Exodus 1 - 4 Summary

Exodus chapters 1-4 set the stage for the dramatic story of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. Here's a summary:

Exodus 1: Oppression:

The Israelites have multiplied greatly in Egypt, causing the new Pharaoh to fear their growing numbers.

He subjects them to harsh slavery and orders the killing of newborn Hebrew male babies.

Exodus 2: Moses' Early Life:

Moses is born and, to save him from Pharaoh's decree, his mother places him in a basket in the Nile River.

Pharaoh's daughter finds him and raises him in the royal household.

As an adult, Moses kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew slave and flees to Midian.

Exodus 3: Moses' Calling:

In Midian, God appears to Moses in a burning bush and calls him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

God reveals his name, Yahweh, to Moses.

Exodus 4: Moses' Commission:

Moses is hesitant, so God gives him miraculous signs to prove his authority.

God also provides Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman.

Moses then prepares to return to Egypt to fulfill God's command.

In essence, these chapters introduce the situation of Israelite slavery, the birth and calling of Moses, and the beginning of God's plan to deliver his people.