Exodus 1-3
Today we start Exodus.
Exodus is Greek and means 'exit' or 'to depart'. Something interesting is the first five books of the Bible were named differently in Hebrew. They are based on the first word(s) of the text. So, Exodus is actually "Names".
In these chapters we get our foundation with Moses. The Hebrews have been in Egypt for quite awhile and are becoming very numerous. The Pharaoh is getting worried they are becoming too numerous and worries they will revolt. The result is, the Hebrews are forced to hard labor. Eventually, they get so numerous, the Pharaoh declares all baby boys to be killed. The reasoning is, boys/men are most likely the ones to instigate a revolt.
Verse 1:14 states "They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar". If you have ever been to a Passover Seder, you might remember that this is part of the Passover plate. There are bitter herbs on the plate. There is also a mixture of apple, cinnamon, and some other stuff. I thought (but am not 100% sure) this is partly to represent the bricks.
Next, Moses is born. His name was given to him by the Pharaoh's daughter and is most likely Egyptian, not Hebrew. Although, if I remember correctly, his name sounds like the Hebrew for "draw out". He was drawn out of the water, and will also draw out the Israelites from Egypt.
Chapter 3 is the famous burning bush scene. God lays down Moses' calling to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. It is also the beginning of Moses questioning himself and his abilities. 3:11, Moses asks, "Who am I?"
A little later, God reveals himself as "I AM". What does that name mean to you? To me, it shows He is eternal. It says, He is and always is. Jesus will later use that same name, showing His claim to be God.
As you read Chapter 3, take special note of how many times God says "I will". It is nothing Moses (or we) can do, God does it.
Today we start Exodus.
Exodus is Greek and means 'exit' or 'to depart'. Something interesting is the first five books of the Bible were named differently in Hebrew. They are based on the first word(s) of the text. So, Exodus is actually "Names".
In these chapters we get our foundation with Moses. The Hebrews have been in Egypt for quite awhile and are becoming very numerous. The Pharaoh is getting worried they are becoming too numerous and worries they will revolt. The result is, the Hebrews are forced to hard labor. Eventually, they get so numerous, the Pharaoh declares all baby boys to be killed. The reasoning is, boys/men are most likely the ones to instigate a revolt.
Verse 1:14 states "They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar". If you have ever been to a Passover Seder, you might remember that this is part of the Passover plate. There are bitter herbs on the plate. There is also a mixture of apple, cinnamon, and some other stuff. I thought (but am not 100% sure) this is partly to represent the bricks.
Next, Moses is born. His name was given to him by the Pharaoh's daughter and is most likely Egyptian, not Hebrew. Although, if I remember correctly, his name sounds like the Hebrew for "draw out". He was drawn out of the water, and will also draw out the Israelites from Egypt.
Chapter 3 is the famous burning bush scene. God lays down Moses' calling to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. It is also the beginning of Moses questioning himself and his abilities. 3:11, Moses asks, "Who am I?"
A little later, God reveals himself as "I AM". What does that name mean to you? To me, it shows He is eternal. It says, He is and always is. Jesus will later use that same name, showing His claim to be God.
As you read Chapter 3, take special note of how many times God says "I will". It is nothing Moses (or we) can do, God does it.