Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Moses Sent to Pharaoh

◄ Egypt: Israel in Moses Sent to Pharaoh ►

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The narrative of Israel in Egypt, particularly during the time of Moses, is a pivotal episode in the biblical account of the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom. This period is marked by God's intervention through Moses, whom He appoints to lead His people out of bondage.

Background and Context

The Israelites had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as recounted in the account of Joseph, who rose to prominence in Pharaoh's court (Genesis 41-47). Over time, the Israelites multiplied and became a significant presence in the land. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, perceived the Israelites as a threat and subjected them to harsh slavery (Exodus 1:8-14).

Moses' Calling

Moses, an Israelite by birth, was raised in Pharaoh's household but fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). While in Midian, Moses encountered God in the form of a burning bush on Mount Horeb. God revealed His plan to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and commissioned Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of His people (Exodus 3:1-10).

God's Assurance and Moses' Reluctance

Moses expressed reluctance and doubt about his ability to lead the Israelites and confront Pharaoh. God reassured Moses, promising His presence and providing signs to validate Moses' mission. God also appointed Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesperson (Exodus 4:10-17).

Confrontation with Pharaoh

Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh with God's command: "Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness" (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused, increasing the Israelites' burdens instead (Exodus 5:2-9).

The Plagues

In response to Pharaoh's obstinance, God sent a series of plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating His power and sovereignty over the Egyptian gods and natural order. These plagues included turning the Nile to blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn (Exodus 7-12).

The Passover and Exodus

The final plague, the death of the firstborn, led to the institution of the Passover, a pivotal event in Israelite history. God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, so the angel of death would pass over their homes (Exodus 12:1-13). This act of faith and obedience spared the Israelites and precipitated their release from Egypt.

Pharaoh, devastated by the loss, finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave. The Exodus marked the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land, a foundational event in the identity and faith of the Israelite people (Exodus 12:31-42).

Significance

The account of Moses being sent to Pharaoh and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. It underscores themes of deliverance, covenant, and divine justice, serving as a foreshadowing of spiritual redemption. The events in Egypt laid the groundwork for the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's law, as revealed at Mount Sinai.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 3:2-10
And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the middle of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Moses.
... Moses and Aaron, therefore, went into Egypt, where they called ... would not let the
children of Israel go. ... Then God commanded Moses again, and he brought other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/moses.htm

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... You have heard how the children of Israel came to be ... he was protected by the princess
of Egypt, the daughter ... She named him "Moses," a word that means "drawn out ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

The Rod that Troubled Egypt.
... know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go ... the land until there was no green
thing left in Egypt. Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron in great haste, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xi the rod that.htm

The Call of Moses
... thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall ... And Moses said
unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the call of moses.htm

Pharaoh the Stubborn Ruler
... Then Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him ... know Jehovah, and I will not
let Israel go." They ... or with the sword." But the king of Egypt replied, "Moses ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/pharaoh the stubborn ruler.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... the task of leaving Midian and championing the cause of Israel. ... of the death of the
king of Egypt and the ... his covenant with Abraham and appeared to Moses in a ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

The Debt of Israel
... Hebrew prince knew that the gift came from a son of Israel. The queen and Moses
used the attar ... Therefore all purple-wearing Egypt must have it or die, since the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter x the debt of.htm

Egypt.
... Moses was then sent to Egypt to lead out the Israelites on their way back to the ...
Then the hard heart yielded to terror, and Israel went oat of Egypt as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

Moses
... Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew ... Behold, the people of the children
of Israel are more ... And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ix moses.htm

Psalm 105. Abridged. God's Conduct of Israel, and the Plagues of ...
... the saints, And thus provok'd their God, Moses was sent ... an angel's midnight stroke,
The flower of Egypt dy'd ... rage, Nor put the church in fear; Israel must live ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 105 abridged gods conduct.htm