Lecture Notes: The Book of Exodus (First Half)

Introduction

• Exodus: Second book of the Bible.
• Picks up from Genesis, ending with Jacob's family in Egypt.
• Jacob's son Joseph saved family during famine, leading to their settlement in Egypt.

Timespan and Setting

• 400 years pass: Israelites multiply in Egypt.
• Pharaoh perceives Israelites as a threat.
• Brutal enslavement and decree to drown Israelite boys in the Nile.

Key Themes

• Rebellion against God's blessing: Beginning in Genesis, continues with Pharaoh.
• Pharaoh's Evil: Redefines morality, epitomizes rebellion.
• Israel's Cry: Calls for divine intervention.

The Birth and Rise of Moses

• Moses: Saved from the Nile, raised in Pharaoh's household.
• God's Call: Burning bush, commission to liberate Israelites.

The Confrontation with Pharaoh

• God's Warning: Declares He will harden Pharaoh's heart.
• Initial Encounters: Pharaoh's heart hardens on its own.
• First Set of Plagues: Offers chances for repentance, each plague challenges Egyptian gods.
• Second Set of Plagues: God begins to harden Pharaoh's heart, luring him to destruction.

The Passover and Final Plague

• Final Plague: Death of Egypt's firstborn.
• Passover Ritual: Lamb's blood as protection.
• Pharaoh's Loss: Compelled to release Israelites.

The Exodus

• Departure: Israelites leave Egypt.
• Pharaoh's Pursuit: Changes his mind, chases Israelites.
• Crossing the Sea: Israelites safe; Pharaoh's armies destroyed.

Song of the Sea

• First song of praise in the Bible.
• Declares the Lord as king.
• Mission of God: Confronting evil, redeeming enslaved.

Journey to Mount Sinai

• Wilderness Complaints: Israelites criticize Moses and God.
• Provision: God provides food and water.
• Foreshadowing: Potential hardness of Israel's heart.

Conclusion

• The first half of Exodus ends with Israelites' journey toward Mount Sinai.
• Queries the resilience and faith of Israel post-Exodus.