BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the BibleNäide

Today’s reading opens in the middle of a back-and-forth argument between Moses and God. God has given Moses a huge job and everything he needs to accomplish it. Moses has resisted. God has accommodated. Notice where God is merciful and flexible with Moses—and where God won’t budge.

As you read, pay attention to how the author uses the concepts of work and service—two meanings of the Hebrew word ‘avad, as you’ll learn in today’s video. God wants to set people free and invite them into a way of working and resting that leads to flourishing and true life. But Pharaoh wants the Israelites to serve him in chains. He doesn’t care about them. He wants to consume them.

As the dramatic confrontation between God and Pharaoh escalates, the narrative cuts away from the action to give us … a genealogy? While genealogies can feel random and confusing, these family trees play a key role in the story. Not only do genealogies testify to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation, they also help us follow priestly and royal lines throughout Israel’s history.

The genealogy in Exodus 6 reveals that Aaron, the father of Israel’s priesthood, married a woman from the tribe of Judah, Israel’s royal family line. All of Israel’s priests, then, descend from the merging of the priestly and kingly lines! Who knew a list of names could pack such a theological punch?

Reflection questions:

• So far in Exodus, where have you seen references to God’s name in the story? What was the context and significance of these references?
• What circumstances lead to Aaron entering the story? Was Aaron God’s first choice to be his mediator? What does this tell you about Aaron’s role? And what does it tell you about God’s character or nature?