><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What is mentioned in this chapter as the double purpose of the plagues? Cf Is. 45: 22-25; Rom. 1:18. 2) What new evidences are given of God's power, and how would these encourage the Israelites? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 8 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The plagues came about because Pharaoh would not let the Israelites go to worhsip the Lord. It shows the importance of worshipping Him. We also need to take the time out of each day to do so. It really affects a believer's life to give daily time/worship to God. Do we put God first? Matt 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well..." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 8 The Figure of God, 8:19 This chapter teaches us that: God is in control of His creation; Insults to human power and authority - Pharaoh begged for relief, 8:8; Suffered and bore (lice), 8:17; Bargained for flies removal, 8:26; God takes care of us, no flies in Goshen, 8:22; God hears our prayer - When Moses cried out, 8:12; "Thereis no one like the Lord our God.", 8:10b. In Joseph's time, the Pharaoh used God's people with recognition; In Moses' time, the Pharaoh controlled God's people with power and authority. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In chapter 8, we see 4 plagues: Blood, Frogs, Swarms of lice and gnats, and flies. Each of these plagues was as a response to Pharaoh not letting the people go to sacrifice to the Lord. The actual time frame of the plagues is thought to have been about 9 months(Ryrie Study Bible). Pharaoh was trying to suppress the one and only True God. He did not want the Israelites to be given freedom to worship because he feared their numbers. Many times we take it for granted in this country the wonderful blessing we have of freedom of worship. By looking to other countries, where there is a regime in power that would deny that freedom we can get an idea of what Pharaoh was trying to do with the Israelites. He sought to control them and to have authority over them. 2) God's power is demonstrated over the creation. He uses 2 plagues on the Nile River. This was a major source of Egypt's power as a nation. It controlled this amazing stretch of waterway that served as sustenance, provision for food watering, and transportation. It was a major controlling factor in the upper African region at that time. To have control over it demonstrated authority and supremacy in the land. GOd turned the river to blood, making the water undrinkable and useless for crop irrigation. Next, He caused frogs to appear from the Nile. Pharaoh v16 hardened his heart and would not let the people go. Next we see plagues dealing with insects, flies and gnats, and lice. We also see in v32 that Pharaoh himself again hardened his own heart. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 9 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How does pharaoh's attitude show the difference between sorrow for the consequences of sin and true repentance? 2) Contrast the nature and the consequences both of faith in God's word, and of unbelief, as illustrated in this chapter. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 9 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Pharaoh kept reverting to his old ways, showing his hard and unrepentant (=unchanged) heart . When we disobey God, we show our impatience to seek His will and effort to satisy ourselves. may we learn to walk humbly before Almighty God in faith that He will provide all we need. Emotionally, financially, mentally,spiritually and physically. Jehovah-Jireh ("The Lord Provides") is the name of our God. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 9 The Heart of Pharaoh was hardened Pharaoh's heart was hardened each time as plagues came to Egypt because he would not want to lose the slave labor that contributed greatly to the success of Egypt. THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAGUES [Willington's Guide to the Bible] To demonstrate to Israel the strength of their God; To show the total inability of the Egyptain gods. WHAT DOES EACH PLAGUE MEAN ? The bloody waters - against Osiris, the god of the Nile; The frogs - against the frog goddess Hekt; The lice - against Seb, the earth god; The flies - against Hatkok, the wife of Osiris; The cattle disease - against Apis, the sacred bull god; The boils - against Typhon; The hail and fire - against Shu, the god of the atmosphere; The locusts - against Serapia, the god who protected Egypt against locusts; The darkness - against Ra, the sun god; The death of the firstborn - an attack on all gods. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Pharaoh hardened his heart several times AFTER he had agreed to let the people go and changed his mind. True repentance yields a changed life and heart condition. Pharaoh was crying crocodile tears when he was agreeing to let the children of Israel go. He yielded only to allow the bad situation pass. In many ways Christians follow such a pattern. We sometimes tend to be involved in church, or lean on the church when we are facing hardships, but then turn our back on God after than hardship is over and return to a life of not going to church, or not being as dedicated to serving God. 2) In this chapter we see several more plagues represented. The major shift is in those affected by the plagues. As Pharaoh's own heart starts softening to letting the people go, God hardens his heart. v12 The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart. In the previous plagues, the heart of Pharoah was personally hardened, but after the 6th plague, we see a distinction that God hardened his heart. Also in the plagues following the third plague, the children of Israel were delivered from feeling the effects of the plagues as God protected His children. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 10-11 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was the outcome in Pharaoh's life of his persistent refusal to heed God's warnings? See particularly 10:29. 2) What lesson can we learn from Moses' consistent refusal to compromise where God's command was concerned? What was the source of Moses' great courage? Cf also Heb. 11:27. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 10-11 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Disobedience brought Pharaoh misery and grief. It does seem somewhat like a "catch 22" because it says "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart" and yet he is punished for it. But God is sovereign and knows what we need, and uses people to demonstrate his glory. Moses stood fast for the Lord, not being discouraged to the point of giving up. Though the text does not reveal his personal sorrows/discouragement, I am sure he felt them. May the Lord give us strength in each one of our trials when we have no words, His Holy Spirit will groan and intercede for us. (Rom 8:6,27) -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 10 and 11 PHARAOH COMPROMISED THREE TIMES Worship God but do it in Egypt, 8:25; Worship God but don't go far away; 8:28 Worship God but leave the children in Egypt, 10:8-11. A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EGYPTIANS AND ISRAEL There are many differences between the Egyptians and the Israelites. Among all the other differences, the major one is the spiritual difference - the One in Three God against many gods. "But against none of the children of Israel shall a dog move its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know that the LORD DOES make a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." 11:7 "Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country." 11:10. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Pharaoh experienced hardship from his refusal to heed God's warnings. In v29 it was foretold that Pharaoh would not see Moses' face again. Pharaoh lost his firstborn son due to his hardened heart. It is interesting to note that twice it is the Lord that hardens Pharaoh's heart whereas the many other times, it is Pharaoh himself that hardens his own heart. 2) Moses stood firm upon God's command. He would not sway or falter, instead of accepting a partial solution, or a cheapened deliverance, Moses held out for full freedom and salvation. Each of us should too hold out for the true salvation that comes through adherence God's command and heeding without compromise. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 12:1-36 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Why did the angel of death pass over the houses of the Israelites?How does this illustrate our redemption in Christ? Cf 1 Pet. 1:18,19. 2) How were the Israelites to use the lamb's blood and its flesh? What is the New Testament counterpart of this? Why was un- leavened bread used? Cf 1 Cor. 5: 6-8; 2 Tim. 2:19. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 12:1-36 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The blood on the doorframes prevented the angel of death from striking the Israelites. It is much like the blood of Christ that covers our sins. The blood symbolized sacrifice offered as substitute. Egypt was going to be judged by the Lord, but Israel had this blood sacrifice to atone for their sins. All the elements of the Passover dinner were very symbolic- bitter herbs symbolizing the bitter years of labor they endured. If anyone has partcipated in "The Messiah in the Passover" lessons at church or somewhere, they understand. The Jewish people have a fascinating and rich heritage, the best of all is knowing that Christ is the ultimate passover lamb, to those who believe. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 12 The Passover Lamb Three elements were used in the Passover, 12:5-8: Roastlamb - This could be a type of Christ as real meat for the mature Christian (Hebrews 5:12-14); Unleavened bread - This could be a type of separation from evil; Bitter herbs - This could speak of the bitter agony of death, not only of Christ's but of our death to self. [World's Bible Handbook] Hebrews 9:13 - 15 "For if the blood of bull and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE from dead works to serve the living God? -----." We need the blood of Jesus to purge (purify) our conscience to serve the living God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The angel of death passes over the houses of the Israelites because of their belief in the saving grace of God. The action of spreading the blood of the passover lamb was the faith in action, but the key was the faith. Just as faith without works is dead, so the belief of the Israelites would have meant nothing without the action of spreading the blood on the doorway. But at the root of their deliverance was their trust in the saving grace of God. 1 Pet. 1:18,19. 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 2) The Lord made specific instructions to the Israelites. - Kill the lamb at twilight, - Put the blood on the two doorposts and the lintel, - Eat the flesh, roasted with fire, and mixed with bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. Our counterpart in the New Testament is the act of communion. It is our form of remembrance of God's grace and mercy upon us. It is our way of reminding ourselves of our lost condition and the grace which was Christ deliverance of our sins on the cross. The unleavened bread was used to symbolize purity, untainted by the world. May we consider the original OT model next time we have communion and the grand design of God's master plan for All His people, and particularly His chosen people. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 12:37-13:22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What are the two major responses that God expects from those who are redeemed? 2) What lessons about guidance are taught in 13:17-22? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 12:37-13:22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God expected the consecration of every firstborn male, man or animal and also special observance to commemorate the day of deliverance from the Egyptians. God's guidance is seen in His leading the Israelites night and day, as a light in front of them. I am inspired by Joseph's faith even after his death, v. 19 "Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear an oath. He had said, "GOD WILL SURELY COME TO YOUR AID, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place." That kind of faith touches everyone around. May our faith show the glory of God, as we learn to trust Him and let go of our own confidence and place it in Him each day. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 12:37 - 13:22 The Passover Today Israelites lived in Egypt for 430 years and about 600,000 left there and went to the wilderness, 12:37. The reference indicates that about 1/3 of them left Egypt. Passover meal is for the circumcised ones only, 12:48. The Lord did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near, 13:17. Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea, 13:18. It touches my heart to read that Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he (Joseph) had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear for doing that, 13:19. For the Passover meal today, Judaism added two more items in the dinner - a roasted egg and wine. They also replaced the Passover lamb by the shankbone of lamb. Passover in Christ - Bread symbolic of His body, Lamb of God, Matthew, 26:26, and the cup, the blood of Jesus which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins, 26:28; I Corinthians 11:24-26. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God expects those who are redeemed to Trust and Obey. He wants us to trust the commands that He gives us that they are for our benefit. He also wants us to obey the commands that He issues to us. Part of the trust for the Isrealites was that God would lead them. The obedience for them was to carry out things such as circumcision as a way of consecrating to God, their offspring. 2) God guided the Israelites both in day and night. BY day, he used the pillar of cloud, and by night a pillar of fire. God leads us in all circumstances, whether the way be clear and lit or He need to light the way... ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 14:1-:15:21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Chap 14. What can we learn here about God, about faith, and about the completeness of God's Salvation? 2) Chapter 15. What does this song of triumph teach us about how to worship God? How ought we to follow its example? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 14:1-:15:21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God's victory and salvation are complete, just as his saving of the Israelites. It caused the people to finally put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant. The people worshipped God in song and dance. V. 8 says, "By the BLAST OF YOUR NOSTRILS the waters piled up..." It shows the control, and ease with which God destroyed the Egyptians. The timing was under the Lord's control. I like v17, "You will bring them in and PLANT THEM on the mountain of your inheritance - the place, O Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established." It shows how God nurtured and took care of each individual one, to plant them/us on the mountain of our inheritance. The Lord cares for His people with specific plans in mind, PLANTING us. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 14:1 - 15:21 Crossing the Red Sea When the Israelites left Egypt, Pharaoh and his servants said to themselves "we have let Israel go from serving us?" 14:5 So they decided to "chase" them back. It happens quite often in our Christian lives that when we decided to follow Jesus, Satan would come out to tempt us with the good worldly lives we lived and say to our hearts "come back to me." Exodus 13:17b gave a clear statement on this issue that "Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt." Crossing the Red Sea is a "No turning back" experience. The Red Sea experience typifies death to sin. The Lord's victory over the enemies of His people was celebrated in a song of triumph - The Song of Moses and Israel. It is the first of ten songs of praise recorded in the Bible. The last is found in Revelation 14:3. Both the first and the last songs in the Bible are sung at appalling scenes of Divine wrath, Ex. 15:16. This is a praising song of Moses' experience of God: "----. Who is like Thee among the gods, O Lord? Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders. Thou didst stretch out thy right hand, The earth swallowed them. In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed; In Thy strength Thou hast guided them to Thy holy habitation. --- ." Exodus 15:11-13. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We see here God hardening Pharaoh's heart once again to make him chase the Israelites. He offers salvation without condition. All we need to do is believe and 'stand by' and see v 13. WE need to be faithful that God will guide and lead and not fear that He will deliver us. God delivered the Children of Israel from Pharaoh's tyranny in Egypt and would in Chp 15 deliver them from the chasing enemy. by drowning them in the Red Sea. The Red Sea experience is a wonderful picture of salvation. It represents a one time, no turning back complete trust and belief yielding a deliverance from bondage and oppression. It is something that God did alone, out of nothing the Israelites had done, but by His grace and mercy. It was for all who would believe and cross, and was a separation from the world/sin(Egypt). It is the first step on the journey to the promised land(Kingdom). It does not mean an end to trials. 2) The song in chp 15 shows us how to praise and worship God. It shows us the various ways to exalt God for His many qualities. He is our Strength and Songv2, our salvation v2, and a warrior v3. May we exalt His greatness as the song does in our worship of Him. "I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. 2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him. 6 "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power, Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy. 11 "Who is like You among the gods, O LORD? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? 17 "You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, The place, O LORD, which You have made for Your dwelling, The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established. 18 "The LORD shall reign forever and ever."