What is happening to the Israelites when Exodus opens?
They are enslaved by the Egyptians and are being brutally abused.
Know the story of Moses’ birth and how he is spared in the river
To prevent the Israelites from being too powerful, the pharaoh says that all newborn boys must be killed. To save him, his mother puts him in a basket on the river, but he flows down to Pharaoh’s daughter, who saves him.
When grown, why does Moses flee Egypt?
Because he killed an Egyptian who was abusing a fellow Israelite.
How does God approach Moses while Moses is a shepherd?
The burning bush.
How does God identify Godself?
“I AM WHO I AM” “I AM has sent me to you”
What does God command Moses to do, and what is Moses’ reaction?
He commands him to free the Israelites from Egyptian rule. Moses didn’t think he was worthy or capable, so he was worried, but ultimately accepts his role.
Staff turns to a snake, a magic cloak that hurts and heals, and water turns to blood on the ground. What signs does God give Moses to perform?
Staff turns to a snake, a magic cloak that hurts and heals, and water turns to blood on the ground.
How does the Pharaoh react to Moses’ demands?
Pharaoh refuses and instead makes them work harder
What do you think it means when the scripture says that God hardens Pharaoh’s heart?
I think it’s supposed to serve as a true reminder that God affects everyone. Even Pharaoh himself. If the pharaoh views himself as God-like, then God has to physically affect him to truly send his message.
Martin-I think it means that God is making the Pharoah more stubborn so God can show his true power through the ten plagues of Egypt.
Know the ten plagues, particularly the angel of death (I won’t expect you to list them)
Frogs, locusts, blood water, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, darkness, and the death of every firstborn (Angel of Death-angel strikes down the firstborn sons of Egypt while passing over the homes marked with the blood of a lamb)
Be familiar with the Hebrew flight out of Egypt and crossing the Red Sea Why is this such an important event in shaping Jewish identity?
Moses splits the Red Sea as they’re escaping and wipes out Pharaoh and his whole army.
Because it’s their real moment of true unity. Shared trauma and its subsequent liberation is a great bonder. It was also foretold in God’s prophecy to Abraham.
Why does God side with the Hebrews against Pharaoh? What does this say about God?
Because he stands up for the oppressed in the world. Not the evil people in charge.
