Properly Resisting Oppression

Background Information

Exodus is a Greek word that means “departure” which is derived from “out” and “road.” The book of Exodus describes the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, their journey to Mount Sinai, and the events that occurred during their sojourn there. The patriarch Jacob had brought his family to Egypt to avoid starvation (). The primary emphasis in Genesis was on the family of Abraham, but the book of Exodus focuses on the developing nation of Israel. The main theme of Exodus is redemption. The deliverance of the children of Israel from bondage in Egypt is a type of divine redemption, and Moses who them is a type of Christ. (Taken from the Key Word Study Bible- ESV Version)

Bible Study Questions

What is the significance of listing the names of the 12 sons of Israel and their descendents who came to Egypt with Jacob in ? What is the history of your family that has brought you to where you find yourself today?

What happened to the sons of Israel when they came to Egypt after Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation (according to )? Of what does this verse remind you? What does this tell you about transition within the families of God and within the body of Christ?

How did the new king over Egypt deal with the people of Israel ()? Why? What does this tell you about the motivation of those who oppress others?

What happened to the people of Israel, the more they were oppressed ()? Why? What does this tell you about the people of God when they are being oppressed?

What does it mean that the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel ()? What does this tell you about the attitude of oppressors towards those whom they oppress?

The word “ruthlessly” is used in , , what do you think this means?

What does it mean that the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel ()?

After slavery did not stop the people of Israel from multiplying and spreading, what did the king of Egypt do ()? Why?

How did the Hebrew midwives handle the King of Egypt’s command ()? Why?

How did God deal with the midwives ()? What does this say to you?

What does the Hebrew midwives response say about the role of civil disobedience as it regards the people of God?

What does and tell you about oppression as it regards men vs. women?

Shiphrah = to clean, to please

Birthstool = potter’s wheel

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Personal Reflection Questions

How did Jacob end up in Egypt? & Why is this important to know? What does this say about God’s purpose for your family?

From what location did God begin to make Israel into a great nation ()? How is God making your family into a great nation?

From what location did God begin to make Israel into a great nation ()? How is God making your family into a great nation?

From what location did God begin to make Israel into a great nation ()? How is God making your family into a great nation?

From what location did God begin to make Israel into a great nation ()? How is God making your family into a great nation?

Who else was with Israel in Egypt ()? What does this tell you about the physical (as well as spiritual) place where you find yourself today?

Who else was with Israel in Egypt ()? What does this tell you about the physical (as well as spiritual) place where you find yourself today?