Exodus

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The original readers of Exodus would be the Israelites in the wilderness at the time after the Tabernacle had been built. They had just become free from slavery and were almost ‘new’ believers. Throughout Exodus we see how God teaches them more of himself. Still in Egypt Moses knew they would ask him who the God was that sent him and they did. These people still had a polytheistic Egyptian mindset and Exodus attempts to start changing that. These Israelite's are not yet sure of how to worship the Living God and attempt to in ways that are known to them doing evil in the process (Exodus). The Israelite's are a redeemed people delivered by God.

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

The author of Exodus is Moses. He has been chosen by God to lead the Israelite's out of Egypt. In this process Moses learns more and more about God and God uses him to do several miracles. Moses gives information of the details of Pharaohs household, information he knew because of his upbringing. In large parts of Exodus Moses recounts that which the Lord has said. In places such as Exodus 25-31 it is only God and Moses thus He is the only eye witness. In Exodus 33:6 we also see the close relationship Moses has with God as God reveals himself to Moses by passing in front of him.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Exodus is divided into two main themes. Chapter one through nineteen speaks about the redemption of the Israelite's as God leads them out of Egypt, rescuing them from slavery. Chapters 20-40 show the revelation from God. In these chapters God introduces Himself to them as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He starts to mold the Israelite's and teach them more about His ways. In one sentence one can say the book of Exodus is about the rescue of the Israelite's from slavery in Egypt and their growth from revelation from God to become a more holy nation.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

This book is written to remind the Israelite's of all the ways the Lord had provided for them to be freed from Egyptians. All the laws and requirements for the building of the Tabernacle are recorded. The obedience of the Israelite's plays a part in the writing of Exodus. It is important for the future generations to know how God delivered their ancestors and for the Israelite's to be reminded of how much God values His holiness.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The first attribute of God that stands out to me is the fact that He is merciful. He hears the cries of the Israelite's in slavery and in His mercy leads them out of Egypt. Then in several different ways God provides for them and is merciful to them and provides even when they don’t understand and only complain. (Exodus 15:24; 16:3; 16:12). As in Genesis we can clearly see Gods desire to have relationship with His people and dwell among them. the extent to which He goes in giving them the details of how to make a home for Him among them is astonishing (Exodus devotes more verses to the tabernacle than to any other object. Within the Book of Exodus, all of 25:1-31:18 and 35:1-40:38 deals with the tabernacle, its furnishings, its priesthood, and related issues.) Then we also see God as a deliverer, He steps in to the story and delivers the Israelite's not only from their physical slavery but He also delivers them from ‘evil’ and turns them towards himself.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The entire story of the exodus is such an example about the lengths God will go to, to redeem the people He loves. In Exodus God delivers the Israelite's from slavery in Egypt just as Gods redemptive plan was to deliver all mankind from slavery to sin. The way in which God deals with His chosen people in Exodus is an indication of His character in redeeming humanity years later.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

I have loved reading about the journey on which God takes Moses. He helps him overcome his inferiority and molds him into a leader and a man of God. This is a process which God has taken me through and I am still learning. I have been able to learn much about the incredible blessings of obedience. The book of Exodus also highlights Gods holiness. The realization again that God is all powerful and completely holy just becomes almost overwhelming to me when you combine it with His immense love for us and the freedom we now have to approach Him. Exodus has been an incredible reminder to me of the fact that God is Almighty and yet He will go to great lengths for relationship with us.

·         Point of Passion:

In Exodus we see God as He educates His people. His love for them gives them much grace but He also very clearly sets out the laws and consequences of disobedience before the Israelite's. The way He teaches them holds many timeless truths and examples in the area of education.  One of the main things I saw in Exodus was Gods focus on holiness. The Israelite's were to be set apart for His purpose and we too as God’s people are to look and act differently. In educational terms, this is spiritual growth and character development.

In order to make wise decisions we must be instructed with God’s principles. Godly education means that we equip students with not only the knowledge they need but the character and mindset to fulfill their destiny and shine their lights in the community.