith in Jesus Christ, than it is to know the correct pronunciation of His name in Hebrew.”

Q2 - God instructed Moses to tell the elders that He would bring the Israelites out of Egypt to the land of Canaan. He lists all the various groups currently living there. Who were these people? Whenever God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, why did he not immediately give the land to him? How did God use the Israelites’ time in Egypt to set them up for their future life in Canaan?

A2 - When God made His covenant with Abram in Genesis 15, He listed ten different nations or peoples who inhabited the land of Canaan at the time (see verses 18–21). Some can be identified as descendants of Canaan, who was a son of Ham, one of Noah’s three sons who survived the great flood on the ark. (Ham’s lineage can be found in Genesis 10:6–20.) The origins of the other nations on the list are not so easily identified.

God also told Abram in Genesis 15:13–16 that it would take four generations before His promise would be fulfilled. In the meantime, Abram’s descendants would be strangers in a foreign country. They would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years before they would leave there and enter Canaan with great possessions.

God also told Abram that the sin of the Amorites, some of the current inhabitants of Canaan, had not yet reached its full measure. In essence, He was saying that He was not yet ready to take the land from the Amorites. In the New Living Translation, Genesis 15:16b reads like this: “…for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.”

God will endure with nations up to a point, possibly because there are still some good people within them. But when sin fully engrosses them, they become ripe for destruction. Consider Sodom and Gomorrah, how Abraham pleaded with God to spare these cities if righteous people were still there. Finally God went as low as ten people (Genesis 18:32). In the end, only Lot, his wife and their two daughters were saved, and then only because the angels grabbed them by their hands and led them out (the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is given in Genesis 18:16–19:29).

Also consider that Abraham was not yet ready to possess the land of Canaan. He may have had servants or hired hands, but Ishmael was his only son. Isaac, through whose lineage God’s promise was to be fulfilled, was not yet born. Time was needed for the number of his descendants to grow to numbers that would be sufficient to take over and inhabit the land.

By the time of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, they had grown to became a massive group of people. Their great number terrified the people of Moab, who were filled with dread when they saw the Israelites heading their way. When King Balak of Moab sent for Balaam the soothsayer to curse the Israelites, he described them in Numbers 22:5b (NIV): “‘A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.’”

Not only did Abraham’s descendants need time to multiply in number, but they also needed to gain wealth. Just as God had promised, they left Egypt with great possessions. The Egyptians readily gave them clothing and items of silver and gold. This help set them up financially for their future life. (See the account of the Israelites leaving Egypt in Exodus 12:31–42.) God used the 430 years the Israelites spent in Egypt to prepare them for when they would occupy Canaan.

Q3 - Consider the debt of gratitude Christians owe Moses and the many people of faith who lived before us. They helped lay the foundation on which Christianity has been built, with Christ Himself serving as the chief cornerstone. Read Hebrews 11 and discuss the faith exhibited by these people and how their lives still impact us today.

A3 - Read Hebrews 11 and give your thoughts on how these people of faith inspire you.

Chapter 6: God Equips Moses for His Role

Exodus 4:1-17

Q1 - Consider Moses’s response to God’s calling. He used every excuse he could think of to get out of doing what God wanted him to do. At this point in his life, Moses did not have the faith to take even the first step, so God had to shove him. People who end up accomplishing great things for God are not necessarily larger-than-life characters with a burning desire to serve. Who else did God use in His service in the scriptures who fits this description?

A1 - Here are several that come to mind. You may have other examples.

Abram and Sarai both laughed at God when He told them they would have a child (see Genesis 17:15–17; 18:9–15).

Jonah tried to run away from God when He told him to go proclaim His message of repentance to the wicked city of Nineveh (see Jonah 1:1–3). Then he became angry when God showed compassion on the people and went outside the city and pouted (see Jonah 3:10–4:11).

When Haman persuaded King Xerxes to order the destruction of all the Jews, Queen Esther was hesitant to approach the king to try to save her people. Her cousin, Mordecai, had to implore her to act (see Esther 4:12–16).

Q2 - While he was out tending the flock, he probably didn’t carry much with him other than his staff. God used this common object, something that was right there in Moses’s hand, to equip him for service. What common things can we use today in God’s service?

A2 - A list of such things would be almost infinite in length. Maybe start with your own body, such as your mouth to tell others the Good News or to encourage someone. With your hands, you can prepare food for a sick friend, write a note or type a text, or help repair someone’s home. Your feet can carry you many places where you can serve. The list could continue with your car, your home, or your contacts at work. It will be interesting to hear what others in your group have to say.

Q3 - How can God use us even when we feel like that “fragile jar of clay” that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 4:7?

A3 - Here’s the scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

You may know of someone whose body was extremely fragile and yet managed to accomplish great things for the Lord. For example, children who were very ill who raised money to help others. Or perhaps you know of someone who, from their death bed, managed to utter words of wisdom, encouragement, and hope. Such people have allowed God’s light shine through them to others, even though their bodies were spent.

Chapter 7: Moses Leaves for Egypt

Exodus 4:18-26

Q1 - Why do you think Moses did not tell Jethro his real reason for returning to Egypt, that he had been given a charge by God?

A1 - There are many reasons Moses may not have wanted to reveal to Jethro his true reason for returning to Egypt. Perhaps he felt that what God had charged him to do was too big and too unbelievable. He could well have been reeling from his encounter with God; in the aftermath, the whole incident must have felt surreal. Maybe he first wanted to make sure that what God told him was true and that his brother Aaron was actually coming to meet him. He also could have been fearful that Jethro would not allow him to take his wife and sons with him on what could turn out to be a very dangerous mission.

Q2 - Why do you think Moses had not circumcised his son? Is circumcision required today?

A2 - Presumably Moses had circumcised his first son but not his second. Perhaps from that first experience he was hesitant to put his second son through the process. Or it could have been that Zipporah objected to circumcision and did not want another son to go through it. Whatever the reason, Moses learned an important lesson—obedience to God is not optional.

Paul makes clear in Galatians 5:1–11 that Christians no longer need to be circumcised. He specifically states in verse 6 (NIV): “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Christ has set us free from the constraints of the Law. He also states in 1 Corinthians 7:17–20 that people should remain as they are when they accept Christ, meaning if they are already circumcised, that’s fine, but if they are not circumcised to remain uncircumcised. He again states in verse 19 (NIV): “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”

Q3 - When Zipporah used the term, “bridegroom of blood,” how does that remind you of Christ?

A3 - In several scriptures in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the bridegroom with the church being His bride. John the Baptist made it clear to his disciples when Jesus began baptizing others that he (John) was only the friend who attends the bridegroom, while Jesus was the actual bridegroom (see John 3:22–30).

Paul stated in Ephesians 5:25–27 that husbands are to love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. He gave Himself up when He shed His blood and sacrificed His life on the cross for the sins of others. Certainly, Christ became a bridegroom who shed His blood for the sake of the church.

Other scriptures that compare Christ’s relationship with the church to that of a bridegroom and bride include 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:22–24, Revelation 19:6–9, and Revelation 21:1–4.

Chapter 8: Moses Becomes a Leader

Exodus 4:27-5:21

Q1 - Consider the journey Moses and his family made to the mountain of God through the eyes of Zipporah and the children. What do you think they were feeling? How much of a part would they play in the future in Moses's life?

A1 - This is a thought question, as little is known about what family life was like for Moses and Zipporah during the time he lived in Midian. However, once Moses encountered God in the burning bush on the mountain, it’s likely that normal family living for them was over. From that point forward, Moses's leadership of the Israelite people seemed to consume his life and little mention is made of his family. Moses's sons and grandsons are listed later as being from the tribe of Levi in 1 Chronicles 23:14–17.

Q2 - Consider Moses and Aaron’s leadership through the eyes of the Israelites, whose lives had quickly gone from bad to very bad. What choices did they have? What power did they hold over their own lives? What do you think they were feeling?

A2 - The lives of the Israelites were controlled by their Egyptian masters. They had no power and nothing with which to bargain. Before Moses and Aaron came onto the scene, they were already having to work hard. The request Moses and Aaron made of Pharaoh to go worship their God made the plight of the Israelites even worse. They were placed in the impossible position of having to gather their own materials while at the same time producing just as much as they had before. They must have felt trapped in a hopeless, no-win situation. From their position at the bottom of the chain of command, they were unable to see the big picture of what God had in store for them.

Q3 - Moses spent eighty years preparing for his signature role as the leader of the Israelite nation, but he did not realize that until the day of the burning bush. Seeing as how he lived to be 120, his life at this point was two-thirds over! Most of the things he’s known for throughout the Bible he accomplished during the last third of his life.

It’s the same for you: You have been preparing for your future your entire life, and everything up to this moment serves as prelude for what will follow. Think of examples of people of various ages in the Bible who allowed God to work through their lives. How can you serve God with the rest of your life, no matter how much or how little is left?

A3 - Answers will vary. It will be interesting to hear what everyone has to say.

Chapter 9: Moses Questions God

Exodus 5:22-6:13; 7:1-7

Q1 - Have you ever had a time in your life when you were caught up in the darkness before the storm and were unable to see how things could possibly work out? What did you learn from that experience? What could you see after the storm passed that you couldn’t see before?

A1 - Answers will vary, depending on personal experiences or your knowledge of what others have gone through.

Q2 - Various religions and cultures have deified the created rather than the Creator. Why do you think the Egyptians had so many gods? What does that say about the scope of power of any one of their gods? Name other religions or philosophies that worship what has been created.

A2 - Having multiple gods would indicate that none of them were powerful enough to control very much, so many gods were needed to cover all the bases. From ancient times, people in various ways have paid homage to the sun, moon, stars, and other forces of nature. Today, you may hear people appeal to the universe or consult their astrological forecast. These are all ways that people honor or seek guidance from what has been created rather than the Creator.

Q3 - God is God, and the various names given in the Bible emphasize his different characteristics. These articles will help you research further the names of God and what they mean:

“What Are the Names of God Found in the Bible?” (https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-are-all-the-names-of-god.html)

“What are the different names of God, and what do they mean?” (https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html)

Which of God’s names are your favorite? How do they speak to you?

A3 - As you read through the list of the various names of God, you will see that they all describe His attributes. They reveal that our God is a multi-faceted, all powerful God. Pick several that are particularly meaningful to you and study them further.

Chapter 10: The Plagues Begin

Exodus 7:8-8:15

Q1 - What is a miracle? Does it need to happen instantly to be called a miracle, or can it happen over a period of time?

A1 - If you look up the definition of a miracle, you will probably find something like this given in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: “An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.”

Although we often think of a miracle as something that happens almost instantly, it doesn’t necessarily have to occur in such a manner. You may know of more modern day miracles that have occurred over a period of time, such as healing from a deadly accident or illness.

Q2 - Why did God have Moses inform Pharaoh ahead of time as to what would occur?

A2 - God wanted Pharaoh to know what was about to occur beforehand so there could be no doubt this was the result of divine intervention. Certain of the plagues could possibly have occurred, at least to some extent, because natural conditions were just right, such as the invasion of the locusts. However, they could not have either occurred or ceased on cue as they did when Moses commanded them.

Q3 - Pharaoh seemed unimpressed by the miracles Moses and Aaron performed, but what do you think was going on in the minds of his magicians? How do you think these miracles affected the Egyptian people?

A3 - It’s quite likely the Egyptian magicians were trying to figure out how Moses and Aaron performed these miracles. They were among the first of Pharaoh’s court or officials to acknowledge the miracles were from God and not from man. When they could not reproduce the plague of the gnats, they declared in Exodus 8:19 (NIV), “‘This is the finger of God.’” The magicians were employing slight-of-hand types of tricks to perform their “miracles.” They were imposters, and they knew it.

The Egyptian people had to suffer the repercussions of the miracles along with Pharaoh and his officials. However, Pharaoh had all the resources of the land at his disposal to counter or lessen the impact of the plagues while the people did not. They were likely filled with dread when each new miracle occurred, and they were powerless to convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.

Exodus 11:3 (NIV) says that the Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the Israelites and that Moses was held in high regard by both the Egyptian people and Pharaoh’s officials. This could have been because the Egyptian people saw how mighty was the God of the Israelites and witnessed how everything Moses said came true.

Chapter 11: Gnats and Flies

Exodus 8:16-32

Q1 - Before the fourth plague of the flies, God sent Moses early in the morning to speak to Pharaoh as he went down to the river. He had also done this with the earlier plague of turning the water into blood (see Exodus 7:15). Going down to the river was likely part of the king’s morning routine. This may have been an easier time for Moses to approach him directly. What impact do you think it made on Pharaoh to have Moses appear before him, first thing in the morning, before he even had a chance to wash himself off? How does it make you feel to have to confront something early in your day?

A1 - It’s not always easy to approach rulers directly, but Moses was able to on several occasions. This, in itself, shows the hand of God at work. There was probably some amount of dread on Pharaoh’s part every time he saw Moses, particularly as he kept on appearing and the plagues got worse and worse. What happens first thing in the morning often helps set the tone for the rest of the day.

Q2 - What do you think Pharaoh desired when he asked Moses to pray for him? Was he showing signs of humility, or was he only selfishly asking for relief from the plagues?

A2 - Pharaoh’s heart was hardened against the Israelites. Every time he and the Egyptians received relief from the plagues, he went back on his word and refused to allow the Israelites to leave. It’s difficult to believe that Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for him because his heart was turning to God. It’s more likely he was simply seeking relief.

Q3 - Scripture has much to say concerning Pharaoh’s hard heart. As the study of the plagues continue, watch for passages that indicate his state of mind and heart. Did God preordain him to act this way, or did God, as his Creator, already know how he would react?

A3 - Numerous scriptures tell us that God knows the hearts of humans. David told Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV): “‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.’” Another beautiful scripture concerning God knowing our thoughts is Psalm 139.

There is a difference between God knowing our hearts and compelling us to act in a certain manner. From the time of Adam and Eve, humans have made their own choices concerning their behavior. When God did not look with favor on Cain’s offering, He told him in Genesis 4:7 (NIV): “‘If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’” God knew Cain’s heart, but the decision Cain made when he murdered his brother was his own.

Chapter 12: Livestock, Boils, and Hail

Exodus 9

Q1 - How were plague number three (gnats) and plague number six (boils) similar?

A1 - Both the plague of the gnats and the plague of the boils involved small particles being dispersed through the air. With the gnats (number three), Aaron took his staff and struck the ground, causing the dust to become gnats which came upon both people and animals (see Exodus 8:16–19). With the boils (number six), Moses tossed handfuls of soot from a furnace into the air, which became like fine dust that caused boils on people and animals alike (see Exodus 9:8–12).

Also, these two plagues were inflicted without warning to Pharaoh and without him being given the option to avoid them if he chose to let the Israelites go. The upcoming plague of darkness throughout the land (number nine) also occurred without warning, at least not that is recorded in scripture (see Exodus 10:21–23).

Q2 - Before the onset of plague number seven, the hail storm, God reveals to Pharaoh His purpose for Pharaoh’s life with this powerful discourse: “‘By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth. But I have spared you for a purpose—to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth’” (Exodus 9:15–16 NLT).

Do you think Pharaoh really believed this statement from God? How do you think being told this affected Pharaoh’s future decisions?

A2 - The Egyptian culture believed in multiple gods which possessed various powers, so it’s possible that Pharaoh could have believed this message which Moses delivered from God. Being the ego driven person that he was, however, he continued to strive against God. He held such power as the ruler of Egypt that he refused to back down from the threats presented by the God of these slaves.

During the plague of the hail storm, Pharaoh did seem to finally have a bit of a change of heart. In Exodus 9:27–30, he stated he had sinned and that he and his people were in the wrong. Moses told him the thunder and hail would cease so that Pharaoh would know the earth is the Lord’s, but Moses remained unconvinced of his sincerity. As he left, he said in Exodus 9:30 (NIV) , “‘But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.’” Indeed, as soon as the hail storm ceased, he and his officials again hardened their hearts. Pharaoh sinned again by going back on his word and refused to let the Israelites go (see Exodus 9:33–35).

Plague nine, the plague of darkness, was not announced to Pharaoh ahead of time, as most of the others had been (except for three and six as discussed earlier). This time, after all that had happened, Pharaoh knew exactly whom to summon. However, even knowing by this point in time all that he did about God, he still stubbornly refused to allow the Israelites and all their animals to leave. Perhaps he felt he could not afford to lose face and back down, or perhaps he was trying to match wits with God.

Q3 - In the above mentioned scripture, God told Pharaoh He could have already killed Pharaoh and his people but He chose not to. Turn this statement around for a moment and think from Pharaoh’s perspective. Pharaoh was one of the most powerful rulers in the world with great resources at his disposal. Why did he continue to tolerate Moses and Aaron, these Hebrew slaves, standing before him, often ruining his morning routine, and making their outrageous demands? Why did he not order them executed immediately?

A3 - God had a hand in how Pharaoh treated Moses and Aaron. Back in Exodus 6:28–30 when Moses tried to make the excuse that he spoke with faltering lips, he asked God why would Pharaoh listen to him. God replied to Moses in Exodus 7:1 (NIV), “‘See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.’”

Pharaoh could also have been fearful of an uprising among the slaves. They were so numerous and physically strong that they could have become a threat to his authority if he provoked them by executing their leaders.

Chapter 13: Locusts

Exodus 10:1-20

Q1 - Why did Pharaoh state that only the men could go worship God?

A1 - Pharaoh knew that if he allowed anyone to go, they must have a reason to return. He must have felt confident the men would come back if their families were still in Egypt. The women and children left behind would still be able to perform a great deal of work and keep things going during the mens’ absence.

Q2 - Go back through all the plagues performed up to this point and try to envision the destruction that had been dealt upon the land, the people and the animals. What do you think was left after plague eight? What impact do you think the plagues were having upon Moses as he saw God protect His people from the destruction, even while He was revealing Himself in such powerful and undeniable ways?

A2 - It doesn’t sound like much could possibly have been left after plague eight. Here’s a brief review of the first eight plagues. (Number nine will be darkness and number ten will be the death of the firstborn.)

Plague 1—Water turned to blood—the fish in the Nile River died, and the water could not be drunk.

Plague 2—Frogs—they were a major nuisance and became a public health hazard after they died, with the piles of dead frogs heaped everywhere.

Plague 3—Gnats—another major nuisance, unless they were actually lice as some Bible versions state, or mosquitos as some commentaries suggest, in which case the people and animals may also have been covered in bites.

Plague 4—Flies—dense swarms of flies were everywhere and the land was ruined (Exodus 8:24). Some commentaries suggest these pests were actually beetles which chewed up all sorts of materials, including the crops.

Plague 5—Livestock—all the horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, sheep, and goats of the Egyptians died (the animals listed vary, depending on the Bible version).

Plague 6—Boils—festering boils came upon the people and any animals they had left (maybe the pigs and poultry had been spared earlier, and possibly household pets).

Plague 7—Hail—it struck everything in the fields, both people and animals, beating down everything growing in the fields and stripping every tree. Only the wheat and spelt were not destroyed because they had not yet ripened (Exodus 9:31–32).

Plague 8—Locusts—they devoured anything that had been left by the hail, such that nothing green remained on tree or plant in all of Egypt (Exodus 10:15).

It’s likely that with every plague, Moses’s faith in God was strengthened. At the very least, the plagues were a learning time for both Moses and the Israelite people. They were all coming to know God in a way their ancestors never had. How gratifying it had to have been for them to witness both God’s power as well as His protection of the Israelites from all the destruction.

Q3 - The Egyptians had a god for almost everything. With the various plagues, God systematically showed His might over their gods. How do you think the people felt with each new plague that was inflicted upon them?

A3 - With the God of the Israelites showing His might over Pharaoh and the various forces of nature, the Egyptians had to have doubted the power of their gods. While some of the Egyptian people may not have had knowledge of Pharaoh’s dealings with Moses and the God of the Israelites, they certainly bore the pain and suffering the plagues caused. Each new plague had to have added even more dread and created an increasing level of fear in their hearts.

Chapter 14: Darkness and a Final Warning

Exodus 10:21-11:10

Q1 - Satan is often associated with darkness and God with light. Do you think the total darkness in Egypt may have symbolized the absence of God, particularly since there was light where the Hebrews lived? Find scriptures in the Bible that talk about darkness. Find scriptures that talk about light. Compare and contrast the darkness with the light.

A1 - With the first eight plagues, God showed His power in ways that affected the Egyptians bodies, their food supply, and their animals which provided transportation and helped them work. With the plague of darkness, He showed His power over light, over the world itself. By bringing total and complete darkness upon the land, God caused great fear among the people and immobilized them. He clearly showed His superiority over the father of all the Egyptian gods, Ra, the sun god whom they believed created the universe.

The Hebrews had light where they lived in the land of Goshen. Their God was with them. The Egyptians did not have God, the one true God, and their land was filled with darkness. God brings the true light upon the world, exposing evil and guiding the lives of His followers.

Soon, God would use light and darkness to guide His people through the wilderness. The pillar of cloud, which guided them by day, became a pillar of fire by night. He would also place that pillar of cloud between the Egyptians and the Israelites as they escaped so that the Egyptians remained in darkness and could not come near the Israelites (see Exodus 14:19–20).

Numerous scriptures contrast the light with darkness. In Acts 26:17–18 (NIV) while Paul was speaking before King Agrippa, he explained that the Lord had called him to witness to others about Jesus. The Lord told him, “‘I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV) states, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

1 John 1:5 (NIV) states, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”

These are only a few scriptures concerning light and darkness. Pull up https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Darkness to find other meaningful scriptures on the topic.

Q2 - With each plague, God showed His superiority over various Egyptian gods. Moses and the Israelites were raised in the Egyptian culture and knew about these gods. How do you think witnessing the plagues impacted the Israelites and Moses in particular? Exodus 11:3 states Moses was held in high regard by Pharaoh’s officials and the people. How would the plagues have bolstered their opinion of Moses?

A2 - The plagues showed God’s great might, not only to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, but also to the Israelites and Moses. Having witnessed over and over His power over all other gods, the Israelites had to have been strengthened in their faith in God. They would need every bit of that strength for their exodus out of Egypt and their journey on to the Promised Land.

As for Moses, he had very reluctantly accepted God’s call to be the leader of the Israelites. It must have felt amazing and awe inspiring for him and Aaron to be able to perform all these miracles, one after the other, as God commanded. It must have also increased Moses’s faith and trust in God, something he, too, would need every bit of as he led the Israelites for the next forty years.

Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people were on the receiving end of all the plagues. Certainly they understood the one God of the Israelites had bested their gods. Their bodies had been afflicted and their land destroyed. Everything Moses said came true. It’s no wonder they held him in high regard after all they had witnessed. He and Aaron were the spokespersons for this all-powerful God.

Q3 - Why do you think Moses was so angry when he left Pharaoh’s presence?

A3 - The circumstances reached a boiling point when Moses told Pharaoh of the final plague which was to come, the death of the firstborn. Instead of Pharaoh seeking to spare his nation and even his own household from this plague, he commanded Moses to leave and threatened him with death.

Pharaoh knew that every other plague had happened just as Moses foretold, yet  his pride kept him from changing his mind and allowing the Israelites to leave. Perhaps Moses was so angry because he was being expelled from Pharaoh’s presence and threatened with death, or because Pharaoh inexplicably chose death for all the firstborn of Egypt. Moses may have also had a temper that he struggled at times to keep in check. Examples of his temper showing itself include his killing of the Egyptian for mistreating his fellow Israelite and throwing the tablets of stone down which contained the Ten Commandments and shattering them to pieces.

Chapter 15: God Establishes the Passover

Exodus 12:1-28

Q1 - What is the significance of yeast? Why did they need to remove yeast from their homes on the first day of the festival? What would have happened if they had tried to travel with yeast?

A1 - Yeast is a single-cell fungus which is present almost everywhere—in the air as well as on the earth. It acts as a leavening agent when it’s allowed time to ferment in bread dough. As it ferments, it gives off carbon dioxide gas. These tiny gas bubbles become trapped in the dough, thus causing the dough to rise. Because yeast ferments faster in higher temperatures, the climate in Egypt and the Middle East would usually be favorable to this naturally occurring process. (This article provide more information: Baking Science: What is yeast?)

The celebration of the Passover commemorated the Israelites’ flight from Egypt. Because the they left in haste, their bread did not have time to rise. Eating unleavened bread during the time of Passover was meant them to help them remember how the death angel passed over their homes, sparing their families from the deaths of their firstborn, and how God delivered them from bondage.

Additionally, it would not have been practical to try to travel with bread that was in the process of rising. Jostling the rising dough during travel would have made the loaf go flat, plus the Israelites wouldn’t be have been able to stop while they were fleeing and bake the bread at the time it became ready.

While yeast gives flavor and texture to bread and other baked goods, in the Bible it is sometimes symbolic of sin or evil because of the way it works itself through the whole loaf. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul urged the church in Corinth not to tolerate the immorality that was occurring among its members. He likened the situation to yeast in that it would work its way throughout the church. He instructed them to get rid of the old yeast so that they might be a new batch without yeast. “‘For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed,’” he said in 1 Corinthians 5:7–8 (NIV). “‘Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.’”

The Israelites, in ridding their homes of yeast in preparation for the Passover, were also symbolically casting away malice and sin. By having the whole family go through and search for bread crumbs or anything containing yeast, the occasion became a teachable moment for the parents. They could tell their children the story of the first passover and God’s miraculous deliverance while also talking about the importance of casting sin out of their lives in order to be pure and holy.

Later, yeast would not be allowed in many of their sacrifices and offerings. God told them in Exodus 34:25 (NIV), “‘Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Festival remain until morning.’”

However, for the fellowship or peace offering, cakes of bread made both with yeast and without yeast, one of each kind, were to be brought (see Leviticus 7:11–14).

Q2 - How many parallels can you think of between the Passover lamb and Jesus?

A2 - You may think of others. Here are a few of the parallels:

The passover lamb was to be selected ahead of time on the tenth day of the month but was not sacrificed until four days later (Exodus 12:3,6). Before the world began, God had prepared His plan to bring Jesus into the world (Matthew 25:34, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 1:20).

The passover lamb was to be without any blemishes or defects (Exodus 12:5). Jesus was holy and undefiled, having lived a life without sin (1 Peter 1:19).

The lamb’s blood that was spread on the door frames of the homes where the passover was eaten spared those inside from death (Exodus 12:7,12–13). Jesus's blood which he shed on the cross for our redemption spares Christians from eternal death (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:12).

The bones of the lamb were not to be broken (Exodus 12:9,46). As prophesied, neither were Jesus's bones broken (John 19:32–33,36; Psalm 34:20).

Q3 - What role did hyssop play in the original Passover? What role did hyssop play in John 19:28–30?

A3 - Hyssop was a plant that was evidently fairly plentiful in the region. In preparation for the passover, they were to take several pieces of the plant, bunch them together, and use them as a brush with which to apply the blood to the door frames of their homes. It was used in several of the cleansing processes (see Leviticus 14:4, 49–52, Numbers 19:18) and was also considered a purifying agent (see Psalm 51:7).

At Jesus's crucifixion, as He hung on the cross, He said He was thirsty. Someone, presumably a soldier, took a sponge and soaked it in some sour wine or wine vinegar. After placing the sponge on a stalk of hyssop, he lifted it to Jesus's mouth. Jesus then said, “‘It is finished,’” and gave up His spirit (John 19:28–30 NIV).

The author of this article, “What is hyssop?”, makes this observation concerning the use of hyssop at Jesus's crucifixion:

“While the hyssop stalk may have been used for purely practical purposes (i.e., it was long enough to reach to Jesus's mouth as He hung on the cross), it is interesting that that particular plant was chosen. It is possible that God meant this as a picture of purification, as Jesus bought our forgiveness with His sacrifice. Just as in the Old Testament blood and hyssop purified a defiled person, so Jesus's shed blood purifies us from the defilement of our sin.”

Chapter 16: The Final Plague

Exodus 12:29-51

Q1 - Why did the Israelites eat unleavened bread the night the death angel passed over? Compare their eating of the bread the last night before they were set free with Jesus's eating of the bread the last night before His crucifixion.

A1 - The Israelites ate bread without yeast or leavening on the night the death angel passed over their homes because they had to eat in haste without taking time for the dough to rise. They would also continue to eat unleavened bread as they fled Egypt (see Exodus 12:39).

In their subsequent celebrations of the Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread which followed, they were to eat bread without yeast or leavening for seven days. These celebrations were a way for them to commemorate the time of their deliverance from death and their escape to freedom.

Just as the Israelites ate unleavened bread on their last night before being set free, so Jesus would also eat unleavened bread on His last night before His crucifixion. The Israelites escaped the death angel and left Egypt a free people. Jesus, with His physical death on the cross, actually conquered death. The grave could not hold Him, and He arose on the third day. Not only did He free Himself from death, but He conquered death and set free all who would believe in Him and follow His teachings. As He told Martha in John 11:25–26 (NIV), “‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’”

Q2 - What was the significance of the way the Passover lamb was to be prepared? Why were they to eat all of the Passover lamb in one house, not taking any outside, and not breaking any of its bones? See Exodus 12:8–11, 46; Numbers 9:12.

A2 - The blood from the lamb (or goat) was used to paint on the doorframe of the home. The lamb was then to be roasted whole over a fire. This was probably the simplest way of cooking and would not require it to be cut up. To boil it in a large pot would be cumbersome, plus a whole lamb might not fit in a pot. It was to be eaten with bitter herbs. Perhaps the herbs signified the bitterness of their slavery. Jesus, as our sacrificial lamb, was given sour wine or vinegar to drink right before He gave up His life, so he tasted bitterness before His death as well (John 19:28–30).

The lamb was to be eaten whole, without any of its bones being broken. That meant that all who partook of a given lamb had to eat it in one house, gathered around the lamb, and eat it as a group, perhaps signifying unity. None of the lamb was to be taken outside, and certainly the people would want to stay inside the house where they would be safe from the angel of death.

Anything left of the lamb had to be burned by morning. This meant that nothing would be left to be desecrated, perhaps by the Egyptians who might come along later or animals who might devour the scraps. In like manner, Jesus did not leave a corpse behind. He arose from the dead, and His body did not see decay (Acts  2:27; 13:37).

Q3 - After commanding Moses to leave and threatening him with death in Exodus 10:28, why do you suppose Pharaoh later asked Moses to bless him in Exodus 12:32?

A3- Pharaoh, as well as his officials, knew that he was dealing with a force much greater than himself or his gods. Up to this point, his pride had prevented him from conceding to Moses’s demands to free the Israelites. Now, with death striking his own household (Exodus 12:29), he had been humbled. He knew that the God who had the power to send the angel of death and the rest of the plagues also had the power to bless him. For the moment, his pride had been pierced, and he allowed himself to call out to Yahweh. His humility would not last long, however, and soon he and his army would be chasing the Israelites through the wilderness and into the sea.

Chapter 17: Out of Egypt

Exodus 13:17-14:12

Q1 - In what other instances in the Bible did God’s presence dwell within the form of a cloud?(See 1 Kings 8:10–13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Revelation 14:14.)

A1 - These passages refer to both times past and times in the future. You may know of other scriptures that tell of God’s presence dwelling within a cloud.

The passage in 1 Kings 8 describes the time when King Solomon built the temple for the Lord and the ark of the covenant was first placed inside the Most Holy Place. As the priests withdrew from putting the ark in its place, the glory of the Lord in the form of a cloud filled the temple such that the priests could not perform their service.

The passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 (NIV) describes when the Lord will come again. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then in verse 17, “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Revelation 14:14–16 (NIV) describes the harvesting of the earth: “I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, ‘Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.”

Q2 - As Pharaoh and his army drew near to the Israelites, what do you suppose they were thinking when they saw the Israelites near the sea?

A2 - Pharaoh and the Egyptian army probably thought the Israelites did not know the best route to take out of Egypt, and now they were trapped with the army on one side and the sea on the other. This relatively slow moving group with children and livestock likely appeared to be easy prey for the soldiers to slaughter or recapture.

Q3 - How did the route the Israelites took out of Egypt work to their advantage in the end, even better than if they had taken the shorter route through Philistine territory?

A3 - Not only did the Israelites get to witness God’s great might in destroying the Egyptian army, but now the army was eliminated! If the Israelites had taken the shorter route, the Egyptians would likely not have stopped in their pursuit at the border of Egypt. The Israelites would still have been in grave danger in Philistine territory, both from the Egyptian army continuing to chase them and also with the possibility of the Philistines coming to fight them as well.

With the Egyptian army killed in the waters of the Red Sea, there was no one left to pursue them. If Pharaoh had been thinking, he would not have entered the sea with the walls of water looming over them and would have instead gone around and pursued the Israelites on the other side. Of all people, he should have been cautious, as he had witnessed over and over the power of the God of the Israelites.

Chapter 18: Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 14:13-31

Q1 - What does it mean, that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart and those of his officials? Did they have a choice or not in how they responded to the situation?

A1 - God knows the hearts of people. David explained this concept to his son, Solomon, in 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV): “‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.’”

God knew Pharaoh’s heart, and He gave him over to his own willful pride. The Pharaohs of Egypt wielded great power and had immense resources at their disposal. More than that, the Pharaohs were evidently considered gods, and their authority was absolute.

This Pharaoh who was in power at the time of the Exodus had already shown himself to be ruthless in his treatment of the Israelites. From his words and actions, his ego and his great pride were evident. For him to have backed down from his rulings or decrees would have meant that he had been wrong, that he was fallible. This would have threatened his power, something he could not tolerate.

Pharaoh’s resolve to keep the Israelites in captivity was already firmly in place. While God may have strengthened Pharaoh’s resolve and hardened his heart, in several cases the scriptures state that Pharaoh, rather than God, hardened his heart (see Exodus 8:15; 8:32).

God knew the bent of Pharaoh’s heart. God understood the Pharaoh’s pridefulness. He also knew that Pharaoh’s officials would not have the strength to stand against Pharaoh, and God used all this in fulfilling His plan to free the Israelites.

For further study, read Psalm 10 which talks about the wicked and their ways. Psalm 10:4 (NIV) states: “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”

These articles provide further information and thoughts on the topic:

"Meet King Pharaoh: Arrogant Egyptian Ruler"

"Did God Really Harden Pharaoh’s Heart?"

"Why Did God ‘Harden’ Pharaoh’s Heart in Exodus?"

"Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart"

Q2 - In Exodus 14:17b–18 (NKJV), God declared, “So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” If God’s purpose was to free the Israelites from slavery, why was it also important to Him to gain honor over the Egyptians?

A2 - Egypt was likely the most powerful country in the known world at that time. It was also a well established country that worshiped many false gods. If God could show His dominance over Egypt, He would in effect show that the whole world was under His control. Just as importantly, He would show that all the other gods were false gods.

God could have chosen to free the Israelites from slavery in a much less dramatic fashion if He had so desired. By leading up to their deliverance with the ten plagues and then parting the waters of the sea to make a path for their escape, He clearly illustrated that He had control over all the forces of the earth. This demonstration of power was as much for the benefit of the Israelites as it was for the Egyptians. The Israelites could have no doubt that He was the true God and that He had chosen them for His own people. The Egyptians could have no doubt that their gods were useless and that their most powerful ruler, the Pharaoh, was no match for the God of the Israelites.

Q3 - The Israelites deliverance from Egypt become a defining event in their history. God refers to it many times in the scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 10:1b–2 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul states, “…all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea…” What did their crossing the sea symbolize?

A3 - The Israelites were guided in their journey to the Promised Land by the presence of God in the pillar of cloud. When they passed between the great walls of water as they crossed the sea, they left Egypt and slavery behind. They emerged on the other side a free people. They were now undeniably followers of God, of Yahweh.

The Apostle Paul compared this experience of the Israelites to the way believers become Christians today. In baptism, a person goes down into the water as a slave to sin and comes up out of the water a new person, free from the shackles of sin with the hope of spending eternity with God (see Romans 6:1–9).

Paul used the example of the Israelites as a warning to the church at Corinth to whom he wrote the epistle of 1 Corinthians. Even though the Israelites had pledged themselves to God, many of them fell away. They grumbled and engaged in immoral behavior and idolatry. As a result, their bodies were scattered over the wilderness.

What happened to the Israelites should serve as a warning to all Christians. The same dangers the Israelites faced were still present in various forms during the time of the early church, and they’re still present today. Paul urged them not to allow temptations to lead them astray.  In 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 (NIV), he gave a warning, along with a promise from God:  “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Chapter 19: A Song of Praise to the Lord

Exodus 14:30-15:21

Q1 - Consider for a moment, the impact Moses had on the scriptures. He is credited for writing the Pentateuch. Originally this was a single volume that was later divided into what are now the first five books of our Bible. By word count, Moses wrote more than any other single author. With this song, he formally introduced the element of singing into worship.

Up to this point in time, what do you envision worship by the Patriarchs was like? How did worship change during Moses's time? How did it change during the time of the kings and during the time of Christ?

A1 - For the patriarchs, their worship of God seemed to consist of offering sacrifices and praying or communing with God. Cain and Abel offered sacrifices (Genesis 4:3–4). Noah built an altar and made burnt offerings after getting off the ark (Genesis 8:20–21). Abram built altars as he traveled through Canaan (Genesis 12:6–8, 13:18). Later, after God renamed him Abraham, he was called upon to offer his son, Isaac, as a test of his faith (Genesis 22). God provided a ram as a substitute offering in exchange for Isaac’s life, much as He has provided Jesus in exchange for our lives.

As He was about to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, God established the celebration of the Passover. With this feast, He introduced formal observances as a form of worship. Later He would establish other feasts and days of remembrance for the Israelites.

With Moses came the Law. For the first time, God presented His people with a formal, written law. He gave very specific instructions on how the various sacrifices were to be made and established the system of priests to serve as intermediaries for the people as they worshipped. The people often gathered in assembly to worship God, although some sacrifices were still made on an individual basis with the priests overseeing the process. While assembled, they also listened to the Word of God being read so they could learn His laws and instructions.

The Ten Commandments constituted the framework for the Law. The fourth of those commandments was to remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8–11). Thus, God’s people were given the seventh day of each week to rest from their work and worship their God.

Moses introduced the element of singing as a means of worship. After safely crossing the Red Sea and escaping the Egyptian army, he paused and wrote a song of praise and thanksgiving to God for their delivery in Exodus 15. Miriam and the women took tambourines in hand and danced as they sang the refrain (Exodus 15:20–21). Moses is also credited with writing Psalm 90 and possibly a few more, according to tradition. Then, shortly before his death, he wrote a final song at God’s instruction (Deuteronomy 31:19–22, 30) and taught it to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 32).

While bringing the ark of the covenant up to Jerusalem, King David and all of Israel celebrated with all their might by singing songs and playing various musical instruments (2 Samuel 6:5). David also danced before the Lord with all his might during this time (2 Samuel 6:14–15). David himself was musically inclined, as he played the harp (1 Samuel 16:23) and also wrote many of the Psalms.

King Solomon built the first temple. Located in Jerusalem, it housed the ark of the covenant and served as a centralized place for God’s people to meet and to worship. However, only the priests could enter beyond the outer courtyard.

During the time of Christ, the Law was still in effect. Jesus worshipped at the temple in Jerusalem and observed the feast days. Not until He died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins would the Law be fulfilled and the New Covenant ushered in. It would be after His death that worship would change.

Jesus established a spiritual kingdom, rather than a physical one. Animal sacrifices were no longer required because He offered Himself once and for all time. Christians began to meet on the first day of the week, as that was the day Jesus arose from the grave (Acts 20:7). They assembled together, during which time they sang, prayed, and encouraged one another. They also observed the Lord’s Supper on Sundays. Worship became less structured and ritualistic, more of a personal communion with God. Jesus became our high priest and serves as the perfect intermediary for all time.

Q2 - Various commentators surmise that Miriam and the women repeated the verse in Exodus 15:21 after each of the segments or stanzas of the song, not just at the end. This would mean that the song’s format is very similar to many of the hymns sung in worship today, where the refrain or chorus is sung after every verse.

Various versions of the Bible and various commentaries differ on how they divide this Song of Moses into stanzas, with some not indicating divisions. Where would you place the breaks for the stanzas or verses and why would you place them there? Briefly outline the main thoughts that Moses presented in this song.

A2 - Read through the Song of Moses and see where you think the breaks belong. Briefly summarize each segment that you identify. This song is a song of praise in which Moses tells both what God has done for His people in the recent past and what He will do in the future for them.

Q3 - What are the physical and mental benefits of singing? How could this Song of Moses have been therapeutic for a group of scared slaves who had just escaped capture or death and now found themselves in a foreign country? How can singing be therapeutic for us today?

A3 - This is a song of praise to their God, of their victory over Pharaoh’s army, and of their deliverance. It also speaks to how events will unfold in their future and how God will bring them to their inheritance. Surely, this song bolstered their spirits and gave them greater confidence as they marched forward into the unknown.

Creating song lyrics and then putting them to music makes the story told by the song much more memorable. Singing can also boost your physical and mental health. The article, “10 Ways That Singing Benefits Your Health,” lists, among others, these benefits of singing: it may help you relieve stress, stimulate your immune response, improve your lung function, develop a sense of belonging and connection, and improve your mental health and your mood. Certainly, these benefits would have been most welcome to the Israelites, just as they are to us today.