By Elimu Assistant Team The story of Moses and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt is a significant narrative in the Bible, showcasing God’s power and His relationship with His people. This post delves into the call of Moses, the plagues that God unleashed upon Egypt, and the new understanding the Israelites gained about God’s nature during this transformative period.
(a) The Call of Moses (Exodus 3: 1-22)
Moses’ call marks a pivotal moment in biblical history. Here’s a summary of the events:
- Shepherding in Midian: Moses was tending to his father-in-law’s sheep at Mount Horeb (also known as Sinai).
- The Burning Bush: An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush that was not consumed by the flames.
- God’s Call: Upon seeing the bush, Moses turned aside, and God called his name from within it.
- Moses’ Response: Moses replied, "Here I am," indicating his willingness to listen.
- Divine Command: God instructed Moses not to approach too closely and to remove his sandals because the ground was holy.
- Revelation of God: God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Fear of God: Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God.
- Mission to Deliver: God informed Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and had come to deliver them, commissioning Moses to confront Pharaoh.
- Reluctance and Assurance: Moses hesitated to go, but God assured him of His presence and provided him with a sign.
- God’s Name: Moses asked for God’s name, and God revealed Himself as "I am who I am."
- Gathering the Elders: Moses was instructed to gather the elders of Israel to convey God’s message about their forthcoming deliverance.
- Request to Pharaoh: He was to approach Pharaoh alongside the elders to demand the release of the Israelites.
- Miracles and Favor: God promised to perform miracles to compel Pharaoh and assured that the Israelites would gain favor from the Egyptians, receiving jewelry.
(8 x 1 = 8 marks)
(b) Plagues That God Used to Demonstrate His Power in Egypt
To demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh’s obedience, God unleashed ten plagues upon Egypt:
- Water Turned to Blood: The waters of Egypt were turned into blood.
- Frog Infestation: The land was covered with frogs.
- Gnats from Dust: The dust of Egypt became gnats.
- Swarms of Flies: Swarms of flies filled the land.
- Livestock Death: All Egyptian livestock perished.
- Boils: An outbreak of boils afflicted both humans and animals.
- Severe Hailstorm: A devastating hailstorm struck the land.
- Locust Swarm: A swarm of locusts consumed the crops.
- Darkness: Darkness enveloped Egypt for three days.
- Death of the Firstborn: The firstborn males of the Egyptians died.
(7 x 1 = 7 marks)
(c) Israelites’ New Understanding of the Nature of God During the Exodus
Throughout the Exodus, the Israelites developed a deeper understanding of God’s nature:
- God of Their Forefathers: They recognized Him as the God of their ancestors.
- Supreme Power: They understood that God is more powerful than other gods.
- Promise Keeper: God fulfills His promises.
- Holiness: They learned that God is holy.
- Chosen Instruments: God uses His chosen ones to accomplish His mission.
- Provider: He is recognized as a provider for His people.
- Personal Relationship: God is seen as a personal God who cares for individuals.
- Only God: They came to realize that He is the only God.
- Transcendence: God is transcendent, beyond human understanding.
- Obedience Requirement: He demands total obedience from His followers.
- Awesome Majesty: The fear of God was evident, especially at Mount Sinai.
- Omnipresence: God is omnipresent, always with His people.
- Jealous God: They recognized God’s jealousy for their faithfulness.
(5 x 1 = 5 marks)
