ExodusExodusThe Great EscapeThe Great Escape

TimelineTimeline

1700BC1700BC Jacob’s family goes to Egypt. Jacob’s family goes to Egypt. Joseph. Hyksos dynasty of PharoahsJoseph. Hyksos dynasty of Pharoahs

15701570 Expulsion of Hyksos. New dynasty of Expulsion of Hyksos. New dynasty of Pharoahs. Oppression of Hebrews.Pharoahs. Oppression of Hebrews.

1290-241290-24 Reign of Ramesses II (prob Pharoah Reign of Ramesses II (prob Pharoah of Exodus). Hebrews build cities.of Exodus). Hebrews build cities.

~1280~1280 Exodus led by Moses. Events at Exodus led by Moses. Events at Sinai. Wilderness generation.Sinai. Wilderness generation.

12401240 Conquest of Canaan. Joshua.Conquest of Canaan. Joshua.

12201220 Inscription of Pharoah MerenptahInscription of Pharoah Merenptah

puts Israel in Palestine by this date.puts Israel in Palestine by this date.

The Exodus EventThe Exodus Event

Origin of Israel as a nation.Origin of Israel as a nation.Central to Israel’s faith. Referred to Central to Israel’s faith. Referred to

throughout the OT (eg Psalm 105).throughout the OT (eg Psalm 105). Involved a new revelation of God.Involved a new revelation of God.Was the grounds of Israel’s sanctification. Was the grounds of Israel’s sanctification.

Because God had revealed and delivered Because God had revealed and delivered them, they now completely belonged to them, they now completely belonged to Him alone. Symbolised in the consecration Him alone. Symbolised in the consecration of the first-born son (Exodus 13).of the first-born son (Exodus 13).

The Book of Exodus describes Israel’s The Book of Exodus describes Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, her constitution deliverance from Egypt, her constitution as a people through covenant law, and as a people through covenant law, and instructions for and construction of the instructions for and construction of the

tabernacle – the place of God’s tabernacle – the place of God’s presence.presence.

It begins with Joseph’s death (1600 BC) It begins with Joseph’s death (1600 BC) and finishes with Israel encamped at and finishes with Israel encamped at

Sinai (either 1440 or 1260BC).Sinai (either 1440 or 1260BC).

A New Revelation of GodA New Revelation of God

His Personal name (3:14)His Personal name (3:14)His faithfulness in remembering His His faithfulness in remembering His

covenant with Abraham (2:24)covenant with Abraham (2:24)His Redeeming intention and power (3:8 His Redeeming intention and power (3:8

etc)etc)God’s name and character are revealed in God’s name and character are revealed in

his acts.his acts.

Slavery in EgyptSlavery in EgyptThe world of Exodus 1 is very different The world of Exodus 1 is very different

from that of Genesis 50. The attitude of from that of Genesis 50. The attitude of the Egyptians strikingly changed.the Egyptians strikingly changed.

The king who did not know Joseph was The king who did not know Joseph was probably Sethos I.probably Sethos I.

Exodus 1:10 – The Hebrews are seen as a Exodus 1:10 – The Hebrews are seen as a potential danger.potential danger.

The Egyptian preoccupation with building The Egyptian preoccupation with building (Ex 1:11)(Ex 1:11)

The harsh conditions of slaves (Ex 1:12)The harsh conditions of slaves (Ex 1:12)

MosesMosesAbandonment as a childAbandonment as a childPrince of Egypt. Education.Prince of Egypt. Education.RefugeeRefugeeShepherdShepherdEncounter with God - CallEncounter with God - CallDelivererDelivererLeader and Law GiverLeader and Law Giver

The Ten Plagues (8-12)The Ten Plagues (8-12)

Water turning Water turning into bloodinto blood

Frogs Frogs Lice Lice FliesFliesDisease on Disease on

LivestockLivestock

BoilsBoilsHail and thunderHail and thunderLocustsLocustsDarknessDarknessDeath of firstbornDeath of firstborn

Significance of Ten PlaguesSignificance of Ten PlaguesContest between Pharoah (the gods of Egypt) Contest between Pharoah (the gods of Egypt)

and Moses (Yahweh). Cf Exodus 12:12.and Moses (Yahweh). Cf Exodus 12:12.An answer to Pharoah’s question “Who is An answer to Pharoah’s question “Who is

Yahweh?” (Ex 5:2). The plagues are signs.Yahweh?” (Ex 5:2). The plagues are signs.God controls even mighty Pharoah. He works God controls even mighty Pharoah. He works

through Pharoah’s stubborness.through Pharoah’s stubborness.God uses and controls nature for his God uses and controls nature for his

purposes.purposes.God protects his own peopleGod protects his own peopleGod’s mercy and patience even to PharoahGod’s mercy and patience even to Pharoah

PassoverPassoverMoses was given instructions about the Moses was given instructions about the

eating of a special meal before leaving eating of a special meal before leaving Egypt.Egypt.

Passover remains central to Israel’s faith.Passover remains central to Israel’s faith.Associated with the great deliverance from Associated with the great deliverance from

Egypt.Egypt.The central feature is the roasted lamb The central feature is the roasted lamb

(and unleavened bread)(and unleavened bread)When Jesus celebrated his last Passover When Jesus celebrated his last Passover

he gave it new significance.he gave it new significance.

Crossing the SeaCrossing the Sea

It is unlikely that it was the Red Sea which It is unlikely that it was the Red Sea which they crossed – the Hebrew can be they crossed – the Hebrew can be translated “Sea of Reeds” and was most translated “Sea of Reeds” and was most probably the stretch of water near the probably the stretch of water near the Bitter Lakes.Bitter Lakes.

The Wilderness WanderingsThe Wilderness Wanderings

A new stage begins which lasts 40 yearsA new stage begins which lasts 40 years

Chapters 15- 18 record:Chapters 15- 18 record:

The waters of Marah and ElimThe waters of Marah and Elim

Manna and Quail Manna and Quail

(ch 16 introduces Sabbath observance)(ch 16 introduces Sabbath observance)

Water from the rockWater from the rock

First warfare (Amalekites)First warfare (Amalekites)

Jethro’s visitJethro’s visit

Finally, they reach Mount SinaiFinally, they reach Mount Sinai

SinaiSinai

Three months after crossing the sea, the Three months after crossing the sea, the people arrive at Sinai. Here God reveals people arrive at Sinai. Here God reveals

something of the awesome holiness of his something of the awesome holiness of his nature. This “theophany” (= appearance of nature. This “theophany” (= appearance of God) made a deep impression on Israel’s God) made a deep impression on Israel’s

memory. memory.

Referred to in Judges 5:4-5; Deut 33:2-5; Referred to in Judges 5:4-5; Deut 33:2-5; Psalm 68:7-8; Hab 3:3.Psalm 68:7-8; Hab 3:3.

At Sinai God bound Israel to Himself, and At Sinai God bound Israel to Himself, and Himself to them in the CovenantHimself to them in the Covenant

Psalm 68:7-8Psalm 68:7-8

When you went out before your people, When you went out before your people, O God, O God,

   when you marched through the    when you marched through the wastelandwasteland

the earth shook, the earth shook,    the heavens poured down rain,    the heavens poured down rain,

before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the One of Sinai,    before God, the God of Israel.   before God, the God of Israel.

A Special PeopleA Special People

‘‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to

myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my

treasured possession. Although the whole earth is treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a

holy nation.’ holy nation.’ Exodus 19:4-6Exodus 19:4-6

The rest of Exodus 19 prepares the people to The rest of Exodus 19 prepares the people to receive the Covenant. Clouds, thunder, receive the Covenant. Clouds, thunder,

lightening & trumpet (verse 16) are symbols lightening & trumpet (verse 16) are symbols associated with God’s presence and activity.associated with God’s presence and activity.

Making the CovenantMaking the Covenant

The scene has been set for God to speak to his The scene has been set for God to speak to his people. In a solemn ceremony a covenant is people. In a solemn ceremony a covenant is made between Israel and God, and the law is made between Israel and God, and the law is given to help maintain the new relationship.given to help maintain the new relationship.

The laws are contained in Exodus 20-34, the The laws are contained in Exodus 20-34, the whole of Leviticus and Numbers 1-10:33. whole of Leviticus and Numbers 1-10:33.

Deuteronomy (lit. second law) repeats and Deuteronomy (lit. second law) repeats and enlarges many of the laws found in these other enlarges many of the laws found in these other

three books.three books.

Notes on Covenant (Exodus 24)Notes on Covenant (Exodus 24)The people agree to the terms (3,7)The people agree to the terms (3,7)Yahweh has obligations (23:20-33) but Yahweh has obligations (23:20-33) but

they are conditional on people’s obediencethey are conditional on people’s obedienceThe solemn ceremony (4-8)The solemn ceremony (4-8)Covenant Meal (9-11) where God is Covenant Meal (9-11) where God is

manifestly presentmanifestly presentThe terms of the Covenant are to be in The terms of the Covenant are to be in

writing (12)writing (12)Sign of the covenant (31:12-17)Sign of the covenant (31:12-17)

The Golden Calf – Exodus 32The Golden Calf – Exodus 32 Six weeks since they promised to obey God’s laws.Six weeks since they promised to obey God’s laws. Blatant breach of 1Blatant breach of 1stst commandment (20:4). commandment (20:4). Impatience and the need for something tangible. Impatience and the need for something tangible.

They wanted visible gods like everyone else. They wanted visible gods like everyone else. Calves were frequently used in the ancient world to Calves were frequently used in the ancient world to symbolise the deity.symbolise the deity.

Aaron tries to identify calf with Yahweh (32:4)?Aaron tries to identify calf with Yahweh (32:4)? Verse 19 symbolises breaking of covenantVerse 19 symbolises breaking of covenant Moses prays and partially averts God’s judgement Moses prays and partially averts God’s judgement

and punishment.and punishment. Exodus 34 records renewal of covenantExodus 34 records renewal of covenant

The LawThe LawFormal similarities with political treaties of Formal similarities with political treaties of

the time. the time. Illustrates the relationship between God Illustrates the relationship between God

and Israel – God as Sovereign, Israel as and Israel – God as Sovereign, Israel as subject – loyal “vassels”, with certain subject – loyal “vassels”, with certain privileges and obligations.privileges and obligations.

Context is important – Ex 22:2 & 23:20-33Context is important – Ex 22:2 & 23:20-33Laws from God are for people who have Laws from God are for people who have

experienced His past and are expecting experienced His past and are expecting His future and need to live in His present.His future and need to live in His present.

The TabernacleThe TabernacleThe place of God’s presence among themThe place of God’s presence among themBuild on God’s instructionsBuild on God’s instructionsPriests – attire to give them dignity and Priests – attire to give them dignity and

honour (Ex 28:2, 40)honour (Ex 28:2, 40)Bronze altar on which to sacrificeBronze altar on which to sacrificeHoliest of holies – a perfect cubeHoliest of holies – a perfect cubeArk of the Covenant – the mercy seatArk of the Covenant – the mercy seatMoses’ shining face (34:29-35)Moses’ shining face (34:29-35)The pillar of cloud – the glory of GodThe pillar of cloud – the glory of God

Emphases of ExodusEmphases of ExodusGod’s miraculous rescue of Israel from Egypt God’s miraculous rescue of Israel from Egypt

through Mosesthrough MosesCovenant law given at SinaiCovenant law given at SinaiThe Tabernacle as the place of God’s The Tabernacle as the place of God’s

presence and Israel’s proper worshippresence and Israel’s proper worshipGod’s revelation of himself and his characterGod’s revelation of himself and his character Israel’s tendency to complain and rebel Israel’s tendency to complain and rebel

against Godagainst GodGod’s judgment and mercy toward his people God’s judgment and mercy toward his people

when they rebelwhen they rebel

Exodus in the New TestamentExodus in the New TestamentExodus themes occur throughout the New Exodus themes occur throughout the New

Testament. Themes includeTestament. Themes include God’s saving activity - RedemptionGod’s saving activity - Redemption Jesus – the New MosesJesus – the New Moses Church – the New Israel, New PriesthoodChurch – the New Israel, New Priesthood Tabernacle/Temple – Heavenly RealityTabernacle/Temple – Heavenly Reality Old/New Covenant – Law/Grace-SpiritOld/New Covenant – Law/Grace-Spirit Passover Meal – Lord’s SupperPassover Meal – Lord’s Supper Red Sea Crossing - BaptismRed Sea Crossing - Baptism

Exodus and Liberation TheologyExodus and Liberation Theology

Liberation theology is a movement which Liberation theology is a movement which interprets Christianity in terms of liberation from interprets Christianity in terms of liberation from unjust economic, political, or social conditions. unjust economic, political, or social conditions.

The Exodus escape from Egyptian slavery is a The Exodus escape from Egyptian slavery is a key symbol. Salvation is not simply about the key symbol. Salvation is not simply about the hereafter; it involves temporal experiences of hereafter; it involves temporal experiences of the in-breaking of God's reign in the here and the in-breaking of God's reign in the here and now. This is interpreted in terms of a radical now. This is interpreted in terms of a radical political activism. It is seen by many as more political activism. It is seen by many as more

Marxist than Christian. Marxist than Christian.

Challenges from ExodusChallenges from ExodusThe Large NumbersThe Large Numbers Exodus 12:37 – 600,000 menExodus 12:37 – 600,000 men A total population of 2 million?A total population of 2 million? Hebrew for Hebrew for thousandthousand can mean can mean familyfamilyThe Route of ExodusThe Route of Exodus Place of CrossingPlace of Crossing Location of SinaiLocation of Sinai The Date of ExodusThe Date of Exodus Earlier during Hyksos period?Earlier during Hyksos period?

Exodus in Popular CultureExodus in Popular CultureThe Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments (1956 – DeMille) (1956 – DeMille)

starring Charlton Hestonstarring Charlton HestonDreamwork’s Dreamwork’s The Prince of EgyptThe Prince of Egypt (1998) – (1998) –

A Feminist reconstruction of ZipporahA Feminist reconstruction of ZipporahLuther King’s – ImageryLuther King’s – ImageryThe Book of Exodus in LegoThe Book of Exodus in Lego http://www.thebricktestament.com/exodus/http://www.thebricktestament.com/exodus/Kieslowski’s Kieslowski’s The DecalogueThe Decalogue (1987) (1987)Mockery in Dawkins’ The God DelusionMockery in Dawkins’ The God Delusion