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6: Moses, Exodus And The Law
In this Lesson we must drastically condense the available material. Whole chapters will
be covered by referring only to the highlights suggested below. The Exodus of the Children
of Israel, their extensive wanderings and their eventual organization into a nation
at Sinai form a very interesting and absorbing study.
Genesis 15:13,14 These verses contain the basis for the hope
with which Moses inspired the enslaved Israelites. Refer to chart. Abram was called in 1921 B.C.
The Exodus took place in 1491 B.C., 430 years later. Proof of the fulČfillment of the prophecy
in verse 13 is found in Exodus 12:40,41. The prophecy in verse 14 was also literally fulfilled
(see Exodus 3:22).
Genesis 50:20-26 Joseph's dying words emphasize his complete
faith in Israel's deliverance. His insistence on an oath that they would carry his bones
to the land of promise has important implications. It shows his knowledge of God's promise to
Abraham, as well as the prophecy concerning Israel's enslavement and later deliverance
(see Hebrews 11:22). Joseph's reČmains did eventually rest in the land of promise.
Exodus 1. Historical Period - 1716 B.C. Cause of oppression: Israel prolific, prosperous
and powerful. The land of Goshen obviously would soon be too small to contain the growing
Hebrew race. Verse. 8 -16 - The prophetical 400 years were
coming to an end. A new Pharaoh, from the old native Egyptian stock, rises to power.
He afflicted Israel by forced labor, and to prevent their increase decreed that all newborn
males be put to death. (1573 B.C.) Exodus 2
V.1 Moses came from the tribe of Levi. Vv.2-10 Birth of Moses, 1571 B.C. Moses as
a baby was miraculously saved. He later became the promised deliverer.
Vv.12-15 Exile of Moses, 1531 B.C. An interesting way to divide the life of Moses: He was 40
years old when he first left Egypt; he returned 40 years later and led God's people out of
Egypt. He lived 40 years after the Exodus. He died at 120 years of age.
Exodus 3 This whole chapter is so important that it
should all be considered. Moses dwells in Midian, in the vicinity of Sinai, the place
where he would later bring the Children of Israel to receive the Law. Special attention
should be given to verses 14-16.
Exodus 4 The important point in Exodus 4 is the miraculous
power that was inČvested in Moses, to show the authority of his mission, both to his
own people and to Pharaoh. The meeting of Moses and Aaron (verse 27). The acceptance
of Moses by the Children of Israel (verse 31).
Exodus 5 Moses and Aaron bring the command of the Lord
to Pharaoh, "Let my people go." Pharaoh answers by increasing the work load of the Hebrews.
Exodus 6:1-13 God reiterates His intention to deliver His
people, and encourages Moses by referring again to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob.
Exodus 7 This chapter describes God's judgment upon
Egypt in the form of ten plagues. Details of these plagues are given in chapters 7 through
12. Note how they struck at the very root of Egyptian religious beliefs. For example,
the river Nile was economiČcally the life of their country and it was also one their
many gods. The frog was the chief deity of upper Egypt. The plagues demonstrated the
superiority of the One God of the Hebrew slave people, over the many gods of their Egyptian
taskmasters. Each plague successively weakened the morale of Pharaoh and his people, and
gave added prestige and encouragement to the Israelites. The plagues were climaxed by the
death of the first born of every living creature, man and beast in Egypt. Only the children
of Israel in the land of Goshen escaped.
Exodus 12 This chapter is of particular importance in
providing the details concerning the Passover. Here we find an explanation of the events
and ritual in connection with the Passover. We should be able to see its significance
as a type of Christ's sacrifice represented by the lamb, and by the blood on the door
posts of the Hebrew dwellings. This connection is supported in I Cor. 5:7,8.
Exodus 13 -The Exodus 1491 B.C. v.19 - A point of interest. Moses fulfills
Israel's obligation regarding Joseph's bones.
Exodus 14 Verse.4 Note God's declaration, "I will be
honored." This is a fundamental principle in the relationship between God and man.
Verse .21 Here we find a description of the events in connection with the crossing of
the Red Sea. This event was so dramatic that it became a historic landmark demonstrating
God's power to save to the uttermost. (Psalm 78:13 -Acts 7:36)
ORGANIZATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE UNDER THE LAW
Exodus 16-18 These chapters describe the journey of the
Children of Israel from the shores of the Red Sea to Sinai. In chapter 16 we read of
the murmuring of the people and God's patience with them. His provision of food in a strange
new form caused them to exclaim in wonder, "What is this?" The word "manna" is derived
from this expression. In the 6th chapter of John, verses 30-35, Jesus shows the significance
of manna as the type of the "true bread," which God has provided for us in the person
of His Son.
Exodus 17 The highlight in this chapter is the episode
where the people murmur against Moses for lack of water. God commands Moses to smite
the rock at Horeb. He strikes the rock as directed, and water comes forth to satisfy
the needs of the people. In this chapter, Israel meets their first opposition on the
journey to Canaan in a battle with Amalek. Exodus 18
verse.18-24 - Jethro's wise counsel induces Moses to begin the organization of his people.
Exodus 19-31 These chapters outline in detail the Law which
was to govern Israel's political, social, economic and religious life throughout their
history. Chapters 19 and 20 are especially interesting describing God's presenČtation
of the Ten Commandments and the Law. Emphasis can be traced on verses 5 and 6 of chapter
19. Chapters 21-31 provide details and specifications
for the tabernacle, its furnishings and the priestly functions.
Exodus 32-33 These chapters describe the idolatry which
broke out in the camp durČing the absence of Moses, and the punishment that followed.
Exodus 34 The tables of stone which Moses had broken
on his return to the camp are replaced by another set which Moses received on a second
ascent to the summit of Mt. Sinai. Particular emphasis can be given to God's patience as
demonstrated in verse 7.
Exodus 35-40 Throughout these chapters we find the information
regarding the actual construction of the tabernacle, its contents and details regarding the priest's
garments.
Leviticus The Book of Leviticus is concerned with the
function of the Levites, the priests and the offerings connected with the tabernacle worship.
It also describes various rituals, laws and ordinances.
Numbers The Israelites moved from the vicinity of
Sinai and took up their journey to the borders of the Holy Land. The twelve spies searched
out the land and their discouraging report caused the people to murmur. For this reason,
the Israelites were prevented from entering the land. They are forced to wander for 40
years in the wilderness until that particular generation passed away.
Numbers 20 This chapter contains an important episode.
Notice here how Israel provoked Moses and the disastrous conseČquences it brought about.
verse 12 - Moses loses his opportunity to lead God's people into the Holy Land.
Numbers 21 We have here an event which has prophetical
significance. In this chapter we learn of the circumstances which caused Moses to make
a brazen serpent. This will be helpful when we consider the sacrifice of Christ. We can
turn to the reference found in John 3:14-15 to see the connection.
Deuteronomy 34 This chapter brings us to the end of Israel's
40 years wandering in the wilderness. Moses views the land of promise from the top of
Mt. Nebo. He dies in faith, confident that his eyes would once again, under more favorable
circumstances, behold the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This 34th chapter
in all probability, must have been written by Joshua as it is an account of Moses' death.
The children of Israel now stand on the banks of the Jordan with a new leader, Joshua (who
is a type of Christ). He will lead them into the Holy Land.
Archeology: Balaam's Plaster Fragment Posted on Tuesday, December 17 @ 00:00:00
EST Topic: Archeology "In February and March of
1967, H. J. Franken was conducting excavations at Deir ĹAlla in the Jordan River Valley
when his vigilant foreman, Abu Abdul Rasul, noticed writing on pieces of plaster being
removed from the remains of an ancient building. ...
He brought the information to the excavator."1 This inscription, dated approximately 700
B.C., is a narrative concerning the Old Testament non-Israelite prophet Balaam, well known to
Bible students as the prophet who dominates Numbers 22-24.
The region in which the 119 total fragments were discovered is known as the biblical location
of the Valley of Succoth (Ps. 60:8, 108:89) and near the proximity of the Plains of Moab
where Balaam had an encounter with the Israelites.2 The plaster fragments record portions of biblical
history that render even more credibility to the accuracy of the Bible.1 The fragments'
text repeatedly refer to "Balaam son of Beor" and describe him as a "divine seer." Balaam
gave us a fascinating non-Israelite perspective from those who conquered Caanan.2
"From the language and dialect of the tablets, we can clearly see that they seem to have
been written not by an Israelite as was the biblical story of Joshua, but rather by a
non-Israelite, probably a Moabite or Midianite." "What we have found," says the Jerusalem historian,
"seems to dramatically confirm the biblical narrative." "This momentous discovery seems
to confirm the existence of the prophet Balaam, an epic figure of the Bible and a contemporary
of Moses."
Note: References: 1 Balaam - A Light to the Gentiles?, Dr. Glenn Carnagey, Chafer University,
chafer.edu/journal/98d-02.htm 2 3,000 Year Old Fragments Parallel Biblical Narrative,
Jerusalem Christian Review, Martin L. Oxford, securesite.net/ss2ad/past/main106.htm; 3 Professor
Oyar Mazar, Hebrew University, quoted in reference 2. ~Archeology~
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