Day 18

The Oppression and Hardship of the Israelites in Egypt by Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Julius 1794–1874

Exodus Introduction

As Genesis closes, the Jews are a chosen-few living in the favor of the Pharaoh of Egypt. But following the death of Joseph, a new king came to the throne of Egypt who felt no obligation to the descendants of Joseph, and the nation of Israel becomes a nation of slaves. Exodus is the story of their deliverance. In the first half of Exodus, God calls Moses to declare judgement upon Pharaoh, and to lead Israel’s long journey to the Promised Land. In the last half, God educates his people in the responsibilities of holy living.

Scripture

January 18—Exodus 1-2: Israel’s Bondage in Egypt

Observation

In the years since the close of Genesis, the Hebrews have multiplied rapidly in the land of Egypt. Viewed as a growing threat by an unsympathetic Egyptian King, they are bitterly oppressed and forced to toil long and hard in the fields (1:13). The cries of God’s people for a deliverer are finally answered in the person of Moses. Even from his earliest days Moses’ destiny is clear, as seen in God’s providential care for the helpless infant. But at the age of forty, Moses attempts to do the right thing (deliverance) in the wrong way (murder), and as a result he flees for his life. For the next forty years he will tend flocks in the desert of Midian as God prepares him to tend a much bigger flock in the deserts of Egypt!

Application

If you’ve ever forgotten an important appointment, anniversary, or promise you’ve made, you know how miserable you can feel. But the one who forgets never feels as miserable as the one who’s been forgotten! For 400 years the people of God had suffered abuse at the hands of their Egyptian taskmasters. Surely God had forgotten his promises to their forefathers—promises of owning a great land and becoming a great people, promises that rang hollow in the sandy prisons of Egypt. And yet, God remembered his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (2:24). Unknown to them, God was preparing for their deliverance even as they made bricks in the hot desert sun! God never forgets his promises, but now how often do you forget that fact? Tie a string around your finger to remind yourself and others who might be curious enough to ask of that warming truth!

Prayer

Oh God, help us to be patience while you prepare us for our deliverance as you promise those that believe in you. Help us see that our future is as bright as your promises. Hallelujah! In Jesus name we pray, amen!

Baby Moses, a painting from Exodus series, by Marc Chagall

© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019