Moses' assurance of deliverance is a pivotal theme in the narrative of the Exodus, where God reassures Moses of His divine plan to liberate the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This assurance is foundational to understanding God's covenantal faithfulness and His power to fulfill His promises.

Divine Encounter and Commission

The assurance begins with Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1-10). Here, God reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenantal relationship with the Israelites. God declares, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings" (Exodus 3:7). This statement underscores God's awareness and concern for His people's plight.

God commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, promising, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This assurance of divine presence is crucial, as it signifies that Moses' mission is not based on his own strength but on God's power and faithfulness.

Signs and Wonders

To bolster Moses' confidence and to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh of His power, God provides Moses with signs and wonders. In Exodus 4:1-9, God equips Moses with miraculous signs, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then restoring it. These signs serve as tangible evidence of God's authority and His commitment to deliver His people.

Promise of Deliverance

God's assurance is further articulated in His promise to deliver the Israelites with a mighty hand. In Exodus 6:6-8, God declares, "I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will deliver you from their bondage and redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment" . This promise is not only a declaration of intent but also a reaffirmation of God's covenant with the patriarchs, emphasizing His unchanging nature and His dedication to His people.

Confrontation with Pharaoh

Moses' assurance is tested in his confrontations with Pharaoh. Despite Pharaoh's hardened heart, God reassures Moses that He will compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. In Exodus 7:3-5, God states, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and by mighty acts of judgment bring out My divisions, My people the Israelites" . This assurance highlights God's sovereignty over human resistance and His ultimate control over the unfolding events.

The Passover and Exodus

The culmination of God's assurance is witnessed in the Passover and the subsequent Exodus. In Exodus 12, God instructs Moses on the Passover, a pivotal event that signifies both judgment on Egypt and deliverance for Israel. The blood of the Passover lamb, a symbol of God's protection, assures the Israelites of their impending liberation. As God executes the final plague, the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh relents, and the Israelites are freed, fulfilling God's promise of deliverance.

Conclusion

Moses' assurance of deliverance is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His power to fulfill His promises. Through divine encounters, miraculous signs, and the ultimate act of deliverance, God reassures Moses and the Israelites of His covenantal commitment, setting the stage for their journey to the Promised Land.