Index/Table of Contents
Old Testament
and New Testament
Credits and Copyright
PENTATEUCH
LECTURE 11
EXODUS
Students will be able to
- explain the key event, the occasion, and the purpose of the book of Exodus.
- identify the three major divisions of Exodus which correspond to Roman numerals I, II, and III in the outline.
- discuss the early life of Moses, the significance of the law and the tabernacle.
Content of Lecture
Key Event:
The book of Exodus records the deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This second book in the Pentateuch is the sequel to Genesis in that it picks up the story where Genesis ends. The tide represents the key event of the book, the miraculous fight of Israel from bondage in Egypt. (DQ#1 )
Occasion:
Moses probably wrote this book soon after the completion of the Tabernacle, described in Exodus 35-40.
Purpose:
The three basic parts of the message include:
(1) the judgment of the oppressor nation Egypt,
(2) the deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt by the "mighty arm" of Yahweh, and
(3) the establishment of Israel as God's special possession among all peoples.
Outline of Exodus
(Adapted from Jensen's Survey of the Old Testament by Irving L. Jensen, 97)
I. Israel in Egypt
A. Slavery in Egypt (DQ#1)
1. Causes of oppression
a. Change of leadership -- a new Pharaoh was not inclined to give favorable treatment to the Jews, (Ex. 1:8)
b. Security risk -- the presence of the Jewish nation on the Egyptian frontier posed a threat if the Jewish people should prove to be disloyal to Egyptian interests (Ex. 1:9)
2. Nature of the oppression
a. Bitter service (1:10-14)
b. Killing of Hebrew sons (1:15-22)
B. The deliverer, Moses (2-4)
1. His birth and early career
a. Birth (2:1-2)
b. Adoption by Pharaoh's daughter (2:3-10)
c. Killing of Egyptian and fight to Median (2:11-22)
2. The call
a. The burning bush (3:1-9)
b. The call (3:10)
c. Moses' four excuses (3:11-4:17)
1) God's name -- I AM
2) The signs -- the staff into a snake
C. Pharaoh's oppression of Israel (5:1-6:13) (DQ#2)
D. Genealogies (6:14-27)
E. The plagues and the Passover (6:28-12:36)
1. Water to blood
2. Frogs
3. Gnats
4. Flies
5. Cattle plague
6. Boils
7. Hail
8. Locusts
9. Darkness
10. Death of first-born (DQ#3 & 4)
II. The journey from Egypt to Sinai
A. The Exodus from Egypt (12:37-14:31)
B. The song of Moses (15:1-21)
C. The wilderness of Shur (15:22-27) -- God changed the bitter water of Marah into sweet.
D. The wilderness of Sin (16) -- God provided manna and quail.
E. The rock at Rephidim (17) -- God provided water from the rock. (DQ# 5 & #6)
F. Jethro and Moses (18)
III. Covenant and law at Sinai
A. Preparations for covenant (19) (DQ#7)
B. The Decalogue (20:1-26)
The covenant relationship was grounded in obedience to Yahweh through ethical behavior. The first four commandments clarify specific obligations of the covenant or toward Yahweh. The last six deal with his responsibility toward his fellow man. (DQ#8)
1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make yourself a graven image.
3. You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not kill.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet
C. The covenant code (20:18-23:33)
D. Ratification of the covenant (24)
E. The Tabernacle (25-40) The tabernacle was a movable "dwelling" where Yahweh met his people.
1. Specifications (25-27)
a. The architecture of the tabernacle centered in the ark, the essential feature of the house of Yahweh, which was placed in the Holy of Holies, the inmost part of the sanctuary. (DQ#9)
b. A heavy veil separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place, the area of priestly ministry.
c. The tabernacle, constructed of strips of linen, goat's hair cloth, and animal skins, covered a rectangle approximately seventy-five by one hundred feet.
2. The priests (28-29) (DQ#10)
3. The furniture (30)
a. The ark of the covenant
b. The table of the bread of the Presence
c. The lampstand
d. The altar of burnt offering
e. The altar of incense
f. The bronze basin
4. The craftsmen (31:1-11)
5. The Sabbath (31:12-18)
6. Israel's breach of covenant with the golden calf (32)
7. Yahweh and Moses (33)
8. Covenant renewal (34) (DQ#11)
9. Construction of the Tabernacle (35-38)
10. The priestly garments (39)
11. Completion and dedication of the Tabernacle (40)
ASSIGNMENT
Read Leviticus 1-7 and identity the following offerings: burnt, meal (grain), peace (fellowship), sin. Try to discover the reasons different offerings were made.
If students are using the Hill and Walton survey, they should read Chapter nine on Leviticus.
| Discussion Questions: #1 What were some of the key events of Moses' early life, and how did they prepare him for God's call? What is the significance of the miraculous events in Moses' encounter with God? #2 How do you reconcile the sovereignty of God with the powers of evil rulers in the world? #3 What is the significance of the ten plagues, and why was the Passover a turning point in Israel's history? #4 As you read Exodus 12, look for what is taught about divine holiness, election and grace, and man's sin and salvation. Why did God institute blood sacrifice as an atonement ritual? #5 Observe the main lessons that God taught His people through the trying circumstances of the Red Sea deliverance and the wilderness wanderings. #6. In what ways do you think the wilderness was a favorable place to mold and unify the Israelites into an organized nation before their journey into the land of Palestine? #7. What does Exodus l9:5-6 say about Israel? What does each phrase mean? what does this reveal about God's purpose for Israel? #8 Which of the Ten Commandments relate primarily to God and which primarily to man? Why did God impose these laws upon his people? #9 According to 25:8,22 what was the primary purpose of the tabernacle for the Israelites? #10 Read Hebrews 8:l-l0:18. How is Christ shown there as the fulfillment of such Old Testament types as the Tabernacle and the high priest? 11 In what ways do the words: sin, judgment, intercession, and renewal describe chapters 32-34? This is a cycle that repeated itself in Israel's history. What is the difference between ceremonial and moral law? Which type, unchanged, applies today? What view of miracles is a prerequisite for an understanding of the book of Exodus? How do you define worship? What important truths about worship does Exodus teach? |
| Teacher's Notes: This lecture might begin with the question, "What do you feel the Jewish people would view as the single most important event of their colorful history?" While there are many events of great consequence, nothing surpasses the events associated with the Exodus in importance for the identity of the Jewish nation. Two possible dates for the Exodus:
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Resources:
Credits and Copyright This online text book is provided by the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 N. Washington Dallas, Texas 75246-1798 214.828.5100 Use the text to meet your academic needs. If you copy any part of this online text, please give credit to the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Any donations which you give will be used in the Division of Student Ministry Summer Missions Programs.
Credits and Copyright This online text book is provided by the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 N. Washington Dallas, Texas 75246-1798 214.828.5100 Use the text to meet your academic needs. If you copy any part of this online text, please give credit to the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Any donations which you give will be used in the Division of Student Ministry Summer Missions Programs.