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Hey Reading Community,
Last week we closed the book of Genesis and opened Exodus, one of the most foundational books in the biblical storyline. We're introduced to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, the worst character so far in the biblical narrative. In this story, he becomes an archetypal embodiment of human evil and rebellion against God, and their showdown leaves him defeated. God prevails by showing his power over the gods of the Egyptians, and over Pharaoh himself.
Here we find the key themes of Genesis reappear and continue, while some new images and ideas emerge as well. God turns the table on human evil (remember Joseph and his brothers), and conquers Pharaoh's rebellion by using his own evil heart against him. We also see the beginnings of the Passover tradition, as the sacrificial lamb becomes an image of God's justice and mercy in the tenth plague on Egypt. And most foundationally, the enslaved Israelites are delivered from the Egyptians, while Pharaoh and his army are destroyed in the waters of the Red Sea. This week we will see this group of escaped Israelite slaves wander through the desert to Mt. Sinai and beyond.
Onwards!
Jon, Tim, & The Bible Project Team
P.S. If you want to explore deeper, start with our weekly blog on Biblical Theology. This week, we ponder Pharaoh's Hard Heart. |
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Chapter 3
The Exodus from Egypt |
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Chapter 4
The Covenant at Mt. Sinai |
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Week 4
Summary |
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We begin our journey on the far side of the Red Sea with the nation of Israel. The menacing Pharaoh has been drowned in the Red Sea, where human evil and rebellion perished with him… or so we hoped. Exodus 16-18 is a dark foreshadowing of the Israelites’ own rebellious nature that will play a tragic role in the rest of Exodus and beyond.
The story continues as the Israelites come to the base of Mt. Sinai. Here God enters into a covenant relationship with all the Israelites, which is connected to the same covenant promises he made Abraham long ago. This covenant, however, has very clear terms, lots of them. Moses must climb Mt. Sinai to receive these terms from God, and they become the foundation of “the law” for Israel. Pay attention, a lot of really important things happen in this section (Exodus 19-34).
You might be tempted to breeze through some of this, but stay focused. This section is foundational for understanding the rest of the Old Testament. Here Moses receives the Ten Commandments, the first articles of Israelite law, and the instructions for the Tabernacle. Also in this section, is Israels first great rebellion, as they manufacture and worship a golden calf (thereby breaking the first two terms of the covenant!). This story is already going downhill once again. However, God forgives the people, renews the covenant, and allows Moses to return and intervene. The book of Exodus concludes with the Israelites getting to work on building this sacred tent where God’s presence will take up residence during their future journeys. |
| Hungry to Read Ahead? |
| Next week we will be finishing up Exodus, Exodus 35-40. |
| Want a Different Pace? |
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| Thank you! |
| Whether you gave us a one-time gift, are a monthly supporter, a full-time prayer warrior, a Bible Project advocate, or just an eager participant in the Read Scripture community, we are so grateful for you because this project wouldn't be possible without you. |
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