Exodus

Seventy.
The purpose of noting this number is to highlight how God grew them into a nation of 600,000. “Your ancestors who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky” (Deuteronomy 10:22).

Through forced labor (verse 11)

By killing male babies (verse 16)

In verse 7, it mentions that the Israelites became fruitful and powerful. While it doesn’t explicitly say that God did this, the passage implies it. The world’s resistance to God’s work is shown in verses 9-10, where the Egyptians feared that if the Israelites grew too numerous, they might join their enemies and leave Egypt.
“Come, let us deal wisely” is a typical expression of human planning. Although the Egyptians employed various means to prevent the Israelites’ exodus, God’s will eventually prevailed.

By God’s intervention.

God, Pharaoh.

He commanded that every male child be thrown into the river.

Pharaoh, God

God used human evil against Him to fulfill His good will. Pharaoh’s plan to suppress the Israelites ended up leading to the safe preparation of Moses as the deliverer. Similarly, God’s plan to elevate Joseph seemed thwarted when his brothers sold him into slavery, but eventually, through famine, they bowed to him. Likewise, Jesus’ death was intended by religious leaders to declare Him accursed, but it became the means through which the Holy Spirit was given, and His name was exalted above all.

Pharaoh’s daughter.

Pharaoh asked him to be thrown to the river. His daughter rescued him.

Because he feared for his life after killing an Egyptian.

No, he saw it as a life of exile.

In a burning bush that was not consumed.
The burning bush is often interpreted by commentators as a symbol of Israel, which, though oppressed in Egypt, was not destroyed because God was with them.

In ancient times, the term ‘god’ was a common noun. It could refer to many gods. Therefore, it is very important to specify which god is being referred to. What distinguishes our God from other gods is not that He is called the ‘god of strength’ or ‘god of fire,’ but that He is called ‘the God of Abraham.’ God cannot be described by any other power or form but only as the God who appeared to Abraham and was experienced by Abraham. Our God is a personal God, and true communion with Him cannot occur without a personal relationship. Meeting Him, which means knowing Him, requires more than just hearing about Him; it necessitates a direct encounter, much like knowing a person requires meeting them rather than just hearing rumors.

Another attritbute that distinguishes our Gor from other gods was His holiness (verse 5).

Compassion for their suffering and faithfulness to His promise.

“I will be with you” (verse 12).
The sign that God had sent Moses would be the Israelites worshiping at Mount Horeb after their exodus.

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob (as God first revealed Himself)

I Am Who I Am (the name given to Moses when he asked for God’s name. However, God again affirmed Himself as the God of Abraham (verse 15))

The God of the Hebrews (this name was used to refer to God when speaking to Pharaoh. The term ‘Hebrew’ implies ‘those who crossed over’ and carries connotations of being foreigners or strangers, suggesting an image of a poor and oppressed people) (used when addressing Pharaoh).

“The people won’t believe that the Lord appeared to me,”
and “I am slow of speech.”
Most refusals of God’s commands come from focusing on people rather than on God.

To prove that God had appeared to Moses.

“I will be with you and teach you what to say.”
When Moses still hesitated, God appointed Aaron to speak for him. However, Aaron’s involvement later led to idolatry (Exodus 32).

God sought to kill Moses, but Zipporah saved him by circumcising their son.
According to Midianite customs, circumcision was performed before marriage, not on newborns as with the Israelites. Moses likely did not circumcise his son due to his Midianite family’s practices. As Moses was preparing to lead the Israelites, his lack of faith was exposed as a test of ‘trust and obedience’ to God. That Zipporah performed the circumcision suggests there was debate about this issue within the family.

This event highlighted Moses’ need to fully trust and obey God as he was about to lead Israel.

It is unclear when Moses sent his wife and children back to his father-in-law Jethro’s house, but during Moses’ mission of leading the Exodus, his wife and children did not accompany him and later reunited with him at Mount Sinai (Chapter 18).

He claimed not to know the God of Israel.
Pharaoh likely saw the God of the Hebrews as insignificant compared to the gods of Egypt, thinking of himself as the highest manifestation of the gods.

He increased the Israelites’ labor.

Exodus 3:19

Moses, God.
Had they remembered God’s promises, they wouldn’t have complained. God’s actions often differ from our expectations, yet always align with His word.

Almighty God, YHWH, covenant, life of slavery.

Verses 2-5: “I am the Lord” (1 time), “I will…” (3 times).

Verses 6-7: “I am the Lord” (2 times), “I will…” (4 times).

Verse 8: “I will…” (2 times), “I am the Lord” (1 time).

Total: “I am the Lord” (4 times), “I will…” (7 times).
The name “God” emphasizes His divine attributes like “Creator” or “Almighty,” whereas YHWH (Jehovah) emphasizes His personal relationship with His people through covenant.

When we talk about a personal being, we consider two attributes: free will and relationality. God is free from everything and desires to grant freedom to us who were made in His image. In Exodus, God emphasizes the land of Egypt as the ‘land of slavery’. God emphasizes that He chose Abraham and the people of Israel by His own free will. God desired that the Israelites love and serve Him out of their own free will. He gave the Holy Spirit to free them from the law and to love Him freely. The freedom of a Christian is a very important and major theme.

Also, as being a personal being, God desires to establish relationships with other persons, and in those relationships, we see His faithfulness, specifically faithfulness to promises. We humans are not truly free, always bound by something, and unfaithful in relationships, but God is free and does not oppress anyone. He is also faithful. In Christ and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we inherit God’s freedom and faithfulness.

Moses.
It’s interesting that God gives no response to Moses’ complaint in verse 12.

Kohath, Amram.
Moses’ genealogy is included to show that he wasn’t just a random figure but was chosen as part of God’s providence from the tribe of Levi. The repetition of the same passage in verses 10-12 and 28-30 emphasizes that despite Moses’ reluctance, God sent him, confirming that Moses was God’s appointed prophet.

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

To harden Pharaoh’s heart so that God could bring many plagues upon Egypt, making the Egyptians recognize that YHWH is the God of Israel, a God who keeps His promises and frees His people from oppression.

120 years old.

His staff turned into a serpent. Aaron’s staff swallowing the staffs of the Egyptian magicians signified that God’s power was greater than their gods.

Because God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and the Egyptian magicians performed the same miracle.

Cause (verses 16-17): Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go and worship in the wilderness, so God struck the Nile to show Pharaoh who YHWH is.

What happened: Aaron struck the water of the Nile, and all the water turned to blood. The fish died, and the river smelled foul.

Pharaoh’s reaction (verses 22-23): The Egyptian magicians replicated the miracle, so Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he ignored the word of the Lord.

Cause (verse 2): Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go and serve Him.

What happened: Aaron stretched out his hand over the Nile, and frogs came up and covered the land. The magicians did the same.

Pharaoh’s reaction (verses 8-15): Pharaoh promised to let the Israelites go and sacrifice to the Lord. But when the frogs were gone after Moses prayed, Pharaoh hardened his heart again.

The ten plagues were a judgment against the various gods of Egypt and the values that believed in such gods

The magicians acknowledged that this was the finger of God.

Why was there no plague in the land of Goshen? (verses 22-23)
God distinguished His people from Pharaoh’s people by sparing them from the plague.

Pharaoh’s reaction (verses 25-27, 28, 30-31):
He allowed the Israelites to sacrifice in Egypt. Then he permitted them to go into the wilderness but told them not to go too far. However, once the flies were gone, he hardened his heart again.

Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go and serve Him.

The disease did not affect Israel’s livestock, and it began at the exact time God specified.

To demonstrate that this was God’s doing. The magicians couldn’t stand before Pharaoh, symbolizing that even their gods couldn’t protect Egypt from God’s judgment.

To show His power and make His name known throughout the earth (verse 16).

The hail came when Moses stretched his staff towards the sky. There was no hail in Goshen. Those Egyptians who feared God’s word brought their livestock indoors (verse 20). The hail plague showed that God’s intention wasn’t complete destruction but rather salvation.

He admitted he had sinned and promised to let the people go, but once the hail ceased, Pharaoh and his officials hardened their hearts again.

Exodus 8:15: Pharaoh hardened his heart.

Exodus 8:19: Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

Exodus 8:32: Pharaoh hardened his heart.

Exodus 9:7: Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

Exodus 9:12: God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.

Exodus 9:35: Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.
Pharaoh’s heart initially hardened by his own choice (Exodus 7:13), but as he continued, God confirmed and strengthened this hardness, allowing him to experience the consequences of his refusal.

We need to focus on the repeated expression, “as the Lord has spoken.” We might want to assign blame for Pharaoh’s stubbornness, but that is between Pharaoh and God. The Bible tells us ‘as the Lord has spoken.’ The lesson from this scripture is that we should not follow the example of Pharaoh (1 Samuel 6:6, Hebrews 3:15). We should not be judges of the Word, but rather obeyers of the Word.

To show His power and to teach the Israelites to fear the Lord.

Only the men could go and sacrifice.

The locust plague was a unique and unprecedented act of God, meant to make His power known.

Three days.

He told them to leave their livestock behind, showing

They took plunder as a symbol of victory over the Egyptians and their gods. God made them ask for gold and silver valuables from their Egyptian neighbors, and the neighbors willingly gave them up. In Exodus 3:22 and 12:36, the term “took” can also mean “plundered.” God wanted the Israelites to know that He is greater than any god in the world, and these valuables were later used to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness, although they also made a golden calf with it.

Because Pharaoh refused to release God’s firstborn, Israel. God’s plan was to call Israel first and save the nations through them.

On the 14th day of the first month in the Jewish calendar. God made this month the first month of their year.

1, 4, 14, blood, roasted

Blood

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

To remember (commemorate) it.

A lamb or goat

They didn’t have time (v39). Even Pharaoh and the Egyptians, who had blocked their exodus, gave them gold and silver to make them leave quickly, which was God’s work.

430 years. God had told Abraham they would be enslaved for 400 years (Genesis 15:13), and they would return to Canaan in the fourth generation (Genesis 15:16).

Passover and circumcision. Even foreigners living among the Israelites could become God’s people through circumcision and Passover.

Law (or fear), hearts (or life), kill, hardness

They might have feared war and returned to Egypt (v17). This shows that God sometimes leads us through easier paths, especially when we are new believers, to avoid too strong hardship for baby Christians.

To make the Egyptians know who God is. ‘They will know that I am the Lord.’ He acts according to His own will, and nothing can oppose the Lord, who saves His people from the strongest armies. All other gods are served by humans and act passively according to their demands, favoring those who bring offerings, not His chosen people. Their power is not absolute and they must compete or cooperate with other gods. ‘They will know that I am the Lord.’ What a remarkable declaration!

“We are going to die here!” (v11)

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.”

The pillar of cloud moved behind them, turning the night into darkness between the Egyptians and Israelites.

“The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”

To know, fear, and trust the Lord.

The Lord, salvation

Majesty (His greatness and power to judge), lovingkindness

To dwell in God’s presence

The Lord is our healer.

The Lord, meat, bread, hunger

He promised to rain down bread from heaven, but only enough for each day to test whether they would follow His law. This was to reveal God’s goodness and their lack of trust, so they would understand.

Eight times (verses 2, 7, 8, 9, 11).

Gather only enough for one day. Do not go out on the Sabbath.

To test whether they would trust Him and to train them to rely on Him.

To remind future generations that God fed them with manna in the wilderness, something they had never seen before.

They were thirsty and accused Moses of leading them into the wilderness to die of thirst.

To make them aware of God’s presence among them. It was not Moses who led them into the wilderness, but God Himself, and it was not to destroy them that He led them into the wilderness, but to show them His purpose

“Moses did so in plain view of the elders”

God (v15). Moses prayed for God’s help.

Moses’ wife Zipporah and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer.

Verse 8. Jethro rejoiced, praised God, offered sacrifices, and shared a meal with Israel’s elders.

He said it was not good.

It contrasts to the phrase ‘all the good things’ that God does. The author wants to emphasize that only God is good, and that the history of the Exodus was solely the work of God.

They should be capable = fearing God. They should be trustworthy = hating dishonest gain. They should lead the people according to God’s will, bring the people’s cases to God, and ensure Shalom of God for the people.

Around 45 to 60 days, arriving on the first day of the third month.

So that they would obey His voice and keep His covenant, becoming a holy nation and a kingdom of priests to bless all nations.

They had to consecrate themselves and wash their clothes.

Thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, a very loud trumpet sound, smoke, fire, and trembling.

Not because they were holy, but because God chose them. The people were required to consecrate themselves to recognize their sinfulness and God’s holiness.

He brought them out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

We experience God’s jealousy.

Because He created for six days and rested on the seventh, blessing and making it holy.

They were afraid and asked Moses to speak to God on their behalf because they feared direct communication with God. This reveals three reactions to God: indifference (from those who don’t know God), fear (from those who experience God’s power but don’t understand His heart), and worship and trust (from those who know God’s power is for their benefit).

You shall have no other gods before Me.

Do not make any idols.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord.

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Honor your father and mother.

Do not murder.

Do not commit adultery.

Do not steal.

Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Do not covet your neighbor’s property.

Six years of service, and he will go free in the seventh year.

He must flee to a city of refuge, where he stays until the high priest dies and his innocence is confirmed.

Compensate for the loss until the injured person recovers.

If the victim was a free person: the owner must be put to death or pay a ransom.

If the victim was a minor: the owner must pay a ransom.

If the victim was a slave: the owner must pay 30 shekels of silver.

If the thief is killed during daylight, the homeowner is held responsible.

If the ox is found alive, the thief must repay double. If the ox has been killed or sold, the thief must repay five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep.

By bringing the matter before God and taking an oath to settle the dispute.

God is just toward the vulnerable (v23), merciful to the poor (v27), and Israel is to be a holy people, reflecting God’s character to others.

You must return it to your enemy, even if they hate you.

So that the working animals and servants may rest as well.

Passover & Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks (Harvest Festival or Pentecost), and Feast of Ingathering (Feast of Tabernacles).

An angel, obey, enemy; worship, bless; fear, treaties.

True, but Moses alone was allowed to come close.

True.

True.

True.

True.

True.

To receive the stone tablets with the commandments. He stayed for 40 days and nights.

The Ark of the Covenant (in the Most Holy Place), the Table for the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense (mentioned later in Chapter 30).

Above the atonement cover (mercy seat) on the Ark of the Covenant.

Seven lamps.

See which one is the correct picture of the lampstand?

Right one! God commanded Moses to make it just as He had shown him on the mountain. Creating images and forms must be done with great care and according to the guidance of God

Verses 1, 7, 14.

30 cubits by 44 cubits.

48 frames and 96 silver bases.

5 cubits by 5 cubits by 3 cubits high (7.5 feet x 7.5 feet x 4.5 feet).

100 cubits by 50 cubits (150 feet by 75 feet).

Fourteen: two onyx stones with six tribes’ names each on the shoulders, and 12 gemstones on the breastplate, one for each tribe.

To remind the high priest that he represents the twelve tribes before God.

The Urim and Thummim

Urim is similar to the Hebrew word ‘Ur’ meaning light, and Thummim refers to the Hebrew word meaning completeness. This indicates that when approaching God, one should do so with the light of the Word (Urim) to examine oneself so that there is nothing objectionable in one’s conscience, and with the mindset of being complete (Thummim). Urim and Thummim were used in other parts of the Bible to discern God’s will, similar to casting lots. It is worth considering whether this was indeed the method God desired. Indeed, it seems that when people asked for God’s will in this way, God sometimes responded through Urim and Thummim.

Holiness to the Lord

To cover their nakedness

At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Seven days.

Holy. The altar would have the power to make things holy, just as Jesus, in His holiness, made sinners clean rather than becoming defiled by them.

Two lambs, one in the morning and one in the evening.

So that God could dwell among His people as their God, fulfilling the purpose of Exodus: to be their God. Similarly, the purpose of our worship and spiritual lives is to realize that we were saved for the work of God’s kingdom.

In front of the curtain that shielded the Ark of the Covenant.

It was a ransom for their lives to protect them from God’s wrath while He dwelled among them.

The person would be cut off from their people.

God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills to craft everything needed. Oholiab was appointed as his helper to assist in the work.

Moses: Received the instructions from God and passed them on.

Bezalel: Designed the intricate parts of the Tabernacle (due to his wisdom, understanding, and craftsmanship).

Oholiab: Assisted Bezalel in executing the designs and crafting the items.

The observance of the Sabbath. Today, we might consider how our faith is signified in our lives as a reflection of being God’s chosen children.

god (idol). When we pursue God only for our purposes, we risk distorting His Word to suit ourselves. Initially, we may come to God with our problems, but after hearing the gospel and accepting the Lord, we should listen to His purposes for our lives as a sign of faith.

It was a golden calf. They claimed that this calf was the god that brought them out of Egypt, mirroring one of the gods they knew from Egypt (such as Hathor, an Egyptian goddess symbolized by a cow).

God wanted to destroy them for their disobedience and rebellion.

For the sake of God’s glory (so that the Egyptians would not claim God brought them out to destroy them) and by reminding God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

He was so angry that he smashed the stone tablets and destroyed the golden calf.

He claimed that he simply threw the gold into the fire, and the calf “just came out,” downplaying his responsibility in molding it.

The tribe of Levi.

God said He would not go with them because they were a “stiff-necked” people, and His presence would consume them. They grieved at the thought of God not being with them.

Because of their stubbornness. He commanded them to remove their ornaments (likely because they were linked to idolatry).

God spoke with Moses face to face, as one speaks with a friend.

Moses asked that God’s presence go with them into the Promised Land; otherwise, he didn’t want to go. Moses prioritized God’s presence over the material blessings of the land.

The presence of the Lord with them. This was the unique mark of God’s chosen people, just as today, Christians are recognized by God’s presence and love among them.

God allowed Moses to see His “back” but shielded Moses from His face by covering him with His hand, as no one can see God’s face and live.

Mercy, mercy, compassion, compassion.

God describes Himself as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.” In Exodus 20:5-6, He is also described as a “jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents.”

Drive out the Canaanite nations before them.

Such treaties would become a trap for them, leading them to participate in Canaanite idolatry and worship false gods.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Ingathering (Tabernacles).

His face shone with the glory of God after speaking with Him, and the people were afraid to come near.

Death. Even while constructing the Tabernacle, they were to keep the Sabbath.

God gave them willing hearts: Verses 5, 21, 22, 29.

They used their talents to serve: Verses 10, 25, 35.

They brought the materials they had for the construction: Verses 5-6, 22, 24, 29.

Bezalel and Oholiab.

First covering: 42 feet by 60 feet (28 cubits by 40 cubits).

Goat hair covering: 45 feet by 66 feet (30 cubits by 44 cubits).

Forty-eight frames.

Ark: Acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold.

Cover: Made of pure gold.

Rings: Cast of gold.

Poles: Acacia wood, overlaid with gold.

To carry the Ark.

One talent of pure gold (approximately 75 pounds).

The Ark of the Covenant, the Table for the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense.

5 cubits by 5 cubits by 3 cubits high (7.5 feet x 7.5 feet x 4.5 feet), made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze.

100 cubits by 50 cubits (150 feet by 75 feet).

Gold: 29 talents and 730 shekels (over 1 ton).

Silver: 100 talents and 1,775 shekels (about 4 tons).

Bronze: 70 talents and 2,400 shekels (about 2.5 tons).

Gold, blue, purple, and scarlet.

On the onyx stones on the shoulders of the ephod and on the gemstones of the breastplate.

The Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year after leaving Egypt (Exodus 40:17).

A cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle so fully that Moses could not enter.

1 = Ark of the Covenant, 2 = Table for the Bread of the Presence, 3 = Lampstand, 4 = Altar of Incense, 5 = Basin (Bronze Laver).

ANS: False, True

With the completion of Exodus, the narrative showcases God’s faithful provision for Israel, from their liberation to the establishment of a place where His presence could dwell among them. Each chapter highlights key aspects of worship, obedience, and covenant relationships, emphasizing God’s desire for holiness and His people’s role in reflecting His nature to the world.