Exodus 1-4

Chapter One:

Main Events:

The generation of Joseph and his brothers passes (v6) and the nation of Israel becomes numerous

A Pharoah who did not honor God or Joseph’s contributions subjugated the people, who were put to work in building cities of storage.

Israel continued to prosper even under harsh conditions (v 12) so the king of Egypt commanded the midwives to murder the baby boys (15-16)

The Mid-wives feared God and refused the order, frustrating the command of Pharoah:

Main Themes:

What it means to remember and know:

Pharoah knew who Yahweh was, but he did not know Him in the sense of honoring and obeying Him.

He also did not keep covenant with Israel, but behaved with a wickedness that dishonored those who came before him.

God’s people cannot be exterminated: Not only because He will preserve them, but because they abound all the more during persecution.

Take note of the Mid-wives:

God did not indiscriminately wipe out Egypt. There were those who tried to obey and honor Him and they were preserved.

Chapter Two:

Main Events:

Moses is born into a household of Levi.

His parents, out of paternal love and also faith in God, preserve Moses by placing him in the path of Pharaoh's daughter.

God’s providence arranges for Moses’ life to be spared, and his mother to wean him while teaching about Yahweh.

Moses attempts to side with his countrymen and kills an Egyptian beating an Israelite:

Moses is rejected by his people, hunted by pharoah, and flees to Midian.

After saving the daughters or Ruel from selfish shepherds, Moses is married to Zipporah, giving birth to Gershom.

The king of Egypt dies:

God remembers Israel.

Main Themes:

The role of faith in preserving people during the reign of oppressive powers:

Faith in empowering people to make the right, but difficult decisions.

The importance of waiting for God’s time instead of taking it into your own hands

The period of preparation:

Moses 40 years

Israel 40 years

Jesus 40 days

A repeated theme that shows up (40 year reigns for each United King)

Chapter Three:

Main Events:

Yahweh appears to Moses in the burning bush, declaring Himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:

Furthermore, it is time to move forward with the promises to Abraham, God has heard His people.

Moses is to lead the charge, but responds that he is inadequate for the task.

Yahweh reveals His name to moses in vs 14:

He states that the elders will listen but that the king of Egypt will not:

Egypt will be plundered with their departure.

Main Themes:

God has not been MIA during this time

Discuss the meaning of the name of God and why it matters

VS 15—Do we have to use it? Is there value?

Discuss how God’s foreknowledge of the King’s heart plays into his free will and the way that events played out.

God started very small in His request: vs 18

Chapter Four:

Main Events:

Moses is given the sign of the staff as well as that of leprosy

Moses is given the sign of water to blood as the initial

Moses is given Aaron as a spokesman to deliver the message: brothers united

Moses leaves with Jethro-Ruel’s blessing

Yahweh prepares Moses:

Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened; firstborn will have to die

Moses neglects to circumcise his sons, Zipporah saves the day.

Israel is receptive to Moses and Aaron’s message; respond with worship to God

Main Themes:

God’s patience in giving the signs: First, for Moses, then for Israel, and even for the King.

Discuss Moses’s refusal to get out and work

What does it mean to harden one’s heart? (Make you happy)

Why is God angry with Moses re: the circumcision

Was Israel as big and scary as Moses had thought?