Slideshow image

January 13, 2025

Bible Survey: Exodus

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: Exodus 3; 12

This week we continue with our Bible survey by looking at Exodus.

Exodus. The name “Exodus” means exit or departure and is so named for the main event recorded in the book; namely, Israel’s departure from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. Chapters 1-6 address the slavery of Israel, 7-18 addresses their deliverance from Egypt, 19-31 address the giving of the Mosaic Law, 32-34 address Israel’s rebellion and God’s response, and 35-40 addresses the building of the Tabernacle which was where God’s presence would dwell in the midst of the nation. 

Between the last verse of Genesis and the first verse of Exodus, there is a gap of 275 years. In spite of that time gap, this book of Scripture picks up where Genesis left off with the descendants of Abraham, the Jews. Some pivotal people and events characterize this book. Let’s look at a few.

Moses (see Exodus 2-14; 16-19; Acts 7:17-50; Hebrews 11:23-29). Moses is an interesting person, to say the least. His parents hid him following his birth because the Pharaoh wanted all male children to be killed (see Exodus 1:22). This was his attempt to control the population explosion of the Hebrew people. Although he was a Hebrew, Moses was raised by the daughter of Pharaoh (see Exodus 2). He was well educated and when he came of age had some recognition that he was chosen to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:17-50; Hebrews 11:23-29). His rash actions to make this happen caused him to kill an Egyptian (see Exodus 2) and, consequently, high step it out of town before he could be captured by Egyptian authorities. He spent the next 40 years in the desert tending sheep. God eventually broke His silence and called Moses to lead the nation out of slavery (see Exodus 3). Instead of jumping at the opportunity, Moses offered excuses as to why he was not the right man for the job. Countless things could be said about Moses, however, let me encourage you to dive into Exodus to discover more. You’ll find as you read his story, that he is no different than us. For instance, have you ever offered God excuses as to why you couldn’t do something He wanted you to do?

The institution of Passover (see Exodus 12). Due to Pharaoh's refusal to release the nation of Israel from slavery, God sent 10 plagues to show him who was really in charge. The last plague was the death of the firstborn for every household. God, however, provided a means of protecting the firstborn by instituting the Passover. Each household that killed a lamb and spread its blood over the door post would not experience the excruciating pain of losing their firstborn child. The Lord would see the blood on the door and pass over it. The Passover, minus placing blood on their door post, is something the nation of Israel celebrates to this day. In fact, Jesus celebrated Passover (see Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:17-21; Luke 2:41-50; 22:14, 21-23; John 2:13-25; 13:21-22).  

Released from slavery (see Exodus 13). The fact that Israel would be enslaved as a people in Egypt was foretold in Genesis (see Genesis 15:13-14). God was not caught by surprise. Similarly, God isn’t caught by surprise when we experience suffering. He sees our circumstances and cares deeply regarding what we are experiencing (see Exodus 3:7-10; Psalm 103; Hebrews 4:14-16).  

The establishment of the Law (see Exodus 19-24). God delivered the nation of Israel out of slavery and brought them to Mount Sinai. It was there that He gave the Law to Moses to then give to the people. Since God brought the nation out of slavery, He had the right to regulate Israel’s living. Prior to giving the Law, Israel had to agree to live by the Law (see Exodus 19:5-8). This is an important fact to remember, especially when we see God send prophets (i.e., men who received direct messages from God to in turn give to the nation of Israel). One of the messages the prophets would share with Israel is how they failed to keep the covenant they entered into with God at Mount Sinai. They were to repent (i.e., change their mind about whatever sin they were doing, see it as sin), and return to God by faithfully obeying Him (see Exodus 19-20; Deuteronomy 28; Jeremiah 11:1-17; Daniel 9:4-13; Malachi 4:4). 

Jesus in Exodus. Jesus is our Passover Lamb who died as our substitute (i.e., in our place) (see Exodus 12; John 1:29; Romans 5:8; Revelation 13:8).

Application. We can rest in the finished work of Jesus as our substitute because He has adequately addressed the problem of sin. He is our Passover Lamb (see Exodus 12:1-28; John 1:29; Romans 5:8; 1 John 2:2). Hence, we must be satisfied with what satisfied God (see John 19:30; Hebrews 10; 1 John 2:2).

As you read Exodus, take time to consider how the people within the book are no different than you or me. Yes, Moses made excuses just like we do at times; however, if we are willing to obey, like Moses eventually did, then God can use us to make a difference for the sake of the good news of Jesus of Nazareth.