Summary

The website content provides a summary and analysis of Exodus 1–3, detailing the Israelites' oppression in Egypt, the birth and early life of Moses, and God's calling to Moses through the burning bush.

Abstract

The text begins with the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt under a new Pharaoh who fears their growing numbers. Despite hardships, the Israelites continue to multiply, and Pharaoh's attempts to kill all Hebrew male infants are thwarted by the Hebrew midwives' defiance and later by Pharaoh's daughter, who rescues and adopts Moses. Moses grows up in Pharaoh's household, later fleeing to Midian after killing an Egyptian. There, he marries Zipporah and has a son named Gershom. Meanwhile, the Israelites' cries for help reach God, who remembers His covenant with their ancestors. God then appears to Moses in a burning bush, revealing His name as "I AM WHO I AM" and commanding Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, promising His support and foretelling the wonders that will compel Pharaoh to release them.

Opinions

The text suggests that despite oppression and slavery, the Israelites' population continues to grow, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.
The actions of the Hebrew midwives and Pharaoh's daughter are portrayed as acts of defiance against Pharaoh's tyranny, highlighting their moral courage and faith in God.
Moses' killing of the Egyptian and subsequent flight to Midian are seen as pivotal moments that shape his destiny as a leader.
The narrative implies that God's plan for His people is unfolding, with Moses being divinely chosen to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom.
The revelation of God's name "I AM WHO I AM" emphasizes His eternal and self-existent nature, reassuring Moses and the readers of His enduring presence and power.

Bible Study Guide Day 030: Exodus 1–3

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 3:14

**The Child Moses on the Nile** by Gustave Doré

Previous 029: Genesis 48–50

Exodus 1

The Israelites Oppressed

The book of Exodus begins with the Israelites facing oppression and slavery in Egypt. After Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh rises to power who does not care about Joseph and his contributions to Egypt. Fearing the growing numbers and strength of the Israelites, Pharaoh orders for their enslavement and hard labor.

Despite their suffering, the Israelites continue to multiply and grow in number, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. Pharaoh tells the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all the Israelite baby boys at birth. However, the midwives fear God and do not obey Pharaoh’s command.

Pharaoh then orders his people to throw every Hebrew boy into the Nile River.

**The Finding of Moses** by Gustave Doré

Exodus 2

The Birth of Moses

In the midst of this darkness and oppression, God works in mysterious ways to bring about His plan for His people. A Levite woman gives birth to a son and hides him for three months before placing him in a basket in the Nile River.

Pharaoh’s daughter discovers him and recognizes that he is a Hebrew baby. The baby’s sister approaches Pharaoh’s daughter and offers to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. As the child grows older, Pharaoh’s daughter takes him back and essentially assumes the role of his mother, naming him Moses. He is raised in Pharaoh’s household in Egypt, the very land that enslaved his people.

Moses Flees to Midian

One day, Moses sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and kills the Egyptian in anger. When Pharaoh finds out, he wants to kill Moses. In fear for his life, Moses flees to Midian.

While in Midian, Moses comes across a well and encounters the seven shepherdess daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian. Despite attempts by other shepherds to drive them away, Moses bravely defends and safeguards the daughters, even tending to their flock. In gratitude, their father invites Moses to their home for a meal, leading to Moses staying with them and eventually marrying Zipporah, one of the daughters. Zipporah eventually gives birth to Moses’ son, Gershom.

Meanwhile, the king of Egypt dies and the Israelites who live in Egypt as slaves cry out to God for rescue. God hears their cries and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Exodus 3

Moses and the Burning Bush

One day, while Moses is tending Jethro’s flock, the angel of the LORD appears to him in a burning bush. God speaks to Moses and tells him that He has heard the cries of His people and has chosen Moses to lead them out of Egypt.

Moses is hesitant and doubts his ability to carry out such a task, but God assures him that He will be with him every step of the way. God also reveals Himself as “I AM WHO I AM,” signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. He instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go.

God knows the elders and people of Israel will listen to Moses, and He promises to strike the Egyptians with wonders until Pharaoh lets them go.

Next Day 031: Exodus 4–6