BibleProject | Discovering the Exodus Way Theme in ScriptureSample

“Let My People Go!”

Today, we’ll look at the story of Moses and the enslaved people of Israel (Abraham and Sarah’s descendants), reading excerpts from the well-known exodus story in Exodus 1-14.

Long before the events of the book of Exodus begin, the people of Israel willfully relocate to Egypt to survive a severe famine—just like Sarah and Abraham did. But things turn sour, and they find themselves enslaved under a vicious Pharaoh. The people are forced into endless labor, with Pharaoh abusing them and even killing their baby boys. Oppressed and dying, the people cry out to God for help, a way out.

Just as God “heard” Hagar (Gen. 16:11), he also hears the Israelites “crying out” in their distress, and he acknowledges his promise to make Abraham’s family a great nation (Exod. 2:23-24). In order to fulfill this promise, he will set the people free.

God responds to the people’s suffering (Exod. 3:7-14) and partners with Moses to confront Pharaoh and crush his kingdom with ten plagues.

Notice the Exodus pattern at work. God rescues the people from Pharaoh’s corrupted kingdom (a way out). God protects the people from the Egyptian military and parts the Red Sea as they escape (a way through). God then leads them toward new life in a land he promised to provide (a way into) (Exo. 14:30-31). Israel is on the Exodus way with God.

Reflection Questions:
In Exodus 1:9-12, we see Pharaoh trembling in fear because the people of Israel are “fruitful” and “multiplying” so much that they’re filling the land. Review God’s first instruction to humanity in Genesis 1:27-28, paying close attention to the specific wording. Then compare that passage to Exodus 1:9-12. What comparisons and contrasts do you see? Why do you think Pharaoh is viciously opposed to people following God’s original command?

Review Exodus 2:23-25 and pay attention to the action verbs associated with God (hint: there are four in these verses). What do these verbs invite you to consider about God’s character and activity in the world?

Note: We’ve only engaged with key excerpts from the larger Exodus narrative in Exodus 1-14. Read it all for the fuller story.