Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
421 N. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN
Sunday Bible Class
Exodus
November 30, 2014
Its Meaning: Exodus = “going out”
Its Author: Moses
We believe for the following reasons that Moses wrote the Book of Exodus:
The book itself claims this (cf. 17:14; 24:4).
Joshua recognized this fact (cf. Josh. 8:30-32).
Jesus declares this to be the case (cf. Mk. 7:10; Mk. 12:6; Lk. 20:37; Jn. 5:46-47).
Other inspired New Testament authors testify to this as well (cf. Jn. 1:45; Rom. 10:5).
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Its Time of Writing:
We cannot specify an exact date of writing, but it would have been sometime during
the time of the Israel’s exodus from Egypt and Moses’ death—ca. 1446-1406 B.C.
Christ in Exodus:
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Moses is a type of Christ as a Mediator of God’s word (cf. Jn. 1:17).
The Passover lamb is a type of Christ (cf. Jn. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7).
The rock from which water was received was a type of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-4).
The Tabernacle was a type of Christ (cf. Jn. 2:19; Mt. 12:6).
The high priest was a type of Christ (Heb. 4:14-16; 9:11-12, 24-28).
Its Outline: The Book of Exodus
I. The LORD gives Israel a Leader! (Chapters 1-18)
II. The LORD gives Israel the Law! (Chapters 19-40)
Chronology of Moses’ Life:
Egyptian Ruler
Time
Historical Event
Ahmose I
Thutmose I
ca. 1570
ca. 1526-1512 B.C.
Founder of 18th Dynasty (cf. Ex. 1:8)
Ordered the death of Hebrew boys
(cf. Ex. 1:15-22)
Thutmose II
Hatshepsut
Thutmose III
Amenhotep II
Thutmose IV
1526 B.C.
ca. 1512-1504 B.C.
ca. 1504-1482 B.C.
ca. 1504-1450 B.C.
1486 B.C.
ca. 1450-1426 B.C.
1446 B.C.
ca. 1426-1408 B.C.
1406 B.C.
Moses’ birth
Married Hatshepsut—half sister
Pharaoh’s daughter—saved Moses
Pharaoh forced Moses’ exile
Moses’ departure from Egypt
Pharaoh of Exodus
Moses’ call and return to Egypt
Amenhotep II’s second son
Moses’ death
Ahmose I’s older brother, Kamose, expelled the Hyksos from Egypt. The Hyksos were
foreign invaders who ruled over the native Egyptians during the Second Intermediate
Kingdom. Kamose died in a final and decisive battle leaving the kingdom to Ahmose.
Either Kamose or Ahmose I was no doubt the Pharaoh who “did not know Joseph.” (cf.
Ex. 1:8) His son, Amenhotep I, was succeeded by Thutmose I, his brother-in-law, who
oppressed the Israelites by ordering the deaths of all boy babies born (cf. Ex. 1:22).
Hatshepsut, the daughter of Thutmose I, is probably the daughter of Pharaoh who rescued Moses from the river (cf. Ex. 2:5-6). Her half-brother, Thutmose II, married her to
solidify the kingdom. Thutmose II and Hatshepsut did not produce a male heir to the
throne. Thutmose II died at a young age. His son by another wife, Thutmose III,
then became Pharaoh, but as a child under the regency of Hatshepsut. He may well
have viewed the older Moses as a rival and may very well have welcomed a reason to
drive him away. Amenhotep III did not succeed his father and probably died during
the tenth plague, leaving his younger brother, Thutmose IV, to succeed to the throne.
[This information was taken from two books in our Immanuel Library: “Moses, God’s Deliverance” by Mark
Bitter and “His Hand Among the Nations” by Lyle Luchterhand.]
Key Theme: The LORD gives Israel a
Leader! (Exodus 1-18)
1) Moses’ Early Life…
• Moses’ life was spared by the grace of God (cf. Ex. 2:1-2; Heb.
11:23).
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Moses’ life was again spared when Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him in the Nile River, no doubt assuming he was a
gift from the river god (cf. Ex. 2:3-6).
Moses’ early years—probably until age three or four—were
spent in his parents’ home (cf. Ex. 2:7-9).
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Moses’ youth, teen, and young adult years were spent in Pharaoh’s palace being
trained, no doubt, for a position of leadership (cf. Ex. 2:10).
Moses, seeking to lead Israel, killed an Egyptian and was forced to flee Egypt (cf.
Ex. 11-15; Heb. 11:24-27).
2) Moses’ Call and Return to Egypt…
• God sent Moses into the wilderness to study geography and to gain humility (cf.
Ex. 2:15; 3:1).
• God, identifying Himself as “I AM WHO I AM,” called Moses from the burning
bush to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of Egypt (cf. Ex. 3:2-22).
• God fit Moses for this work by providing him miraculous signs of His presence
and a partner, his brother Aaron, to be his spokesman (cf. Ex. 4:1-17).
3) The Hardening of Pharoah’s Heart…
• There are 20 references to Pharaoh’s heart hardening in Exodus 4-14 (cf. 4:21;
7:3, 13-14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 34-35; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 13:15; 14:4, 8, 17).
• Three different Hebrew words are used, all of which are translated “harden” in
English, and all of which mean to make hard or insensible, to make heavy or
unimpressionable, or to make firm, stiff, or immovable.
• Ten of the references refer to Pharaoh hardening his own heart, while ten refer
to God hardening Pharaoh’s heart.
• With the exception of the first two references, which speak of the future fact
that the LORD would harden Pharaoh’s heart, it should be understood that Pharaoh hardened his own heart before the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart.
• This situation demonstrates a number of important truths: 1) We learn of the
insufficiency of even the most astounding miracles to subdue man’s rebellious
will and change his impenitent heart; 2) We see the terrible nature of man’s
pride, the unwarranted confidence men place in worldly power, and the utter
deceitfulness of sin; 3) We must recognize that continued resistance of God, especially in the face of the undeniable fact of His presence and power, cannot
but end in destruction!
4) The Ten Plagues… “I will strike...all the gods of Egypt...I am the LORD!” (Ex. 12:12)
• 1st Plague—the Nile River turned to blood. Demand: “Let My people go, that
they may serve me in the wilderness.” Purpose: To show God’s power over the
river god—the Nile. Result: Pharaoh hardened his heart. Details: Pharaoh’s
magicians duplicated the miracle; the blood remained seven days.
• 2nd Plague—the Nile River produced frogs. Demand: “Let My people go, that
they may serve Me.” Purpose: To show the Nile was not a god bringing blessings. Result: Pharaoh hardened his heart after saying Israel could go. Details:
Pharaoh’s magicians duplicated the miracle; Moses specified the time of the
plague’s end.
• 3rd Plague—the earth produced lice. Demand: No added demand. Purpose: To
show God’s power over the earth god—Geb. Result: Pharaoh hardened his
heart. Details: Pharaoh’s magicians could not duplicate the miracle; they admitted God’s involvement.
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4th Plague—the earth produced flies. Demand: “Let My people go, that they
may serve Me...three days.” Purpose: To show that the earth was not a god
bringing blessing. Result: Pharaoh hardened his heart after giving permission
for Israel to go; he pleaded with Moses for help. Details: The land of Goshen
was spared.
5th Plague—the disease among the cattle. Demand: “Let My people go, that
they may serve Me.” Purpose: To show power over the animal gods—the sacred
Apis (cow). Result: Pharaoh hardened his heart. Details: Israel’s cattle spared.
6th Plague—boils appear on man and beast. Demand: No added demand. Purpose: To show power over disease/universally recognized as the power of God.
Result: The LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Details: Pharaoh’s magicians were
unable to stand in his presence.
7th Plague—hail and fire from sky. Demand: “Let My people go, that they may
serve Me.” Purpose: To show power over the gods of nature—the sky and the
elements...Amon. Result: Pharaoh hardened his heart after a show of false repentance. Details: Some Egyptians heeded Moses’ warning; Goshen was
spared; the wheat/spelt remained.
8th Plague—locusts brought by an east wind/removed by a west wind. Demand: “Let My people go, that they may serve me…[including children].” Purpose: To show control over nature—animate as well as inanimate. Result: The
LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart after his false repentance. Details: Pharaoh’s
servants urged him to comply.
9th Plague—darkness for three days. Demand: “Let My people go…[including
livestock].” Purpose: To show power over the chief Egyptian god—Re. Result:
The LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart after he refused to allow Israel to take their
cattle. Details: Pharaoh threatened Moses and Aaron with death.
10th Plague—the death of the firstborn. Demand: No added demand. Purpose:
To show power over Re’s son—the Pharaoh as well as all humans/animals. Result: Freedom for Israel—they were driven out. Details: Those with blood over
the doors were spared—the blood pointed ahead to an even greater deliverance
through the promised Christ!
5) The LORD’s preservation of Israel while en route to Mt. Sinai…
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The LORD led Israel personally with a cloud and pillar of fire (cf. Ex. 13:21-22).
The “Angel of God” separated Israel from the
Egyptians (cf. Ex. 14:19-20).
The LORD delivered Israel from the Egyptians
by parting the Red Sea (cf. Ex. 14:21-31).
The LORD provided Israel with manna from
heaven (cf. Ex. 16:13-15, 31, 35).
The LORD provided Israel with water (cf. Ex.
17:5-7).
The LORD gave Israel victory over the Amalekites (cf. Ex. 17:10-13).
Key Theme: The LORD gives Israel
the Law (Exodus 19-40)
1) The LORD God gave Israel His law…
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The LORD promised Israel special blessings if
they kept His law (cf. Ex. 19:3-6).
The LORD covered Mount Sinai with clouds,
smoke, thunder, lightning, and earthquakes
to impress upon His people His holiness (cf.
Ex. 19:16-20).
The LORD gave Moses Ten Commandments inscribed upon two tablets of stone.
There are actually eleven commandments in Exodus 20:1-17 leading to a difference in numbering between Roman Catholics/Lutherans and the Reformed
Churches.
Note the special promise connected to Israel’s worship (cf. Ex. 20:24b).
The LORD began His civil laws protecting the weakest and most vulnerable segments of society—servants and slaves (cf. Ex. 21:1-11).
Note the purpose of the Sabbath regulations—to “know that I am the LORD who
sanctifies you!” (Ex. 31:13)
2) Israel rebelled against the LORD God at Mount Sinai…
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Israel worships the golden calf (cf. Ex. 32:1-6).
In anger Moses broke the tablets of stone (cf. Ex. 32:19).
The Levites joined Moses in opposing Israel’s idolatry (cf. 32:26).
The LORD God restored the tablets of stone and revealed His name to Moses (cf.
Ex. 34:1-7).
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Moses’ face shone with light as He relayed God’s law to Israel (cf. Ex. 34:29-35).
3) The Tabernacle was built…
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A free-will offering was taken from Israel to build the Tabernacle (cf. Ex. 35:4-9).
The LORD gave the ability to teach and the skill to serve in building the Tabernacle (cf. Ex. 35:34-35).
The LORD’s presence filled the Tabernacle when completed (cf. Ex. 40:34-38).
Daily Devotions:
Exodus is a book of action! It focuses on God’s
deliverance of His Old Testament people Israel out
of Egypt and His presentation of His Old Testament laws to Israel through His servant Moses.
God thereby fulfilled His promises to Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob (cf. Ex. 6:2-8), while preparing His
people for their work of preserving the promises of
the Savior.
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Devotion 1: Read Exodus 1-5
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) How did God fulfill His promise to Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob? Why is it important to us
that God does fulfill His promises?
2) Compare the persecution of Israel in Egypt
with that of Christians in our world today.
3) What excuses did Moses make to avoid going back to Egypt? How did God overcome those excuses? Discuss how we too at times make excuses and how God
can overcome our perceived weaknesses.
Memory Passages:
“I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the
God of Jacob.” (Ex. 3:6)
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.” (Ex. 3:14)
Devotion 2: Read Exodus 6-10
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) How did God reveal His presence and power through the Ten Plagues?
2) Why is it always dangerous to reject God and so harden your heart against Him,
especially when He demonstrates to you both His presence and power?
Memory Passage:
“I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.” (Ex. 6:7a)
Devotion 3: Read Exodus 11-16
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) How is the Passover a picture of our redemption by Jesus Christ?
2) Why did the LORD allow Israel to be cornered by Pharaoh and his army at the
Red Sea? (cf. Ex. 14:4, 13-18, 30-31)
3) Discuss how the LORD provided for Israel in the wilderness. How does the
LORD provide for us today?
Memory Passages:
“Every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a
lamb for a household.” (Ex. 12:3b)
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will
accomplish for you today!” (Ex. 14:13)
“I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its
rider He has thrown into the sea!” (Ex. 15:1b)
Devotion 4: Read Exodus 17-22
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) How did it become obvious that the LORD provided Israel victory over the
Amalekites? How were Aaron and Hur good examples for all Christians?
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2) Discuss the LORD’s words to Israel in Exodus 19:3-6. How was the LORD’s gospel promise to serve as an encouragement for them to keep His laws?
3) What purpose is the law to serve in our lives? (For further help look up Rom. 3:19-20)
4) How did the LORD show in His law that an unborn child was still considered a
person to be cherished and protected? (cf. Ex. 21:22-23)
Memory Passages:
“I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you
will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex. 10:4b-6a)
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Ex. 20:3)
“In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless
you.” (Ex. 20:24b)
Devotion 5: Read Exodus 23-28
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) What did the LORD instruct Israel to do to secure justice for all? (cf. Ex. 23:1-9)
2) Why did Moses sprinkle blood on the people to affirm the covenant? To what
did that look forward? (For extra help look up Heb. 9:11-27)
Memory Passages:
“The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the
LORD your God.” (Ex. 23:19)
“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (ex. 25:8)
Devotion 6: Read Exodus 29-34
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) Who were Bezalel and Aholiab? Why were they important? What did the LORD
do for them? What can we learn from their story?
2) What was the purpose of the Old Testament Sabbath law? Why was anyone
found working on the Sabbath put to death? (cf. Ex. 31:12-15)
3) In what ways does the incident of the gold calf serve as a warning to us today?
4) Discuss the importance of God’s name as revealed to Moses. (cf. Ex. 34:5-7)
Memory Passages:
“Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you
may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” (Ex.
31:13)
“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious,
longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (Ex. 34:6-7a)
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Devotion 7: Read Exodus 35-40
Think about and discuss the following questions:
1) Why was the Tabernacle important for Israel? Why is our church important for
us Christians today?
2) How did the LORD reveal His presence to Israel on a daily basis? How does He
do so for us today?
Memory Passage:
“Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart,
let him bring it as an offering to the LORD.” (Ex. 35:5)
Contact us at: 507-345-3027 or www.immanuelmankato.org
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