Exodus

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader

First they complain about their situation in Egypt as slaves in ch.2.23.

Later we see that they seemed quick to complain after they have fled also. Example in ch.14.10.

They do not like the situation they are in.  They are complaining and want to go back. Some of the Israelites must have been quite well of. We see they say they had enough to eat back in Egypt, ch. 16.3. They also received lots of goods from the Egyptians when they fled ch. 12.35. This loads of goods we see again in the gifts they bring to making of the Tabernacle. Ch. 35.22. They also were some really skilled persons, like Bezael for example. CH. 35.30.

                                                                                                 

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author

In the introduction to this book it says Moses wrote this book in 1440 BC. ( SRB p.74)

The author shows very detailed information about this what is written. And it makes me think as a reader that it is very important for the author to retell it very detailed and he also repeat everything about the Tabernacle, three times he retells it. Ch. 25, 35, 36

Also to show that what God spoke to him – he is very detailed with.

He shows knowledge of the people, he lives among them, ch. 11.11. He speaks to them, solves their problems. Ch.18.13.

He tells us also in detail, their doings both good and bad. As Andrew mentioned in lecture, this is different from other written findings from this same time period. From Egypt it has been found written things that only shows the good happenings, probably written in fright of the King – but for Moses it was the fear of the Lord and that His saying should be given on correct, that was most important.

He also describes concrete persons that God wanted to use, and their skills. Ch.35.30.

The Israelites needed to be reminded of the miracles God has done for His people thru their ancestors, as to prepare them for going back to the Promised Land as one people – trusting in Him.                                                                                                                                                  

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?

God is serious about His presens and holiness willing to kill for it ch 4.24-26.

But He also shows that He seems to be able change His mind to keep his promises ch 32.14

He gives us some good (the best) guidelines for us to live after – both among each other and towards God, ch.20.2-17.

One sentence: “The book of Exodus shows us the establishment of a people recognizing the Lord as THE LORD OVER ALL, it gives timeless life-rules and shows the consequences of our choices, and a persistent God”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

4. What is the primary reason for this book was written

Build their identity as God chosen people– and in that way rebuilding a common history, and build faith in them for the times to come.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book shows about the character and nature of God?

He is willing to kill Moses to show His holiness and that He is almighty! Ch.4.24-26

The Lord says to Moses about himself: “He is jealous about his relationship with you “ ch 34.14 – and I think that is a timeless truth.

Ch 34.6-7a is a beautiful verse were God himself tells us about His nature:

 “Yahweh! The Lord!

The God of compassion and mercy!

I am slow to anger

And filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

I lavish unfailing love to thousand generations.

I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

(The rest of the verse has to be explained another time)

God speaks to Moses face to face – a dialog, ch.33.11 – as he later in the Bible repeats this. In fact the expression “face to face” is uses 166 times in the Bible. Source: Norwegian Bible association. (www.Bibelen.no)

God is so detailed and preserving  - so in the end of Exodus we read that His people at last turns back to Him, and are ready to possess into the Promised Land.

And everything became “as the Lord has said,” is repeated several times in the last chapter 40.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

6.What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?

V. 4.21 – Israel is my firstborn “let my son go, so he can worship me” – foreshadows another first born whom he has to let go to fulfill the redeemed plan.

The foreshadowing about Passover ch.22.15, ch.34.18 shows on to Jesus Last supper and holy week Mark ch. 26.26 and on.

 The use of blood for sacrifices and protection ch.34.18. (And I guess this will later be discussed further)

This nation needed to see redemption - His power to save, the same as all mankind needs, and we have it in Christ!!

                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions:                                                                                                                                                                                

7.Personal application:

Gods is interested in details. Again in this book I see how God gives man new chances again and again.

He wants to communicate with us as with these persons we read about – he answers and takes initiative in speaking to Moses. Ch.10.10. He even debates with him ch. 4.  God shows feelings of anger (ch 4.14). He even seems to change His plan after Moses pleading in this chapter.

It is encouraging in my prayer life – in the talking/listening/ being relying and waiting on His ways.

I was reminded of the idea of bringing our best to the Lord and His house ch.35.21, and as also we see in New Testament , Acts 4.33.

I see the 10 commands as very valuable liferules to guide our lives after. I think it is a great protection in having them as guidelines in life  - but also so thankful for thru His death, Christ, became my righteousness.

                                                                                                 

8.Point of passion:

So interesting  - in exodus I see the midwifes in Egypt did against their government, and saved the babies their lives – the same as we are fighting for in this law – that we should still be allowed to say no, to do treatment that is against our God command that we shall not take lives.