Topical Bible: God: Preserver: To the Kingdom of Judah: in Delivering from Egypt

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In the narrative of the Bible, God is frequently depicted as the Preserver of His people, a role that is profoundly illustrated in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, an event that holds significant theological and historical importance for the Kingdom of Judah. This deliverance is not only a foundational event in the history of Israel but also serves as a continual reminder of God's preserving power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

The Exodus as a Paradigm of Preservation

The Exodus from Egypt is a central event in the Old Testament, where God acts as the Preserver of Israel, leading them out of bondage and into freedom. This act of deliverance is initiated by God in response to the cries of the Israelites, who were suffering under the harsh oppression of Pharaoh. In Exodus 3:7-8 , God declares, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

God's Covenant Faithfulness

The deliverance from Egypt is deeply rooted in God's covenant with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenantal relationship underscores God's commitment to preserve His people. In Exodus 6:5-6 , God reassures Moses, "Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant. Therefore tell the Israelites: I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment."

The Passover: A Sign of Preservation

The institution of the Passover is a significant aspect of God's preservation during the Exodus. The blood of the Passover lamb, applied to the doorposts of the Israelite homes, served as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" and spare the firstborn of Israel during the final plague (Exodus 12:13). This act of preservation is commemorated annually by the Israelites, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's saving power and His role as their Preserver.

The Wilderness Journey

Following the Exodus, God's preservation continues as He guides the Israelites through the wilderness. Despite their frequent disobedience and lack of faith, God remains faithful, providing manna from heaven, water from the rock, and guidance through the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 16:4, 17:6, 13:21). These acts of provision and guidance underscore God's ongoing commitment to preserve His people.

Implications for the Kingdom of Judah

For the Kingdom of Judah, the deliverance from Egypt serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to preserve and protect His people against overwhelming odds. It is a source of hope and assurance that God remains faithful to His promises, even in times of national crisis or exile. The prophets often reminded Judah of God's past acts of deliverance as a basis for trust and repentance, urging them to rely on the Lord as their ultimate Preserver.

In summary, God's role as Preserver in delivering the Israelites from Egypt is a profound demonstration of His covenant faithfulness and power. This foundational event not only shaped the identity of Israel but also provided enduring hope and assurance for the Kingdom of Judah, affirming that God is ever-present to preserve and deliver His people.

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2 Chronicles 12:2-12
And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,
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The Prophet Amos.
... God of the heathen,"the Creator, Preserver, and Governor ... of the prophet only to
represent God as appearing ... the whole prophecy refers to the kingdom of Judah. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm