Mrs. Kenny Religion 9 December 2012

The Exodus: Freed from Slavery The Covenant of Sinai: An Offering from God Sealing the Covenant More Than Miles to Go

Proclaims what happened to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel from oppression and slavery in Egypt. Takes them to a state of freedom so that they may form the nation of ISRAEL and create an everlasting bond in a covenant. Covenant = Covenant of Sinai = receiving of “the law” from God When??? The events in Exodus occur about 450 yrs. after the death of Joseph. The book of Exodus was put together 700 yrs. after the exile took place.

Israelites in Egypt Israelites are living as slaves in a foreign land: Egypt. People struggled in a frightening and hostile environment. Most important: Through Moses, the people of Israel discovered the identity of their God. Through the Covenant, they found their identity as God’s people. Jews in Babylon Jews of Exile lived in Babylon as captive subjects of a mighty empire. A long painful journey to Babylon, then back home 50 yrs later. Most Important: After repenting of their sins, the exiles rediscovered their true identity as God’s beloved.

Israelites in Egypt Happened over 450 yrs. Inspired biblical writers to document the laws that Moses received from God so they could all be followed Jews in Babylon Happened over 50 yrs. Inspired the biblical writers to write the Creation stories (mythology), to demonstrate there is one true and loving God

Pharaoh = Egyptian king; divine by birth (royalty God-given status) Pharaohs during Jacob/Joseph’s time were mostly good, just rulers. Pharaohs of the time in Exodus are bad. They hate and fear the Israelites, and have them enslaved. Finally, all Israelite males are ordered to be killed at birth.

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The story of his rescue as a newborn is a legend. “Moses” is an Egyptian name meaning “safe water.” Hebrew, but raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter. After killing an Egyptian, Moses flees to Midian. Moses then marries the daughter of a local priest (Sephora, the most beautiful daughter of Jethro), and they have a son.

History of descendants of Israel/patriarchs back to “promised land” The purpose of Moses is to frame the “receiving” of the law from God. Laws are excessive (613 = 248 positive negative), and therefore have to be put into Leviticus) The Exodus was the great founding event of the Jewish people. It had three major themes: 1.a journey cycle involving exile, wandering and return to a promised land 2.the responsibility to fight injustice wherever it was encountered 3.the covenant between God and his people.

From the Greek word meaning “to go out” or “departure” During the Exodus, Moses leads the Israelites back to the Promised Land Promised Land = the land that God “promised” to Abraham a.k.a. Canaan, Israel, Palestine, the Holy Land, the “land of milk and honey” (Shark Boy and Lava Girl?!) The covenant is the receiving of the laws (including the 10 Commandments), religious rituals and religious objects (e.g. priests robes, etc.). All the laws are so numerous, they are contained in the book of Leviticus.

Discovery Channel: The History Channel:

Rulers in the ancient world led through force of arms and military might. Miriam and Moses proposed a different model of leadership. They: led by example served their people rather than ruled them did what they believed God wanted rather than serving their own ends.

I.Introduction: The Oppression of the Israelites in Egypt (1:1-2:22) II.The Call and Commission of Moses (2:23-7:7) III.The Contest with the Pharaoh (7:8-13:16) IV.The Deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh and Victory at the Sea (13:17-15:21) V.The Journey in the Wilderness to Sinai (15:22-18:27) VI.Covenant and Legislation at Mount Sinai (19:1-31:18) VII.Israel’s Apostasy and God’s Renewal of the Covenant (32:1- 34:35) VIII.Building of the Tabernacle and the Descent of God’s Glory upon It (35:1-40:38)