Moses, Plagues, Passover & The Crossing

1446 BC

Book of Exodus

~ Before God sent Moses to the Israelites, they were oppressed by harsh labor and made bitter with ruthless treatment. God heard their prayers and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God raised up Moses to confront Pharaoh with His command: “Let My people go!” (Ex. 5:1). When Pharaoh’s heart hardened, God unleashed mighty plagues that shook Egypt and revealed His power over every false god. On the night of Passover, the blood of the lamb marked Israel’s homes, and the death angel passed over them. Judgment fell on Egypt.

At last, Pharaoh released the Israelites, but when he pursued with his army, God split the Red Sea and led His people safely through on dry ground. As the waters rushed back to their course, Israel’s enemies drowned behind them. In one sweeping act of power and mercy, God redeemed His people and proved Himself their Deliverer.

Moses is unique among Israel’s leaders—the Lord spoke to Moses face-to-face as one would to a friend (Deut. 33:11).

~ After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land, God led them into the wilderness (modern-day Saudi Arabia) in route to the covenant land of Israel, the Promised Land.

Significance

• Moses could not fathom why God chose him to deliver the Israelites. He could only see his inadequacies. Only God can tell us who we truly are to Him and how He will use us in our generation.
• Jesus is our Passover Lamb. As the lamb’s blood spared Israel from God’s judgment, so Jesus’ blood was shed to save us from sin and death (John 1:29; Rom. 5:9). It is notable that the Jews still celebrate Passover as God commanded Moses. Many Christians partake of a Christian version of Passover and the Last Supper to more fully understand Jesus’ work of salvation. “Oh, the blood of Jesus.”
• The Israelites endured many years of harsh slavery before they cried out to God. Let’s not wait to ask God to deliver us. He has the power and love to bring us across our “Red Sea” into life to the full (John 10:10).
• When we speak to God through Jesus or gaze at Him in the Gospels, we are face-to-face with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• This is a good place to listen in on some of Moses’s wisest requests of the Lord, his Friend. “Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you… If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here… Please show me your glory.” (Ex. 33: 13, 15, 18)