THE EXODUS

THE BOOK OF EXODUS The book of Exodus compared to the gospels Deals with the “salvation” of God’s people from slavery by means of divine intervention. Principal themes: The sovereignty of God in the call and preparation of Moses The supremacy of God in the victory over Egyptian gods The providence of God in conducting the people through the desert The making of the alliance with the people The presence of God in the midst of the people

THE TITLE AND AUTHOR “Exodus” from Greek exodus (Ex.19.1); Hebrew title, shemoth, “these are the names” (Ex.1.1). Jewish and Christian tradition accepts Moses as the author. At least four references to Mosaic authorship: 15:1-12; 17:8-16 (v.14); 19:1-24.18 (v.24.4); 34:1-28 (v.27). Evidence exists of redaction: third person narrative, commentaries (16:31-35)

SINAI PENINSULA

NILE DELTA

THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT Israel in Egypt Jacob and sons entered Egypt about 1876 BCE Following Joseph’s death Egypt entered a period of turmoil culminating with the Hyksos dynasty The “changing of the guard” Order restored under Ahmoses I (the king who did not know Joseph?(Ex.1:8) ca. 1570 BCE The persecution of the Hebrews began

THE BIRTH AND PREPARATION OF THE LEADER Moses born to a Levite family (Ex.2:1) Hidden for three months to avoid his death Placed in a basket “at the river’s bank”. Found and “adopted” by Pharaoh's daughter (Hatshepsut?) defying her father’s decree Raised in Pharaoh’s household receiving a royal education Forced to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian Thutmose III reigned at this time. His death in 1450 BCE could have been the king of Egypt that died (Ex.2:23)

THE CALL OF MOSES After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent 40 years with his father-in-law Jethro (Reuel) in The Sinai peninsula His encounter with God changed history (Ex.3) The Angel of God and the burning bush The revelation of the mission The revelation of the name of God Returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites to the land of Canaan

THE SIGNS (PLAGUES) The signs were God’s judgment of Egyptian religion with the outcome ‘predetermined” (Nu.33:4b; Ex.7:1-5) God used creation to show His sovereignty over Egyptian gods.   Key phrases (Ex. 7:5, 17.) : “and the Egyptians shall know that I AM the LORD” “you shall know that I am the LORD”. The signs affected the economic, social, and religious life of Egypt and demonstrated God’s sovereignty over all life.

THE SIGNS AS NATURAL OCCURENCES The fact that the signs could be seen as natural occurrences does not diminish the super normal element: The intensity of the signs (Ex 9.18, 24, 25; 10.4-6, 14, 15, 22, 23; 11.6). The extension was greater than normal. (Ex. 8.17; 9.9; 10.14; 11.4). At times, the place was specific (Ex. 8.22, 23; 9.4-7, 26; 10.23; 11.). At times, the timing was specific. (Ex. 8.9-11, 29-31; 9.5, 6, 18, 29; 10.4).

ROUTE OF THE EXODUS

SINAI DESERT

MOUNT SINAI

SAINT CHATERINE’S MONASTERY