Exodus

I. First impressions

1.1)What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The book begins by tracing the growth of Jacob's family in Egypt. As a nation, Israel suffers oppression from Pharaoh ( 1:8-10 ). Despite the terrible conditions, the nation continues to grow ( 1:12 ), a hint that God is blessing them. New measures are taken to stop their population explosion, but the midwives become instruments of salvation rather than death because they "feared God" ( 1:17 ). The text states that God blesses them for their actions in preserving life ( 1:20-21 ).


1.2)What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Moses wrote it around 1440 BC.

1.3)Main themes, repeated ideas and main idea:

The name "Yahweh" occurs in God's speech of reassurance to Moses in 6:2-9. After Moses' initial attempts at deliverance from Pharaoh fail, Yahweh puts the scene into theological perspective. The paragraph revolves on the self-identification formula, "I am Yahweh" ( Exodus 6:2, 6:6, 6:8 ). In the past, the patriarchs knew God as God Almighty. They did not understand the full capacity of the name "Yahweh." This limitation will now change. Continuity with the past rests in the covenant made with their forefathers ( 6:4-5 ), but full revelation of the name will involve liberation from the slavery of Egypt, redemption by God's own mighty deeds, election as his people, relational knowledge of Yahweh as their God, and the completion of the promises involving the inheritance of a land ( 6:6-8 ). Although the people are not impressed with this report, the book records the fulfillment of the speech and thus the revelation of the full capacity of this deity, Yahweh.

1.4)What is the primary reason this book was written?

The Exodus was written to remind the Israelites how God had rescued them from oppression.

II. Theme Tracing

2.1)What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

In the ch.14:19, God let the angel of God who had been leading the people of Israel to protect the Israelites with the pillar of cloud and fire. We can see how God is good and merciful to his people.  While in the ch.20:5, we can find one of God's character is jealous. God said that he is a jealous God who will not tolerate our affection for any other gods.

2.2)What does this book show you about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

God acts to save Israel from their plight. Salvation has a tangible side, namely, deliverance from Egypt. God initiates his salvation by observing Israel's groanings ( 3:7 ). He then takes steps to realize change, first by choosing a deliverer (ch.3) and then by bringing out the children of Israel from Egypt ( 15:13 ). Redemption leads to a permanent relationship with the deity who worked for Israel.

III. Application

3.1)Personal application:

Pharaoh's heart was stubborn and refused God's command. Then, God made Pharaoh's heart more stubborn instead of flexing it. Sometimes I am also feel that my heart is so stubborn. Whenever I feel it again, I should remind of this Pharaoh.

3.2)Point of Passion Assignment

There are lots of unbelievers who have stubborn hearts like this Pharaoh. They think they are having more rational,logical and scientific way of thinking. So, they say the Bible is nonsense. I have to equip a weapon to break their stubborn hearts.   -end-