Exodus 13 and 14 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Sanctification
of the Firstborn
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 13
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 13:20

Lesson 13 Exodus 13

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see the children of Israel on their way out of the land of Egypt. Pharaoh has, at last, released the children of Israel after his firstborn son had died in the tenth plague sent upon Egypt called the “death of the firstborn.” Over two million Israelites, along with the mixed multitudes, began to follow Moses eastward to leave the land of Egypt. As they traveled, God gives Moses the first instructions to give to a newly-freed nation: they were to set aside all the firstborn among man and beast for God. Here we see the instructions given Israel concerning THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE FIRSTBORN.

I THE LAW OF THE FIRSTBORN v 1-16

A. God instructs Moses to tell Israel to set apart all the firstborn unto the Lord v 1-2 The false gods of Egypt had always claimed the firstborn among man and beast as their own. But, these false gods were really only invented by the Egyptians, and had no power to own anything. The true and living God is the Creator of all things, and as such, has a right to demand the best from everyone in His creation. Thus, God requires all the firstborn, the best of Israel, to be set aside (sanctified) wholly unto the Lord. (Psalm 24:1; Hebrews 10:10; I Thessalonians 5:23) The best of everything a redeemed man has should be set aside for the Lord!


B. Moses instructs the children of Israel concerning the Feast of Unleavened Bread v 3-10 ABIB - April (Abib means “an ear of corn” and is the same month as Nisan - Nehemiah 2:1; Esther 3:7) Leaven in the Bible is a picture of evil. (I Corinthians 5:6-8; Mark 8:15) The children of Israel were commanded to eat unleavened bread for seven days after they celebrated the Passover each year. This observance was to be a reminder that God demands His people to be a pure and holy people for His honor and glory. (Romans 12:1; I Peter 1:14-16)

NOTICE THAT THIS FEAST WAS TO BE FOR A TESTIMONY TO OTHERS:
1) “it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand” (v 9) - The sign on the hand represents the work they were to do and would be a constant reminder of for “Whom” they were working.
2) “a memorial between thine eyes” (v 9) - Something put between eyes would be visible to everyone who saw and would bear testimony that they were God’s people. That was the testimony that was given by observing this feast.
3) “the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth” (v 9) - When the Lord’s deliverance from Egypt was remembered in this way by this feast, it would guarantee that the Lord’s law would be in their mouths as they witnessed to others. (Psalm 51:12-13; Deuteronomy 6:6-12)

C. Moses instructs the children of Israel concerning the law of the firstborn v 11-16 The “firstborn” male is representative of the entire offspring, and was to be sanctified unto the Lord. The firstborn among the unclean animals, such as the “ass” (v 13) were to be redeemed by sacrificing a spotless male lamb in the unclean animals’ place. Once the lamb had been slain for the unclean animal, the unclean could be used for service among the Israelites. The firstborn male child of man was to be set aside unto the Lord also, but could be redeemed by an offering of”silver”. Silver was the redemption money. (Numbers 18:15; Exodus 34:20; I Peter 1:18-19)

II THE LEADING OF THE LORD v 17-22

A. God led the children of Israel by way of the wilderness v 17-18 The Lord did not lead the Israelites through the land of the Philistines because that would have meant war, and the children of Israel had just come out of slavery in Egypt and were not prepared for war. The Lord does not allow His “babies” to be tested as harshly as those who are more mature. So, since the children of Israel were young in faith, He led them through the longer route of the wilderness. (Psalm 103:13-14; 37:23; Romans 8:14) HARNESSED (v 18) - “girded for service”
B. Moses took the bones of Joseph out of Egypt with them v 19 Joseph had been dead for over 300 years, yet before he died, God had shown him that one day Israel would come up out of the land of Egypt. (Genesis 50:24-26) Joseph did not want Israel to have any ties with Egypt, nor anyone to come visit his grave in Egypt, so he made them swear to take his bones up out of Egypt. Joseph is also a type of Christ, and just as Joseph’s body did not remain in Egypt, even so the Lord Jesus’ body did not remain in this world for He rose again from the grave and ascended back up to Heaven. (Joshua 24:32; Hebrews 11:22; II Corinthians 4:10)

C. God went with the children of Israel and provided for their every need v 20-22 God overshadowed His people as they journeyed through the wilderness just as He does all of His children today. This “pillar of cloud” gave the Israelites shade from the heat of the desert sun in the daytime, and light and heat in the cool desert nights, so they could travel by day or by night. This “pillar of cloud” stayed with the Israelites all through the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. (Nehemiah 9:19)

NOTE: This “pillar of cloud” is a type of the Holy Spirit:
1) The cloud was not given to Israel until they had been redeemed from the land of Egypt. (Ephesians 1:13)
2) The cloud was given to guide Israel through their wilderness journey. (John 16:13)
3) The cloud was given for a covering for the Israelites. (Ephesians 4:30)
4) God spoke to Israel from the cloud. (Psalm 99:7; Revelation 2:7)
5) The cloud was never taken from Israel. (John 14:16)



Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Crossing of the Red Sea
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 14
MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 11:29

Lesson 14 Exodus 14

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we come to one of the greatest miracles recorded for us in the Old Testament - The Crossing of the Red Sea. This miracle was the supreme demonstration to Pharaoh and to the children of Israel of the power of the true and living God. From this point on, whenever the servants of the Lord wanted to remind God’s people of the Lord’s power and greatness, they almost always referred to this miracle. (Isaiah 51:15; Naum 1:4; Joshua 24:6; Nehemiah 9:9-11; Psalm 106:7-12) This chapter records for us God’s deliverance of Israel by His parting of the Red Sea.

I THE HOPELESS SITUATION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL v 1-12

A. The Lord instructs Moses to speak to the children of Israel v 1-5 PI-HAHIROTH (v 2) - “the place of meadows” - This place was located along the northwestern gulf of the Red Sea in Egypt (Numbers 33:7-8) MIGDOL (v 2) - “watch tower” - This place was also located in Egypt along the northwestern gulf of the Red Sea (Numbers 33:7) BAAL-ZEPHON (v 2) - “lord of the north” - A place in Egypt located along the northwestern edge of the Red Sea (Numbers 33:7) Pharaoh apparently expected the children of Israel to journey up the coastal route, and through the land of the Philistines. But, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to “turn” and head toward the wilderness surrounding the Red Sea. When Pharaoh’s lookouts reported that Israel had turned and started heading toward the Red Sea, Pharaoh thinks they must be lost, and do not know where they are going. He sees that they are trapped between the rugged mountains on either side of them and the Red Sea before them and decides that this is the perfect time to attack and bring Israel back under Egyptian bondage.


B. Pharaoh gathers up his great army to recapture Israel v 6-10 In all the plagues sent upon Egypt, there was one great strength of Egypt that had been left untouched - their mighty army. Pharaoh’s army was one of the mightiest armies in the world in those days. This army was Pharaoh’s pride and joy, and he orders them to follow after Israel in full force. These 600 chariots, cavalry and army men would definitely be able to capture the poor, helpless, defenseless children of Israel with their women, children and flocks, Pharaoh must have thought. Israel was hemmed in on every side. The Red Sea was in front of them, rugged mountains were on each side of them and Pharaoh and his army were behind them. When the children of Israel saw that Pharaoh was coming after them, they were “sore afraid.” The only cure for fear is for the eye to remain steadfastly fixed upon the Lord. (Matthew 143:30; 8:23-25)

C. The children of Israel begin to cry out and complain to Moses v 11-12 The children of Israel had cried out for deliverance while in the land of Egypt. At last, God had provided their deliverance by the sending of all His plagues upon Egypt. Israel was now free, but the first problem that comes their way makes them wish that they were back in Egyptian bondage again. This was a severe test of Israel’s faith. (Hebrews 11:6; I Peter 1:7-9)

II THE INCREDIBLE SALVATION OF THE LORD v 13-31

A. Moses calms the children of Israel in their time of trial v 13-14 Notice the three things that Moses told the children of Israel to do:
1) “fear ye not” (v 13) - These great words occur all the way through the Bible at times of trial. (Genesis 15:1; Joshua 8:1; Judges 6:23; I Chronicles 28:20; Isaiah 35:4; Luke 12:32)
2) “stand still” (v 13) - Human nature always wants to do something itself but salvation cannot be worked for or earned. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and it is up to Him to do the delivering. (Psalm 46:10; Ephesians 6:13)
3) “see the salvation of the Lord” (v 13) - Moses tells the children of Israel to use their “spiritual eyesight” to see the salvation of the Lord. Faith is looking not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. (Hebrews 11:1; II Corinthians 4:18)

B. The Lord answers Moses’ prayer and gives him instructions to give to the children of Israel v 15-20 Moses was instructed to stretch out the rod and divide the Red Sea, and then lead the children of Israel through the sea on dry ground. To protect His people, the Lord sent the pillar of cloud behind the children of Israel between them and Pharaoh’s army. This pillar of cloud gave light to God’s people but only confusion and darkness to their enemies. (I Corinthians 1:18; II Corinthians 2:16)

C. The Lord parted the Red Sea and the children of Israel walked through on dry ground v 21-22 A wall of water stood on both sides of the pathway and the eastwind dried the ocean floor so that Israel passed through the Red Sea on dry ground. (Hebrews 11:29; Psalm 106:7-9)

D. Pharaoh ordered his chariots and army to follow after Israel into the Red Sea v 23-28 Pharaoh’s name was Amenhotep II. He apparently did not die with his troops, when they were all drowned at the Red Sea, for his mummified body has been found. His mighty army, however, followed his orders and died under the judgment of God. (Psalm 106:10-11; Nehemiah 9:11)

E. God brought Israel through the Red Sea safely to the other side v 29-31 The Red Sea is a picture of DEATH. This very sea, which at first they so feared, became the means of their deliverance from the Egyptian army. Instead of an enemy, the sea became their friend. If death overtakes the Christian before the Lord’s return, it only serves as a friend to bring him into the presence of Christ. The Red Sea separated God’s people from the Egyptians, and even so, death separates the saved to Heaven and the lost to hell. (I Corinthians 15:54-57; Hebrews 2:14-15)

Exodus 11 and 12 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: Preparation for the Tenth
Plague Upon Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 11
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 11:28

Lesson 11 Exodus 11

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see that the contest between Pharaoh and the true and living God is almost ended. Warning after warning had been given to Pharaoh, and plague after plague had been sent upon Egypt, but Egypt’s ruler still “hardened his heart” and refused to obey the Lord. There was yet one more plague to be sent upon the nation of Egypt. This would be the most severe judgment of them all. When this judgment was sent, not only would Pharaoh “LET” the people go, but he would “THRUST” them out of Egypt. This chapter records for us the PREPARATION FOR THE TENTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT.

I GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS TO MOSES v 1-3

A. The Lord instructs Moses concerning the outcome of this last plague v 1 The scene all across the nation of Egypt was one of destruction and barrenness. The once beautiful Nile River Valley was now ugly and bare. Because of the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart, God had sent nine of the most terrible judgments upon the land of Egypt that man has ever known. NOTICE THESE TERRIBLE JUDGMENTS OR PLAGUES:
1) all the water turned into blood (Exodus 7:20-21)
2) frogs covered the land (Exodus 8:6)
3) lice covered the land (Exodus 8:17)
4) flies came upon the Egyptians (Exodus 8:24)
5) murrain disease killed the Egyptians’ cattle (Exodus 9:3-6)
6) boils came upon the Egyptians (Exodus 9:11)
7) hail destroyed the crops of the Egyptians (Exodus 9:23-25)
8) locusts destroyed all the vegetation of the Egyptians (Exodus 10:13-15)
9) darkness covered the land of Egypt (Exodus 10:22-23)
God has one final judgment to send upon the Egyptians that will force Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go!


B. Moses is instructed to tell the children of Israel to borrow jewels of silver and gold from their Egyptian neighbors v 2-3 BORROW (Hebrew - shaal) - “to ask for, to lay to charge” Why should the Lord have His people “borrow” anything from their enemies? In receiving these jewels from the Egyptians, the children of Israel were really only receiving what was rightfully theirs for all their years of labor in the brick-kilns. They were actually only receiving their back wages for services rendered. This was also the fulfillment of God’s promises made to Abraham and to Moses. (Genesis 15:13-14; Exodus 3:21; 12:36)

II MOSES’ ANNOUNCEMENT TO PHARAOH v 4-8

A. Moses tells Pharaoh about the tenth plague that God will send upon Egypt - The death of the firstborn v 4-7 These verses are a continuation of the conversation between Moses and Pharaoh recorded in Exodus 10:28-29. Verses 1-3 of this chapter have been a parenthesis to record the instruction which God had already given Moses. The firstborn of both man and beast of the Egyptians was dedicated to their false gods. Thus, this death of the firstborn would be God claiming the first-fruits of the Egyptian gods. All the Egyptian gods together could not stand up against the true and living God. Each home protected by the blood would not be touched by this judgment of God! (Exodus 12:13; Hebrews 9:22; I Peter 1:18-19)

B. Moses tells Pharaoh that, after this plague, all the Egyptians will bow to him and beg him to leave Egypt v 8 God knows exactly how to humble the proud and exalt the lowly. (Daniel 4:37; 5:20; Psalm 10:2-16; Proverbs 16:18)

NOTE: All these things that happened to Israel in Egypt are recorded in order to teach us some spiritual lessons: (I Corinthians 10:11)
1) EGYPT - a type of the world
2) PHARAOH - a type of Satan
3) THE EGYPTIANS - a type of the allies of Satan
4) THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL - a type of the sinner enslaved under the bondage of Satan and his allies
5) MOSES - a type of Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19, Acts 7:37)

III GOD’S SUMMARY CONCERNING THE PLAGUES v 9-10

In spite of all the wonders, Pharaoh still hardened his heart and refused to obey the Lord v 9-10 There was yet “one plague more” (v 1) that God would send upon Pharaoh and Egypt. After this tenth plague, Pharaoh would at last yield to the will of God. (Isaiah 14:27; Acts 5:39; 9:4-6)

TEACHERS’ TIP: IT IS EASIER TO LEARN TRUTH THAN TO UNLEARN ERROR!

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: I Corinthians 5:7





Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Death of the Firstborn
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 12
MEMORY VERSE: I Corinthians 5:7

Lesson 12 Exodus 12

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we come to the final plague that God would send upon Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. After the sending of this plague, Pharaoh would at last let the children of Israel go out of the land of Egypt. Here we see the most devastating of the ten plagues sent upon the Egyptians - THE DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN.

I THE INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE PASSOVER v 1-13

A. The Lord again speaks to Moses and Aaron in Egypt v 1-2 The Lord tells Moses and Aaron that “this month” would be the beginning of the religious year for them. This “month” was the month of Nisan or Abib (April) and became the first month of the Jewish year. (Leviticus 23:4-5; Deuteronomy 16:1)

B. The Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions on how to conduct the Passover Feast v 3-11
1) “in the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb” (v 3) - This lamb is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ who was the Lamb for sinners slain. (John 1:29)
2) “if the household be too little for the lamb” (v 4) - Notice nothing is said about the lamb being too small for the household. This would never happen for the Lamb of God is always sufficient. (Philippians 4:19)
3) “your lamb shall be without blemish” (v 4) - Nothing but a perfect sacrifice could satisfy the requirements of God, Who Himself is perfect. (Leviticus 22:21-24)
4) “a male of the first year” (v 4) - The lamb was not to be too old or too young. It was to be a male which was to die in the fulness of its strength which would then picture Christ. (Psalm 102:24)

5) “Israel shall kill it in the evening” (v 6) - On this evening thousands of lambs would be killed, yet here God calls all these lambs by the singular word “it.” These lambs pictured only One Lamb in God’s mind - The Lamb of Calvary.
6) “and they shall take of the blood and strike it” (v 7) - This blood on the doorposts and lintel of each of the Israelites’ houses pictures for us the fact that there is salvation only under the blood of Christ. (I Peter 1:18-19)
7) “and they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire” (v 8) - “Fire” speaks of judgment. Jesus was the Lamb of God Who suffered our judgment on the cross of Calvary. UNLEAVENED BREAD - Leaven speaks of sin in the Bible. Unleavened bread speaks of Christ, the Bread of Life. (John 6:35) BITTER HERBS - These herbs speak of the Christian’s experiences in this world. They will not always be sweet but can be bitter at times. (II Timothy 3:12)
8) “eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water” (v 9) - The lamb could not be eaten raw because fire speaks of judgment and Jesus bore our judgment for us. SODDEN - “soaked with liquid” - This sacrifice was not to be watered down. This also speaks of the fact that it is the offering of Christ alone, and not water (baptism), that is needed for salvation. (John 14:6)
9) “and ye shall eat it in haste” (v 10-11) - The children of Israel were to be ready for at any moment the Lord might pass over them, and it would be time for them to leave the land of Egypt. This is the way the Christian should be looking for the soon coming of Christ. (Matthew 24:44)

C. The firstborn child of all the families of the Egyptians would die on the night when God passed over the land v 12-13 Each of the nine previous plagues had been sent against one or more of the Egyptian false gods. This plague, however, was against all the false gods of the Egyptians. The Egyptians dedicated all of their firstborn to their false gods. God is taking that which was dedicated to the false gods showing that all the false gods of Egypt could not stand before the true and living God!

II THE INSTITUTION OF THE PASSOVER v 14-28

A. God instructs the children of Israel to keep the Feast of the Passover throughout all their generations v 14-20 This feast was always to be held on the fourteenth of Nisan (April) and continue for seven days. During this time they were to eat unleavened bread and do no work except in preparing the meals. This Feast of Passover would serve as a reminder each year of how God brought the children of Israel up out of the land of Egypt. (I Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:28)

B. Moses instructs the children of Israel to kill the Passover lamb and strike the blood on the doorposts and lintel of their houses v 21-28 HYSSOP (v 22) - “a hairy stemmed plant which grows in rocky places and holds water well” LINTEL (v 23) - “ the horizontal structure above a door” The children of Israel were told to take “hyssop” and make cheap paintbrushes out of it, then dip it into the blood of the Passover lamb and strike the blood on the doorposts and lintel of their houses. God had said that when He saw the blood, He would pass over that house and the firstborn of that family would not die. The firstborn in each family was the representative for the entire family. Faith in the blood was all that spared the children of Israel from death. Faith in the blood of Christ is still the only hope for anyone to escape the second death in hell. (Hebrews 9:22; I John 1:7)

III THE INJURY DONE IN THE PASSOVER v 29-51

A. The Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt v 29 All the firstborn of man and beast in every household died, if they were not under the blood. Any Egyptian could have followed the example of the Israelites, and put blood on his doorposts and lintel and believed God, and the death angel would have spared the firstborn in his house. But, the Egyptians did not believe, and the cries of mourning rang out from every house where the firstborn had died. This was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Pharaoh, if he did not let the children of Israel go. (Exodus 4:23)

B. Pharaoh sends the children of Israel up out of Egypt v 30-34 The children of Israel left Egypt in the middle of the night, before their bread even had time to rise before baking it the next day. The Egyptians did not know where the judgment of God would end. God had already taken their firstborn. Perhaps next He would kill all the Egyptians they must have thought, so they were insistent that Israel leave Egypt at once.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL NOTE: Scientists have found ancient Egyptian inscriptions which indicate that Pharaoh’s firstborn son was NOT his successor to the throne. The Bible tells us the reason - he died when God sent the plague called the death of the firstborn upon the Egyptians.

C. The children of Israel spoiled the Egyptians v 35-36 SPOIL - “booty, loot or goods taken from a defeated enemy” The Egyptians were glad to get rid of the children of Israel even if it meant losing some of their own wealth. This was the fulfillment of God’s promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) and to Moses. (Exodus 3:21)

D. The children of Israel are free to journey out of Egypt v 37-42 This was a huge crowd of Israelites leaving Egypt following Moses:
1) “600,000 men” (v 37) - There are usually more women than men, so a conservative estimate of women could be around 800,000 women.
2) “children” (v 37) - A conservative estimate for the number of children would be two per family, which could be another 800,000 children.
3) “mixed multitude” (v 38) - These were half-breeds; an Egyptian married a Jewish girl or a Jewish boy married an Egyptian girl and their children were mixed. These had to make a decision whether to stay in Egypt or go with the children of Israel. These could number another 300,000 people.
A conservative total amount of people leaving Egypt with Moses in the exodus would be from 2 - 2 ½ million people.

E. The Lord gave Moses and Aaron the requirements for the ordinance of the Passover v 43-51
1) “there shall no stranger eat thereof” (v 43-45-48) - The stranger had to first keep the Jewish ordinance of circumcision before he could observe the Passover.
2) “neither shall he break a bone thereof” (v 46) - This Passover lamb was a picture of Christ Who, when He was crucified, had not a bone of His body broken. (Psalm 34:20; John 19:33-36)
3) “all the congregation of Israel shall heed it” (v 47) - Only those who identified themselves by faith with the people of God could take part in the Passover Feast.
Thus, the children of Israel were brought up out of the land of Egypt!


TEACHERS’ TIP: NONE LIVE SO PLEASANTLY AS THOSE WHO LIVE BY FAITH.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 13:20

Exodus 9 and 10 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Fifth, Sixth and Seventh
Plagues Upon Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 9
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 9:27

Lesson 9 Exodus 9

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter the conflict between Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and the Lord continues. Pharaoh has refused to obey the Lord and let the children of Israel go, and has suffered the judgments of God for so doing. So far, God has sent four judgments upon the Egyptians in the form of four plagues: 1) the plague of blood (Exodus 7:20) 2) the plague of frogs (Exodus 8:6) 3) the plague of lice (Exodus 8:17) and 4) the plague of flies (Exodus 8:24) Now, three additional plagues are sent upon Egypt as Pharaoh continues to harden his heart. Here we see THE FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH PLAGUES UPON EGYPT.

I THE FIFTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 1-7

A. Moses is sent back to Pharaoh to again demand the release of the children of Israel v 1-4 This is now the sixth time that Moses has demanded of Pharaoh to let the people go. (Exodus 5:1; 7:10; 8:1; 8:20) A person would think by this time that Pharaoh would have been sufficiently impressed to let the children of Israel go, but Pharaoh’s stubborn, proud heart has only grown harder. The other plagues have been painful physically upon the Egyptians, but there has been no death up to now. But now, a terrible disease called “murrain” will smite the cattle of the Egyptians until all the cattle of Egypt are dead. MURRAIN - “pestilence” - any of several diseases that affect cattle such as hoof-and-mouth disease, splenic fever, etc.


B. The plague of murrain kills all the cattle of the Egyptians v 5-7 One of the chief gods of the Egyptians was Apis, the black bull. The second largest temple in Egypt was located at Memphis and was dedicated to the worship of this black bull. A black bull would be selected from their herds, and placed in this magnificent palace. There he would be fed only the best oats from golden bowls, and highly perfumed. What a shock it must have been for the Egyptians to find their god was just a dead bull! Pharaoh, once again, hardened his heart and would not let the Hebrews go. (Exodus 20:3-5; Acts 19:26; Galatians 4:8) The Egyptian bull god called Apis was unable to stand against the true and living God.

II THE SIXTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 8-12

A. Moses is told to sprinkle ashes before Pharaoh to bring forth a plague of boils upon the Egyptians v 8-10 BLAINS - “an inflammatory sore in the skin; boils” Moses is instructed to take handfuls of ashes from “the furnace” and sprinkle it toward Heaven. “The furnace”, no doubt, refers to a particular place of burning. This was probably one of the altars on which human sacrifices were sometimes offered by the Egyptians to please their false gods. The ashes in this “furnace” were probably there from the Egyptians giving burnt sacrifices to try to take away the plagues that Moses was sending upon them. God instructs Moses to use these same ashes to produce another plague - the plague of “blains” or boils. Just as the plague of lice, this plague was sent upon the Egyptians without warning. (Exodus 8:16; Job 2:7; Revelation 16:2)

B. The plague of boils comes upon Pharaoh’s magicians and all the Egyptians v 11-12 The priests who served in the Egyptian temples had to be clean, without any type of sore or sickness. When this plague of boils came, it meant that none of the priests could serve in the temples, and temporarily brought a halt to all of the false worship in Egypt. Pharaoh only hardened his heart more, and would not let the children of Israel go.

III THE SEVENTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 13-35

A. Moses is sent to Pharaoh again to warn him to release the Hebrews or God would send a plague of hail v 13-21 This is now the seventh time Moses has demanded of Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. Egypt is a land of very little rain. The average is less than an inch of rain per year, yet God tells them they are going to have rain - the kind they could really do without. This would not be a small hailstorm, but would be “a very grievous hail” (v 18) like Egypt had never seen before. This hail would be severe enough to kill man and beast, if they did not believe the word of the Lord and seek shelter. (Revelation 8:7; 16:21)

B. The plague of hail came upon Egypt just as God had said v 22-26 This plague was, no doubt, directed against the Egyptians’ goddess of the air called Isis. The Egyptians represented Isis as a “cow-headed” woman who they believed controlled a woman’s fertility in having children. She supposedly controlled the weather, also, but Isis was unable to stand up against the true and living God.

C. Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron to stop the plague of hail v 27-32 Pharaoh finally admitted his fault and said “I have sinned.” (v 27) It is one thing to admit your sin, but it is another thing to confess it to God and forsake it. (Proverbs 28:13) This plague of hail was a judgment upon the Egyptians’ food and clothing. The “wheat and the rye” were not smitten by the hail for they had not yet sprouted. Even in judgment, God is a merciful God. (James 2:13; Lamentations 3:22)

D. The Lord stopped the plague of hail, yet Pharaoh again changed his mind and would not let the Hebrews go v 33-35 Pharaoh was not really sorry for his sins, he was just sorry for getting caught, and for this judgment of hail. Pharaoh once again hardened his heart and refused to let Israel go. (Exodus 5:2; 7:13; 7:22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12)

TEACHERS’ TIP: IF YOU DO NOT WANT THE FRUITS OF SIN, STAY OUT OF SIN’S ORCHARD.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 10:16






Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Eighth and Ninth
Plagues Upon Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 10
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 10:16

Lesson 10 Exodus 10

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see the plagues of God’s judgment continuing to be poured out upon the land of Egypt. Egypt had suffered under some of the worst disasters any nation has ever known. The land was all but destroyed by blood, frogs, lice, flies, murrain, boils, and hail, yet Pharaoh still refused to let the children of Israel go. Here we see two more plagues sent upon the land of Egypt. These are THE EIGHTH AND NINTH PLAGUES UPON EGYPT.

I THE EIGHTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 1-20

A. The Lord instructs Moses to go back in before Pharaoh v 1-2 This is now the eighth time that Moses and Aaron have demanded of Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. (Exodus 5:1; 7:10, 15; 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13) God reminds Moses here of two of the reasons for His sending of the plagues upon Egypt:
1) “That I might shew these my signs before him” (v 1) - God could have taken the children of Israel out of Egypt with one fatal blow to Pharaoh, but the Lord is merciful even to Pharaoh. Each plague gives Pharaoh a new opportunity to obey and trust the Lord as “his Lord,” yet Pharaoh continues to harden his heart. (Jude 12; Romans 1:28)
2) “That ye may know how that I am the Lord” (v 2) - God wanted to demonstrate to His people that He was able to provide and bring judgment before He led them into the wilderness.


B. Moses and Aaron warn Pharaoh of the plague of locusts to come if he does not let the Hebrews go v 3-7 LOCUSTS - “grasshoppers” (used in the Bible as a symbol of “destructive enemies” - Nahum 3:17; Joel 2:2-9; Revelation 9:3) Locusts are one of the most feared terrors of the eastern countries. They are always found in the desert areas, but from time to time they multiply in vast numbers and have been known to spread over a space of ten to twelve miles in length and four to five miles in width. During the night time, they land and make “camps” that can measure up to a foot and half deep upon the ground. When the sun rises and warms them, they fly again usually in the direction of the wind, and devour every green thing in their way. Nothing is able to stop them when they swarm in this way. Just the thought of these locusts coming upon their land, causes Pharaoh’s servants to try to persuade him to let the children of Israel go. (v 7)

C. Pharaoh tries to get Moses and Aaron to compromise with him again v 8-11 This is the third time that Pharaoh has tried to get Moses to compromise with him. (Exodus 8:25; 8:28) When the devil cannot keep you from serving the Lord, he tries to get you to compromise so that you will not go all the way for the Lord. Pharaoh knew that the adults would surely come back to Egypt if he kept their children. Moses refused this compromise and was driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

NOTE: Satan still tempts parents today not to lead their children in serving the Lord:
The Lord commands parents to lead their children in the ways of the Lord. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7) But, just like Pharaoh, Satan says, “Mom and Dad can go serve the Lord, but leave your children with me.” Many parents have yielded to this temptation and have said:
1) “My children are just too young to understand.”
2) “I do not want to force religion on my child.”
3) “They will have time for serious matters when they grow up.”
4) “I want them to decide whether they go to church or not themselves.” So many parents today make their children go to school, brush their teeth, eat their dinner, be in at a decent hour, etc, but when it comes to the most important thing in life - THEIR SOUL - they neglect to lead them up and out of Egypt. Do not compromise with the devil and lose your children!

D. Moses stretches forth the rod, and God sends forth locusts upon the land of Egypt v 12-15 Notice that these locusts did not appear miraculously like some of the other plagues, but an east wind brought them probably from Asia and dumped them upon Egypt. These locusts had been brought across a large desert to get to Egypt, and by the time they got there, no doubt, they were very hungry. They absolutely stripped the land of Egypt of all vegetation. (Psalm 105:34-35; Proverbs 30:27)

E. Pharaoh quickly called for Moses and Aaron to ask the Lord to take away the locusts. v 16-20 This is now the second time that Pharaoh has admitted his sin. (Exodus 9:27) Pharaoh asks Moses to forgive his sin “only this once” and these words were true for Pharaoh did not ask for any other plague to be removed. God answered Moses’ prayer, and sent a west wind to blow the locusts into the Red Sea. But as soon as the locusts were gone, Pharaoh once again hardened his heart and refused to let the children of Israel go.

II THE NINTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 21-29

A. Moses is commanded to stretch out his hand toward Heaven and God sends the plague of darkness upon Egypt v 21-23 This plague was basically an attack upon the Egyptian sun god named Ra. This darkness was not just like a shadow or an eclipse, but was a darkness which could be “felt.” (Like in a cave- totally black) The Egyptians were afraid even to move for the three days of this darkness. Yet, the children of Israel had light in all their houses. The Egyptian sun god called Ra was unable to stand up against the true and living God. (Proverbs 4:19; Ephesians 5:8; II Corinthians 4:6)

B. Pharaoh tries again to reach a compromise with Moses in order to be rid of the plague of darkness v 24-27 This is now the fourth time that Pharaoh has tried to get Moses to compromise with him. (Exodus 8:25, 28; 10:11) When the devil cannot keep you and your family from serving the Lord, he will try to keep you from using your belongings in the Lord’s service. Pharaoh knew that if the children of Israel left their valuables in Egypt, then they would be back for their valuables. Moses refused this compromise, and even stated that not a hoof of their valuable flocks and herds would remain in Egypt. Use your treasures in the Lord’s service! (Hebrews 11:26; Matthew 6:21)
C. Pharaoh sends Moses out of his court v 28-29 Pharaoh’s pride was hurt, so he warns Moses not to come to see him again or he will be put to death. Moses did not like to appear before Pharaoh anyway, and thus, gladly accepted Pharaoh’s threat.

TEACHERS’ TIP: GOD DOES NOT LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE IMPORTANT, YOU ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE GOD LOVES YOU.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 11:28

Exodus 7 and 8 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The First Judgment Upon Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 7
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 7:12

Lesson 7 Exodus 7

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter the battle begins between the Lord God of Israel and the false gods of the Egyptian religion. From chapter 7 to chapter 12, ten judgments are brought upon the nation of Egypt until, at last, Pharaoh lets the children of Israel leave Egypt. There are several purposes behind God sending these ten plagues:
1) they gave a public testimony of the power and might of the true and living God (Exodus 9:16; 8:19)
2) they were a punishment upon the Egyptians for their cruel treatment of the children of Israel (Exodus 10;15-17)
3) they were a judgment from God upon the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12)
In this chapter we see the first of these judgments brought upon Egypt:

I MOSES AND AARON STANDING BEFORE GOD v 1-9

A. The Lord answers Moses’ objection about speaking to Pharaoh v 1-2 These verses are a continuation of the conversation between the Lord and Moses found in the last few verses of chapter 6. (Exodus 6:28-30) The Lord had made feeble Moses as a “god” to Pharaoh. Acting as God’s representative, Moses would rule over Egypt’s proud king, commanding him what he should do and punishing him when he did wrong. Aaron would be Moses’ mouth-piece and Moses would give him the words he was to say. This is one of the best definitions you will find of a “prophet.” A “prophet” is simply one who speaks for God just as Aaron got his words from Moses and spoke for him. (Exodus 4:15-16; II Timothy 2:2)


B. These judgments will prove to the Egyptians that God is “the Lord” v 3-5 God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in that it was God who was applying the fiery trial to Pharaoh’s heart. When the heat is applied to a heart that is soft and obedient, that heart will melt with compliance. But, when the heat is applied to a stone cold heart, it only gets harder. This was the case with Pharaoh, and Pharaoh’s heart only got harder. (Romans 9:18; Hebrews 3:8, 13)

C. Moses and Aaron obey the Lord and go into the presence of Pharaoh again v 6-9 Moses was now “fourscore” (80) years old and Aaron was 83. God told them that Pharaoh would want proof that God had sent them. Moses’ rod would provide that proof by turning into a serpent. (John 4:48; Luke 11:29-30)

II MOSES AND AARON STANDING BEFORE PHARAOH v 10-13

A. Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh and Aaron cast down the rod which became a serpent v 10 The serpent was a symbol of the Egyptian goddess of the south called Nechebt. The worship of the serpent was very prominent in Egypt in those days, and is the first Egyptian god against which God delivers a blow.

B. Pharaoh calls in his magicians to turn their rods into serpents v 11-13 These magicians of Egypt duplicated the miracle done by Moses and Aaron. The devil is a powerful adversary. If he has the power to transport the Lord Jesus from the wilderness to the temple at Jerusalem, and then show Him all the kingdoms of this world “in a moment of time” (Luke 4:5), then he would have no problem transforming rods into serpents. BUT, God is greater than the devil for Aaron’s rod swallowed up the rods of the magicians. (I John 4:4; Romans 8:31, 37)

NOTE: The Bible tells us that two of these magicians’ names were Jannes and Jambres. (II Timothy 3:8)

III PHARAOH STANDING BEFORE GOD v 14-25

A. The Lord instructs Moses and Aaron to go again before Pharaoh v 14-19 This would be the third time that Moses and Aaron had appeared before Pharaoh demanding Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. (Exodus 5:1; 7:10) Pharaoh would refuse to let them go which would bring about the first judgment upon the land of Egypt - the water would be turned to blood.

NOTE: The Egyptians worshiped the Nile River as a god. The Nile River was portrayed as Hapi, a fat man with the breasts of a woman which indicated the powers of fertility and nourishment. This river was the life-blood of Egypt but it was about to become judged of God.

B. Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded and the river and all waters in Egypt became blood v 20-21 Egypt is a dry, barren area and without water, the land and people would soon become parched in the hot sun. The Egyptian god of the Nile River could not stand up against the true and living God. (Revelation 16:3-7)

C. The magicians of Egypt also turned water into blood v 22-25 Pharaoh again was not convinced that it was the Lord Who had sent this judgment because his magicians were able to duplicate the plague. But, the magicians were powerless to change the blood back into pure water. By changing the water into blood, all these magicians did was make matters worse. For seven days the Egyptians roasted in the heat of the Egyptian desert with no water. (John 7:37-38)

TEACHERS’ TIP: THE DEVIL IS WILLING FOR A PERSON TO PROFESS CHRISTIANITY AS LONG AS HE DOES NOT PRACTICE CHRISTIANITY.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 8:32




Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Second, Third, and Fourth
Plagues Upon Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 8:32

Lesson 8 Exodus 8

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter the Lord continues His battle with the false gods of the Egyptian religion. Having already turned the Nile River into blood for seven days, the Lord sends Moses and Aaron back into Pharaoh’s court to again demand the release of the children of Israel. Pharaoh again hardens his heart and the Lord sends more plagues upon the land of Egypt. Here we see THE SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH PLAGUES UPON EGYPT.

I THE SECOND PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 1-15

A. The Lord sends Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh v 1-5 Pharaoh has been given seven days worth of opportunity to repent and let the children of Israel go, yet he has hardened his heart and refused to obey the Lord. Moses and Aaron warn Pharaoh of the frogs that God will send upon the land of Egypt if he does not let the Hebrews go.

NOTE: The “frog” was an object of worship to the Egyptians. They were the representatives of a frog-headed goddess named Heka, one of the oldest mother goddesses in the Egyptian religion. This frog-headed goddess was worshiped as the goddess of fertility and rebirth. Frogs, in the Bible, are used to symbolize the powers of evil and represent uncleanness. (Revelation 16:13)


B. Pharaoh refused to let the people go, so Aaron waved his rod and frogs came upon the land of Egypt v 6-7 Frogs covered the entire land of Egypt. When people walked, they stepped on frogs; when they sat, they sat on frogs; when they went to bed, they went to bed with frogs. The Egyptians held these frogs as sacred in their religion, so they could not try to kill them. These frogs were ugly, smelly, slimy, nasty, disgusting, and loud with their croaking. Pharaoh’s magicians could not stop the frogs nor get rid of them. All they could do was send more frogs. Thus, it has always been with the devil. He is unable to stop the evil he has brought upon God’s creation. All he can do is produce more wickedness. (John 8:44; I John 3:8)

C. Pharaoh calls for Moses and Aaron to ask the Lord to take away the frogs v 8-11 Pharaoh promises to let the children of Israel go, if the Lord will only get rid of the frogs. The Egyptian frog goddess, Heka, was unable to stand up against the true and living God. When Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted him to get rid of the frogs, Pharaoh answered “tomorrow.” (v 10) Pharaoh is like so many sinners today who plan to give up their uncleanness, their sin, but they want to live for one more night with the “frogs” (Acts 24:25; II Corinthians 6:2; Proverbs 27:1)

D. When Pharaoh saw that the plague of frogs was ended, he changed his mind and refused to let the children of Israel go v 12-15 RESPITE (v 15) - “a temporary intermission from suffering; a time of relief” The dead frogs were thrown into huge piles, and their rotting bodies cause the land of Egypt to stink. Pharaoh, apparently, thought that now he had things back under his control, but there were eight plagues yet to come. (I Thessalonians 5:3; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)

II THE THIRD PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 16-19

A. Moses told Aaron to wave the rod of God and bring up lice upon Egypt v 16-17 LICE (v 16) - “tiny parasitic insects that live on animals, plants or food” This plague came upon the land of Egypt with no previous warning. Suddenly, the dust of the ground sprang to life in the form of loathsome, annoying parasitic bugs. With piles of stinking frogs covering the land, there was already much food for these lice to eat. Everyone in the land of Egypt became infested with these annoying insects. The priests, who served in the temples of the Egyptian religion, had to guard against even the slightest contamination. They normally wore only linen garments and shaved their heads every third day to keep from polluting the temples of their false gods. Since everyone was infested with lice, no Egyptian could enter any temple until the plague of lice was ended. This was a sore rebuke of their pride. The Egyptian earth god called Geb was unable to stand up against the true and living God.

B. Pharaoh’s magicians had to admit that the lice were sent by God v 18-19 The magicians tried to bring forth lice, but they could not do it. They were forced into admitting that God’s finger had brought about this plague. These are the last recorded words in the Bible from these magicians. These magicians made no further efforts to oppose Moses and Aaron, but Pharaoh still resisted. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, just as Pharaoh’s magicians had to concede that God was mightier than their gods. (Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 45:22-23)

III THE FOURTH PLAGUE UPON EGYPT v 20-32

A. The Lord sends Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh v 20-23 This is now the fifth time that Moses and Aaron had demanded Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. (Exodus 5:1; 7:10; 7:15; 8:1) This time Moses and Aaron warn Pharaoh about a plague of flies upon the land, if he does not let the Hebrews go. Up until this time the plagues had affected both the lands of Egypt, and Goshen where the children of Israel lived. Many of Pharaoh’s advisors were probably telling him that, since Goshen was also affected by the plagues, there must be a natural explanation. But from now on, God would make a division between His own people and the Egyptians. (Leviticus 20;24; II Corinthians 6:17)

B. The Lord sends swarms of flies upon the land of Egypt v 24 This plague was designed to destroy the Egyptian people’s trust in the fly-god called Beelzebub, who they believed was their protector from the swarms of ravenous flies which usually came upon the land during the hottest days of the year. This plague had to do with tormenting of the bodies of the Egyptians, thus picturing the eternal tormenting of the lost in the lake of fire. In this the people of God will have no part. The Egyptian fly-god, Beelzebub, could not stand up against the true and living God. (Psalm 78:45)

C. Pharaoh calls for Moses and Aaron to ask the Lord to take away the swarms of flies v 25-29 Pharaoh says he will let the children of Israel go, but he tires to get Moses to make two compromises with him:
1) “Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land” (v 25) - This is the same compromise that Satan tries to get Christians to make today. The devil says, “you can still serve the Lord and the world,” but the Word of God says (Luke 16:13) - “No servant can serve two masters. . .” Moses answers Pharaoh by stating that since the Egyptians despised shepherds they would also despise the sacrifice of the lamb in the land of Egypt. (Genesis 46:34)
2) `”Ye shall not go very far away” (v 28) - Satan tires to get Christians to make this compromise also today. The devil says, “you don’t have to be a fanatic about this Christianity,” but the Word of God says (II Corinthians 6:17) - “Come out from among them. . .” Moses will not compromise with Pharaoh, and warns Pharaoh not to be deceitful any more about letting the children of Israel go.

D. Moses asked the Lord to take away the plague of flies from the Egyptians v 30-32 God took away every fly from the nation of Egypt, and as soon as the plague was over, Pharaoh once again hardened his heart and changed his mind.

TEACHERS’ TIP: YOU CAN’T WAIT UPON THE LORD AND RUN WITH THE DEVIL AT THE SAME TIME.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 9:27

Exodus 5 and 6 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Conflict With Pharaoh Begins
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 5
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 5:1

Lesson 5 Exodus 5

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter, Moses and Aaron came before Pharaoh Amenhotep II and made their first demand of Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. Amenhotep II had been Pharaoh over Egypt for about 19 years by this time, and had established himself as a proud, dynamic ruler over the great nation of Egypt. This was no small trial of their faith and courage for Moses and Aaron to go into the very court of Pharaoh with the word of the living God to tell him to “let my people go.” Thus, the conflict with Pharaoh begins.

I THE DEMAND OF MOSES TO PHARAOH v 1-5

A. Moses and Aaron demand of Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go v 1 God had already promised Moses that he and the children of Israel would worship Him at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 3:12) Mount Sinai was much more than a three day’s journey for a slow-moving group of people such as the children of Israel. (Exodus 19:1) In fact, God had even declared that He would bring Israel all the way to the Promised Land of Canaan. (Exodus 3:8) Then, why does Moses only request a three-day’s journey from Pharaoh? ANSWER: God was about to judge Egypt, and before He would judge them it must first be revealed to themselves concerning their wickedness. The Egyptians permitted any people to worship their own God after their accepted manner of worship. But, when the children of Israel wanted to journey into the wilderness to hold a feast unto their God, they were promptly refused. This would make the Egyptians see just how unjust they were by denying this reasonable request. (Romans 7:13; 3:10-20)


B. Pharaoh refuses to let the children of Israel go v 2 Pharaoh here shows his ignorance of the true and living God by saying, “Who is God, that I should obey his voice.” He knew about other gods, but not the true God. Pharaoh is just like so many lost people today who do not want to know God or obey Him. (Romans 1:21-23, 28)

NOTE: Egypt had some 73 principle gods which they worshiped and thousands of lesser gods. Each one of their principle gods was represented by an animal:
1) PTAH (Apis) - god of Memphis, represented by a BULL
2) AMON - god of Thebes, represented by a COW
3) MUT - the wife of Amon, represented by a VULTURE
4) HORUS - god of the sky, represented by a FALCON
5) RA - the sun god, represented by a HAWK
6) SET (Satan) - god of the east frontier, represented by a CROCODILE
7) OSIRIS - god of the dead, represented by a GOAT
8) ISIS - wife of Osiris, represented by a COW
9) THOTH - god of intelligence, represented by an APE
10) HEKA - a goddess, represented by a FROG
11) NECHEBT - goddess of the south, represented by a SERPENT
12) BAST - a goddess, represented by a CAT
The Nile River was also sacred and the Egyptians made gods out of each of the Pharaohs.

C. Pharaoh accuses Moses and Aaron of only trying to get the children of Israel out of doing their work v 3-5 LET (v 4) - “to hinder” (II Thessalonians 2:7) Pharaoh did not believe that God had spoken to Moses, but that Moses was trying to hinder the people from doing their chores. (Exodus 4:1)

II THE DEMAND OF PHARAOH TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL v 6-18

A. Pharaoh increased Israel’s burden by giving them no straw to make their bricks v 6-14 TALE (v 8) - “number; quantity” Pharaoh reasoned that, if the children of Israel had time to talk about going into the wilderness to worship God, they must not be working hard enough. Straw was needed to help keep the bricks together. Pharaoh ordered his men to withhold the straw from Israel and yet they were forced to produce the same number of bricks as before AND gather the straw for the bricks also. So it is with every sinner who disobeys the Gospel command. The one who refuses to repent and believe the Gospel, only becomes more hardened, more cold, and more calloused until at last he reaps the due rewards of his sins. The fear of losing Israel causes Pharaoh to hold them even tighter. (Proverbs 12:10; I Kings 12:11)

B. The officers of the children of Israel cry out to Pharaoh for relief v 15-18 Instead of crying unto the Lord first, these leaders of the Israelites turned unto Pharaoh for relief. They probably thought that their brutal taskmasters had acted without the king’s knowledge. No doubt, they hoped to appeal to Pharaoh’s pity or sense of justice, but soon they found that there was no mercy with Pharaoh. So, too, many a poor, lost sinner learns that there is no relief from their burdens by turning to human counselors. (Luke 15:15-16; Mark 5:26)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL NOTE: At the treasure city of Pithom (Exodus 1:11) in 1883 A.D., archeologists found baked bricks used to build the city. The lower courses of brick were filled with good chopped straw, the middle courses, with less straw and stubble; and the upper courses of brick were made of pure clay with no straw. Just like the book of Exodus records for us. True science always agrees with the Bible. History is really just HIS - STORY!.

III THE DEMAND OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL v 19-23

A. The officers of the children of Israel confront Moses and Aaron v 19-21 Poor Moses! He had bee prepared for the conflict with Pharaoh for the Lord had plainly told him that Pharaoh would harden his heart. BUT, Moses had no warning about the conflict he would have from his own brethren. This is a real test for any servant of God, for it is always harder to be criticized by our own brothers in Christ, by those whom we are doing our bet to help, than it is to be persecuted by the world. (II Timothy 3:12; II Corinthians 10:10)

B. Moses turns to the Lord in his hour of trials v 22-23 Moses could not understand why things had happened as they had. He had come to help the children of Israel out of bondage, but instead their bondage now seemed worse than ever. The people turned to Moses and Moses turned to the Lord. Moses would soon learn that the Lord always has a good reason for each one of His delays.

TEACHERS’ TIP: WHEN YOU LOOK FOR FAULTS, USE A MIRROR, NOT A TELESCOPE.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 6:5



Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Credentials of Moses
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 6
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 6:6

Lesson 6 Exodus 6

INTRODUCTION: This chapter is basically a continuation of the events that took place in chapter five. In the last few verses of chapter five we saw Moses pouring out his heart in discouragement before the Lord. Moses did not understand why God had let Pharaoh add more burdens to the children of Israel. In this chapter God answers Moses’ prayer, and then reveals to us just who is this Moses. Here we see the CREDENTIALS OF MOSES.

I MOSES’ PRAYER ANSWERED v 1-13

A. The Lord answers Moses’ question as to why He had not yet delivered the children of Israel v 1 God’s now had come just at the heels of man’s why. (Exodus 5:22-23) The Lord did not address the impatient questions of Moses, but simply repeated the fact that Pharaoh will let the children of Israel go. In fact, He says, Pharaoh will “with a strong hand drive them out of his land.” There was no reason for Moses to be discouraged. The counsel of God would stand and His purposes would be accomplished in spite of Moses’ doubts. (Isaiah 46:10; Proverbs 21:30)

B. The Lord tells Moses that He will now reveal Himself as Jehovah v 2-5 JEHOVAH - “ the self-existing One” (usually translated as Lord) Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew God as Jehovah, also. (Genesis 13:4; 22:14; 26:25; 32:9) But, they only knew God’s promises. Moses, on the other hand, was about to know Jehovah in a different way than Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in that he was about to actually see God as the great Performer of His promises. (Romans 4:20-21; II Corinthians 1:20)

C. God gives Moses His message to bring to the children of Israel v 6-9 In the Lord’s message to Moses, we find the sevenfold “I will” of Redemption:

1) “I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (v 6a) - God’s promises had been made to their fathers, (Genesis 15:13-16) but now the time had come for God to make good His Word. God can still deliver the lost from the burden of sin today. (Matthew 11:28-30)
2) “I will rid you out of their bondage” (v 6b) - God was not going to just relieve their burdens, but He would take them completely away from the house of bondage. (Colossians 1:13)
3) “I will redeem you” (v 6c) - REDEEM - “to buy back; to purchase and set free” - A little lamb would be slain and his blood shed as a picture of this redemption. Redemption has always been through the blood of the Lamb - the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:18-19)
4) “I will take you to Me for a people” (v 7a) - Possession is the end of redemption. God saves us and makes us one of His very own people. (I John 3:1-2)
5) “I will be to you a God” (v 7b) - Here is the sweet thought of a mutual surrender. When God’s people yield themselves to be His people, He also yields Himself to be their God. (II Corinthians 6:16)
6) “I will bring you into the land” (v 8a) - God brought Israel into Canaan just like He promised. So also, God will bring all those who trust Christ as Saviour safely to Heaven. (John 14:1-3)
7) “I will give it to you for an heritage” (v 8b) - God gave the land of Canaan to Israel, just as God has promised a great inheritance to those who are saved. (Colossians 1:23; 3:24)
Moses spoke these words of promise to the children of Israel, but now they were discouraged and would not listen.

D. Moses objects about speaking again to Pharaoh v 10-13 Moses feels that since the children of Israel would not listen to him, then surely Pharaoh would not listen either. This is now the sixth excuse Moses has given for not obeying what God had told him to do. (Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13) The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by simply commanding him and Aaron to go and speak. CHARGE (v 13) - “an authoritative command”



II MOSES’ FAMILY TREE RECOGNIZED v 14-27

The family trees of the first three sons of Jacob are listed v 14-27 In these verses the Lord lists for us a partial family tree (genealogy) of the nation of Israel. The purpose for this list at this point in the book of Exodus seems to be so that we will understand a little more of the background of Moses. God wants us to know who we are reading about, and to recognize his credentials for being the leader used of God to deliver Israel from Egypt.

A. THE SONS OF REUBEN (v 14) - Reuben (“behold a son”) was the first-born son of Jacob and his wife Leah (Genesis 29:32) HANOCH - “dedicated” HEZRON - “blooming” PALLU - “distinguished” CARMI - “vine-dresser; fruitful”

B. THE SONS OF SIMEON (v 15) - Simeon (“hearing”) was the second son of Jacob and his wife Leah (Genesis 29:33; 46:10) JEMUEL - “God is light” JACHIN - “founding or God establishes” JAMIN - “right mind” ZOHAR - “nobility” OHAD - “powerful” SHAUL - “asked”

C. THE SONS OF LEVI (v 16) - Levi (“joined”) was the third son of Jacob and his wife Leah (Genesis 29:34; 46:11) GERSHON - “expulsion” KOHATH - “assembly” (Moses was one of the grandsons of Kohath - v 18, 20) MERARI - “bitter; sad”

D. THE SONS OF GERSHON (v 17) - Gershon was one of the sons of Levi (v 16) LIBNI - “white; distinguished” SHIMI - “Jah is fame; a renowned one”

E. THE SONS OF KOHATH (v 18) - Kohath was one of the sons of Levi (v 16) AMRAM - “high people” (Amram is the father of Moses - v 20) IZHAR - “shining; anointing” HEBRON - “a company; allegiance” UZZIEL - “God is strong”

F. THE SONS OF MERARI (v 19) - Merari was one of the sons of Levi (v 16) MAHALI - “mild; weak” MUSHI - “drawn out”

G. THE SONS OF IZHAR (v 21) - Izhar was one of the sons of Kohath (v 18) and thus the uncle of Moses KORAH - “baldness” NEPHEG - “sprout”
ZICHRI - “renowned; mindful”

H. THE SONS OF UZZIEL (v 22) - Uzziel was one of the sons of Kohath and thus the uncle of Moses (v 18) MISHAEL - “who is like God” ELZAPHAN - “God is concealed” ZITHRI - “Jah is protection”

I. THE SONS OF KORAH (v 24) - Korah was one of the sons of Izhar and thus the cousin of Moses (v 18, 21) ASSIR - “prisoner” ELKANAH - “God is possessing” ABIASAPH - “Father of gathering”

NOTE: Aaron is the older brother of Moses. (Exodus 7:7; 4:14) Here we are told about the family of Aaron. (v 23, 25):
AARON - “enlightened”
ELISHEBA - “God of the oath” (wife of Aaron)
AMMINADAB - “people of liberty” (the father of Elisheba - Matthew 1:4 - of the tribe of Judah)
NAASHON - “oracle” (the brother of Elisheba - Matthew 1:4)
NADAB - “liberal; willing” (one of the sons of Aaron)
ABIHU - “he is my father” (one of the sons of Aaron)
ELEAZAR - “God is my helper” (one of the sons of Aaron)
ITHAMAR - “palm-coast” (one of the sons of Aaron)

III MOSES’ COMMISSION REPEATED v 28-30

A. God repeats His command to Moses to go speak to Pharaoh v 28-29 Moses was down-hearted and discouraged, yet God still had a job for him to do. Even in discouragement, the servant of the Lord must still obey the Lord. (Luke 5:4-6)

B. Moses gives one last objection about speaking to Pharaoh v 30 This is a repeat of Moses’ objection in verse 12. This is now the seventh excuse Moses has given for not obeying what God had told him to do. (Exodus 3:11; 3:13; 4:1; 4:10, 13; 6:12) Seven is the number of completeness in the Bible, thus showing the complete weakness and unbelief of Moses. (Hebrews 11:6)

TEACHERS’ TIP: FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS GOD WHO SAYS IT.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 7:12

Exodus 3 and 4 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: Moses at the Burning Bush
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 3
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 3:14

Lesson 3 Exodus 3

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see Moses still watching his father-in-law’s sheep after forty years. Moses was content just to be a lowly shepherd, and probably would have died there in the deserts of Midian, but God had plans for Moses. Here we see God speaking to Moses out of a burning bush. This chapter records for us the “call” and “commission” of this great man, Moses.

I THE CALL OF MOSES v 1-14

A. Moses led the flock of sheep to the mountain of God v 1 HOREB - “dryness; desert” Moses’ forty years in Midian have come to an end. All of his schooling in Egypt was not enough to prepare him for his great work of delivering Israel from bondage. So, God prepared him for forty years by letting him lead flocks of sheep. “Horeb” was one of the smaller hills surrounding the “mountain of God” - Mt. Sinai. (I Kings 19:8; Exodus 24:13)

B. The Lord appeared to Moses at a burning bush v 2 This “angel of the Lord” was none other than the Lord Jesus Himself appearing upon the earth. (v 4) This pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord on the earth is called a THEOPHANY. This bush was probably a thorny bush called an “acacia” bush, and would readily burn in such an arid climate. But, the strange thing about this bush was that it was burning but not being burnt up. This burning bush got Moses’ attention. (Hebrews 12:29; Acts 7:30)

C. Moses decided to turn aside to see the burning bush v 3 Think of what Moses would have missed if he had not decided to turn aside to see this “great sight.” How many blessings have we, as Christians, missed because we will not notice the “great sights” around us by which God may use to speak to us? (Jeremiah 33:3; Acts 7:31)

D. God called Moses out of the burning bush v 4-9 Man cannot stand in his own strength before a holy and righteous God, thus Moses is told to put off his shoes. God then, identifies Himself to Moses, and Moses hides his face from the Lord. (John 1:18) God is now keeping His promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) and is fulfilling the prophecy given by Joseph (Genesis 50:24) to visit His people and bring them up out of captivity in Egypt. What a blessing to know that He who never “slumbers or sleeps” sees our afflictions in this world and cares for us also. (I Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; Acts 7:32-34)

E. God calls Moses to go to Pharaoh, but Moses only makes excuses v 10-14 Moses made two excuses in these verses as to why he thought he could not do what God had told him to do:
1) “who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh” (v 11) - God answers Moses’ excuse by telling him that He would go with him (Matthew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:5)
2) “what shall I say unto them?” (v 13) - God answers Moses’ excuse by telling him to tell them “I am hath sent me unto you.” God was telling Moses that it is not “who you are” but “Who I am” that makes the difference. When Moses learned that he could not deliver Israel, but that God could do it through him, it was then that God was ready to use him. (I Corinthians 1:26-29)

II THE COMMISSION OF MOSES v 15-22

A. The Lord tells Moses what to tell the children of Israel v 15-17 God tells Moses to go and even gives him the message to deliver when he gets there. We also have been told to go into all the world and have been given the greatest news ever heard to declare - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20)

B. The Lord even reassures Moses of how his message will be received v 18-19 The children of Israel will believe Moses’ message even though Moses is not yet convinced that they will believe him. (Exodus 4:1) But Pharaoh will harden his heart and not believe the word of the Lord sent by Moses. (Exodus 5:2)

C. The Lord assures Moses that Israel will be brought up out of Egypt v 20-22 Moses is told ahead of time that Pharaoh will refuse to let the children of Israel go. Pharaoh’s refusal in this matter will open up God’s campaign against all the false gods of Egypt. At last, the children of Israel will be freed from Egyptian bondage, and will leave Egypt as a rich and prosperous nation. (Genesis 15:14) BORROW (Hebrew - “shaal”) - “to ask for; lay to charge”

TEACHERS’ TIP: IT IS NOT THE GREATNESS OF OUR TROUBLES, BUT THE LITTLENESS OF OUR FAITH THAT MAKES US COMPLAIN.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 4:2



Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: Moses Returns to Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 4
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 4:2

Lesson 4 Exodus 4

INTRODUCTION: As this chapter begins, we see the conclusion of God’s commissioning of Moses at the burning bush. In the pages of history are the records of men who accomplished much with very little in their hands. (Example: 1 - David had a sling, 2 - Samson had a jaw bone, 3 - Gideon had his 300 men) Moses was told by God to go into Egypt and bring over two million people out from under the rule of the most powerful nation in the world at that time - the nation of Egypt. So, Moses, an eighty-year-old man, with his wife and two children, and with their total wealth packed on one small donkey, sets out to overthrow an empire, deliver a race and establish a nation. It is in this way that MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT.

I MOSES’ OBJECTIONS ABOUT RETURNING TO EGYPT v 1-17

A. Moses objects about returning to Egypt because he says the people “will not believe me” v 1 This is actually Moses’ third excuse for not wanting to go to Egypt. (Exodus 3:11, 13) Moses seems to have forgotten that God had taken into account all the natural reluctance and hardness of the human heart. It was not Moses’ word that the people so desperately needed in Egypt, but it was the word of God that he brought with him that made the difference. (Hebrews 4:12; Philippians 2:15-16)

B. The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by giving him three miraculous signs to prove he was sent by God to the people v 2-9 Signs are more convincing than words, so God gives Moses these three miraculous signs: (Mark 16:17-18; John 4:48)
1) the rod turned into a serpent (v 2-5) - This serpent was a sign of God’s “overcoming power”, by bringing terrible judgments upon those who oppose His will. (Numbers 21:6)

2) the leprous hand healed (v 6-8) - This leprous hand being healed was a sign of God’s “restoring power.” He could restore Israel just as He restored Moses’ hand. (Matthew 8;23; 12:10-13)
3) the water turned to blood (v 9) - This water turned to blood was the sign of God’s “transforming power.” God is still able to transform the wretched water of the river of human life into life-carrying blood. (John 2:9)

C. Moses objects about returning to Egypt because he says he is “slow of speech” v 10 This is now Moses’ fourth excuse for not wanting to go to Egypt. (Exodus 3:11, 13: 4:1) Moses apparently, had some type of speech problem and felt inadequate to appear before Pharaoh and make a speech in such a place as Pharaoh’s court. The truth of the matter was that Moses was quite able to speak when it was time, but now he is only making excuses. (Exodus 8:26; 29; 9:29)

D. The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by telling him that He would give him the words to say v 11-12 The Lord tells Moses that it is He Who made Moses’ mouth and even permitted him to have a speech impediment. Moses was trusting only in the natural ability of man instead of in the supernatural ability of God. Some of the greatest preachers throughout history have been also some of the worst public speakers, yet God used them to carry His Word to the lost. (I Corinthians 2:1-5; 3:19; II Corinthians 10:10; 11:6)

E. The Lord provides Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman v 13-17 AARON (v 14) - “enlightened” - This is the first mention of Aaron in the Bible. Aaron was, by three years, the older brother of Moses. (Exodus 7:7) Moses here has finally refused to go to Egypt, and even asks God to send somebody else. Moses’ unbelief angers the Lord until the Lord, at last, allows Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman. Moses was now ready to go, as long as Aaron was with him, but before he did not want to go when again and again God Himself said He would be with him. Moses now has his spokesman, but no doubt has lost much of the honor that would have been his if he had not been slow to answer God’s call. Is God calling you to a special job in His service? Answer His call without delay. (I Samuel 3:8-10; Matthew 9:9; Acts 9:4-6)


II MOSES’ SURRENDER TO RETURN TO EGYPT v 18-31

A. Moses prepares to leave the land of Midian v 18-19a It is commendable that Moses wanted to leave his father-in-law in the right way. After all, it was Jethro who had taken Moses in when he was a fugitive from Egypt and had given his daughter in marriage to Moses AND provided him with a home and job for forty years. (Exodus 2:21) But, Moses’ words show that he was still not convinced about going to Egypt. Moses mentions nothing about the Lord’s appearing to him at the burning bush, nor of His promise to bring Israel up out of Egyptian bondage. God even has to repeat His command to Moses to “return to Egypt.” (v 19a)

B. Moses had three obstacles to take care of before he could be used to lead Israel out of Egypt v 19b-28
1) his employment to Jethro (v 18) - The Lord worked in Jethro’s heart and he was willing to let Moses leave. (Compare with Genesis 31:20, 31)
2) his enemies in Egypt who sought to kill him (v 19b-23) - Pharaoh Thotmes III who wanted to kill Moses has died, and Moses can safely return to Egypt. The Lord had taken care of this obstacle also.
3) his house must be set in order (v 24-26) - Before Moses would be allowed to be God’s ambassador in Egypt, there was one more long-neglected matter of which Moses needed to take care. The symbol of God’s covenant with Israel was circumcision. Apparently, Zipporah had resisted the ordinance of circumcision and Moses just let her have her way to keep peace in the family. Moses, obviously, thought he could get by with this area of disobedience. He just let it slide like many Christian workers do who neglect their own homes while trying to fix up other people’s homes. At this inn (v 24) on the way to Egypt, God struck down Moses and rendered him helpless. Zipporah, then had to administer the circumcision to her own son in order to save Moses’ life. At last Moses had set his own house in order. (I Timothy 3:4)

C. Moses and Aaron carry the good news of God’s deliverance to the elders of Israel in Egypt v 27-31 What a story Moses and Aaron had for the poor oppressed people of Israel. To them it was the good news of deliverance just as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to every poor, oppressed sinner today. Notice how the children of Israel received this good news -
1) they believed (v 31)
2) they bowed (v 31)
3) they worshiped (v 31)
This chapter began with doubts and fears (v 1) and ends with faith and worship. (v 31)
news:
news:TEACHERS’ TIP: FAITH SEES THE INVISIBLE, BELIEVES THE INCREDIBLE AND RECEIVES THE IMPOSSIBLE!

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 5:1

Exodus 1 and 2 lesson

Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: Israel in Egyptian Bondage
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 1
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 1:8

Lesson 1: Exodus 1

INTRODUCTION: Israel had been dwelling in the land of Egypt for nearly 350 years, and had grown from a family of only 70 people to a great nation of over two million people. While Israel was dwelling in Egypt, a new dynasty of Pharaohs came to power. These new Pharaohs were suspicious of the Hebrews, and thus, made them slaves in Egypt in order to control them. In this first chapter, we see ISRAEL IN EGYPTIAN BONDAGE.

I THE NATION OF ISRAEL IN EGYPT v 1-7

A. Seventy souls entered Egypt with Jacob v 1-5 There had been a terrible famine in the land of Canaan, and Egypt was the only nation near enough to go to that had any food. Jacob’s son, Joseph, was the Prime Minister, under Pharaoh, of the nation of Egypt. Joseph sent for his father and his brothers to come down into Egypt and there he cared for them, and gave them the land of Goshen in which to live. God spoke to Jacob and told him to go into Egypt, and there He would make of Jacob’s family a great nation. (Genesis 46:2-4)

B. Joseph and his eleven brothers died in the land of Egypt v 6 Joseph had been the Prime Minister of Egypt for 80 years ever since he was thirty years old. (Genesis 41:46; 50:26) God had blessed the nation of Egypt during these 80 years until it was the most powerful nation in the world. Now, Joseph and all his brothers have died, but God continues to bless their descendants until they have multiplied into a great nation in Egypt.
C. The land of Egypt was filled with the Hebrew children of Israel v 7 At the time when Israel came up out of Egypt, there were 600,000 men above 20 years old, besides women and children, which made up the nation of Israel. (Numbers 1:45-46) The total number of people that composed the nation of Israel at the time of the Exodus then would be well over two million. For 70 persons to reach this number in a total of 430 years, it would be necessary to double about every 25 years, which would easily be possible. God had kept His promise to Abraham, and had made of His seed a great nation. (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:13-14; 17:6)

II THE NEW KING OVER ISRAEL IN EGYPT v 8-11


A. A new Pharaoh came to power in Egypt who did not know of Joseph v 8 During the 300 year period between the death of Joseph until the book of Exodus, there had been a new dynasty of Pharaohs brought to power. Joseph was probably promoted to Prime Minister by Pharaoh Apepi II in about 1801 B.C. The Pharaohs of Joseph’s time were called “Hyksos”, or Shepard kings, who invaded Egypt from Asia. The Hyksos were of the Semitic line as was Israel, thus under the Hyksos Pharaohs, Israel was treated well for Joseph’s sake. The Hyksos introduced the horse and chariot to Egypt as well as the composite bow, which made Egypt a world power. But, in about 1570 B.C., a new Pharaoh named “Ahmose”, came to power and drove out the Hyksos. This new line of Pharaohs were from Assyria and felt no indebtedness to Joseph or the children of Israel. (Acts 7:18)

B. The new Pharaoh feared Israel, and turned them into slaves v 9-11 The children of Israel did not outnumber all the Egyptians (v 9) but they did outnumber the Assyrians who had conquered Egypt with their king Ahmose. This new Pharaoh did not appeal to “THE” people, but only to “HIS” people. (v 9, 22) “HIS” people would be the Assyrians who had conquered Egypt. He feared that if Israel should unite forces with the true Egyptians against the Assyrian invaders, they would be strong enough to leave Egypt. Thus, this new Pharaoh made Israel into slaves and put taskmasters over them. All of this happened that the scriptures might be fulfilled. (Genesis 15:13-16; Isaiah 52:4) PITHOM AND RAAMSES - store cities of Egypt located in the northeastern part of the nation in the area referred to as Goshen. These cities were built by the slave labor of the children of Israel.

III THE PERSECUTION OF ISRAEL IN EGYPT v 12-22

A. The more the Egyptians afflicted the Israelites, the more they multiplied and grew v 12-14 RIGOUR (v 13) - “sternness; harshness; exactness without any flexibility” All down through history, the times of severest trial have always been times of the greatest blessings to the people of God. (Psalm 119:67; II Timothy 3:12)

B. Pharaoh speaks to the midwives ordering them to kill all the newborn Hebrew boys v 15-21 SHIPHRAH - “beauty” PUAH - “splendor” These two women apparently were in charge of all the nurses of Egypt who were responsible for delivering babies. These ladies were apparently true Egyptians, instead of Assyrians, and thus did not obey the command of Pharaoh. Thus, another one of Satan’s attacks upon the promised seed that would lead to Christ was foiled. (Genesis 3:15; Matthew 2:13-18)

C. Pharaoh charged all of his people to cast all the newborn Hebrew baby boys into the river. v 22 The Pharaoh who ordered the Hebrew baby boys to be killed was called Pharaoh Thotmes III. During his reign in Egypt he built a navy and many cities. His half-sister was the famous Queen Hatshepsut. She ruled Egypt for the first twenty years of Thotmes III’s reign; and though he hated her, she completely dominated him. After her death, he ruled alone for 30 years. If Thotmes III is the Pharaoh that so persecuted the Hebrew children, then Queen Hatshepsut would be the “Pharaoh’s daughter” who found the baby Moses in the bulrushes. (Exodus 2:5-10)

TEACHERS’ TIP: KNOW IT IN YOUR HEAD, STOW IT IN YOUR HEART, SHOW IT IN YOUR LIFE.

NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 2:24



Studies in Exodus

TOPIC: The Early Years of Moses
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 2
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 2:24

Lesson 2: Exodus 2

INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we are introduced to one of the great heroes of the faith - a man by the name of Moses. From Adam to Christ, there is none greater than Moses. He is one of the few characters in the Bible whose whole life is recorded for us from which we can learn. All of God’s early dealings with Israel in Egypt were transacted through Moses. He was a prophet, priest and king, and as such is a wonderful picture of Christ. This chapter tells us of THE EARLY YEARS OF MOSES.

NOTE: Notice these strange opposites in the life of Moses:
1) he was the child of a slave, yet the son of a queen
2) he was born in a hut, yet lived in a palace
3) he inherited poverty, yet enjoyed unlimited wealth
4) he was the leader of armies, yet was the keeper of flocks
5) he was the mightiest of warriors, yet the meekest of men
6) he was educated in the court, yet lived in the desert
7) he had the wisdom of Egypt, yet the faith of the living God
8) he was fitted for the city, yet wandered in the wilderness
9) he was tempted with the pleasures of sin, yet endured the hardships of virtue
10) he was slow in speech, yet talked with God
11) he had the rod of a shepherd, yet the power of the King of kings
12) he was a fugitive from Pharaoh, yet an ambassador from God
13) he died alone on Mount Pisgah, yet appeared with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration
14) no man assisted at his funeral, yet God buried him

I THE FIRST FORTY YEARS OF MOSES’ LIFE v 1-14


A. The birth of Moses v 1-2 Moses’ mother and father were both Hebrews of the tribe of Levi. Moses’ father’s name was Amram (“high people”), and his mother’s name was Jochebed (“Jehovah her glory”) (Exodus 6:20) Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had given orders to all “his” people to kill every son born of the Hebrew slaves. (Exodus 1:22) But, Moses’ parents hid him for three months and had faith that God would take care of their baby. (Hebrews 11:23; Acts 7:17-20)

NOTE: Moses’ parents disobeyed man’s law in order to obey God’s law: The Word of God requires every Christian to obey the laws of the land in which he lives, no matter how wise and just, or foolish and unjust those laws may be. (Romans 13:1-7) Yet, our obedience to human government is plainly qualified also in the Bible. The Christian is to obey man’s laws as long as they do not contradict God’s laws. When man’s laws contradict God’s laws, then we must obey God’s law which is the higher law. (Daniel 6:7-11; Acts 5:28-29)

B. Moses was placed in an ark and set in the flags by the river bank v 3-4 Moses was a normal healthy baby and for the first three months he basically slept, like most babies. But, the day came when, like most babies, he could really scream at the top of his voice. His parents could not safely hide him any longer. (Faith never tempts God) So, Jochebed did a sensible thing. She made a little chest (ark) out of the reeds that grew along the river bank, and made the little ark waterproof, and hid little Moses in it among the flags that grew along the bank. She even set Moses’ big sister, Miriam, in a place to watch over little Moses to see what might happen to him. BULRUSHES AND FLAGS - “reedy plants that grow along rivers and swampy places” SLIME AND PITCH (bitumen) - “a waterproof tar substance; asphalt”

C. Pharaoh’s daughter found Moses in the flags v 5-10 This “Pharaoh’s daughter” mentioned here was probably the famous “Queen Hatshepsut.” She was the daughter of Pharaoh Thotmes I. She married her own half-brother, Thotmes II, but had no children of her own. At the death of Thotmes II, since there were no sons to inherit the throne of Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut herself became “Regent” or acting ruler of Egypt. In the meantime, another half brother named Thotmes III was crowned King of Egypt, however, Queen Hatshepsut still actually ruled the kingdom for the first 20 years of Thotmes III’s reign. This was probably the Pharaoh’s daughter who found Moses in the reeds of the Nile River and adopted him as her own son. (Acts 7:21) MOSES - “drawer out; deliverer”

NOTE: Moses’ mother received the reward of her great faith in God beyond all her expectations. Not only did God spare the life of her son, Moses, but also she was allowed to nurse her own son, and even got PAID for it. (Ephesians 3:20)

D. Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God v 11-14 The first forty years of Moses’ life were spent in the courts of Pharaoh. He was raised like an Egyptian and even looked like an Egyptian. (Exodus 2:19) He was educated in the great “Temple of the Sun” which was the greatest university of its day. He, no doubt, was very learned in astronomy, mathematics, and chemistry for which the Egyptians were famous. (Acts 7:22) But, Moses never forgot that he was one of the Hebrews. One day while defending a Hebrew slave, he was forced to kill an Egyptian soldier. When Pharaoh heard what Moses had done, he tried to catch Moses to kill him. Queen Hatshepsut had died about nine years earlier and was not there to protect Moses, so he fled for his life into the wilderness of the land of Midian. (Acts 7:23-29; Hebrews 11:24-27)

NOTE: Moses got in too big a hurry to see the children of Israel delivered from Egyptian bondage: God’s time had not yet come to deliver Israel from Egypt. Another forty years of bondage lay ahead of Israel, but Moses was impatient and acted in the energy of the flesh, and killed the Egyptian. God could have allowed Moses to be the next Pharaoh of Egypt, and had released Israel in that way. But, Moses was running ahead of the Lord’s plan. Thus, for the next forty years he would live on the backside of the desert. (Proverbs 25:8; Isaiah 40:31)

II THE SECOND FORTY YEARS OF MOSES’ LIFE v 15-25

A. Moses defended the seven daughters of Reuel at the well v 15-20 REUEL - “friend of God’s “ (also called Jethro - “excellence” Exodus 3:1) He was one of the princes or priests of the land of Midian. As Moses fled from Pharaoh, he came to a well in the desert land of Midian, across the Red Sea from Egypt. As he sat at the well area, he saw the men shepherds’ mistreatment of seven women shepherds concerning the use of the well. Moses defended these ladies and they commended Moses’ bravery to their father, who asked Moses to come have supper with them. (Genesis 29:1-11)

B. Moses watched his father-in-law’s sheep for forty years v 21-22 ZIPPORAH - “sparrow” GERSHOM - “a stranger; expelled” Moses married one of Jethro’s daughters by whom he had two sons - Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4)

C. God heard the cry of the children of Israel in Egyptian bondage v 23-25 Queen Hatshepsut apparently died when Moses was about 31 years of age and Pharaoh Thotmes III reigned another 30 years after her death. The year was about 1450 B.C. when a new Pharaoh named Amenhotep II came to the throne of Egypt. The children of Israel began to cry out to God because of their bondage, and God heard their cries and remembered His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God now prepares to deliver Israel from out of Egypt after 430 years. (Exodus