Study 8: The Exodus and Israel Tested

Crushing defeat of Egypt and praise of God

Passover deaths cause Pharoah to expel the children (Exodus 12:33-42)

• The children escape (Exodus 13:17-22)

First test: Pharoah's change of heart

Passover changed Pharoah mind for a short while, but his wickedness, and indifference to the slavery of Israel, and need for slaves to maintain the wealth of the nation, he soon relented of his decision to let the Children go.

• God parts the Red Sea and the Israelites escape the Egyptians; The Egyptian soldiers are drowned in the sea. (Exodus 14)

Troubles in the Wilderness and God's response (15:22-18:27)

Second test – water that was not bitter (Exodus 15:22-27)

• God provides water

Third test – food (Exodus 16)

• God provides food in the form of Manna

Forth test – water (Exodus 17:1-7)

• Note in the case Moses was instructed to strike the rock. In the next case, God gave no such command but Moses struck the rock (Numbers 20:10-13). Psalm 106:32-33 summarises the event. It was a grievous sin, and on account of it he was not fit to lead Israel into the land. And Aaron, equally weak in faith, shared Moses’ fate.

Fifth test – enemies in the wilderness (Exodus 17:8 – 16)

• The Children of Israel were not battle ready, and certainly not ready to take on the enemies of Canaan. God prepares ways for Irael's armies to be prepared and trained.
• Note the connection of Amalek to the Children of Israel – Amalek was the illegitimate grandson of Esau. (Genesis 36:12).

Sixth test – arranging governance of the Children of Israel (Exodus 18:13-27)

• Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses
• He was a priest of Midian; evidence that he worshiped YHWH is found here, especially Exodus 18:12
• The early faith still existed here and there in the Gentile world after Abraham's call, e.g. Jethro, and Melchizedek