The deliverance of the Jews from Egypt is a foundational event in the history of Israel and a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. This event, often referred to as the Exodus, marks the transition of the Israelites from slavery to nationhood and is a testament to God's faithfulness and power.

Background and Enslavement

The account begins with the Israelites living in Egypt, where they initially found refuge during a famine in the time of Joseph (Genesis 47:11-12). Over time, the Israelites multiplied and became numerous, which led to fear among the Egyptians. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, rose to power and enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:8-14). The Israelites cried out to God for deliverance from their oppression.

God's Call to Moses

God heard the cries of His people and chose Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Appearing to Moses in a burning bush, God revealed His plan to deliver the Israelites and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7-10). Despite Moses' initial reluctance, God assured him of His presence and power, saying, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

The Plagues and Pharaoh's Resistance

Moses, along with his brother Aaron, confronted Pharaoh with God's command: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 7:16). Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to release the Israelites. In response, God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating His supremacy over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh's impotence. The plagues culminated in the death of the firstborn in Egypt, a judgment from which the Israelites were spared by the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:12-13).

The Exodus and Crossing the Red Sea

Pharaoh finally relented after the tenth plague, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt. The Israelites departed in haste, taking with them the wealth of the Egyptians, as God had promised (Exodus 12:35-36). However, Pharaoh soon regretted his decision and pursued the Israelites with his army. Trapped between Pharaoh's forces and the Red Sea, the Israelites feared for their lives. Yet, God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and He miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). When the Egyptians attempted to follow, the waters returned, drowning Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:28).

The Covenant at Sinai

After their deliverance, the Israelites journeyed to Mount Sinai, where God established a covenant with them. He declared them to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). At Sinai, God gave the Ten Commandments and other laws, which would govern the life and worship of the Israelites (Exodus 20:1-17).

Significance and Legacy

The Exodus is a central theme throughout Scripture, symbolizing God's redemptive power and His commitment to His covenant people. It is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover, which celebrates God's deliverance and the birth of Israel as a nation. The Exodus narrative also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), providing salvation from sin and death.

The account of the Jews being brought out of Egypt by God is a powerful reminder of His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.Exodus 12:42
It is a night to be much observed to the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 5:15
And remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out there through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 6:12
Then beware lest you forget the LORD, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... days, and had spent all the provisions they had brought
with them ... of God, out of their minds, but to expect deliverance out of those ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how moses when.htm

That the Jews have Fallen under the Heavy Wrath of God Because ...
... 1. That the Jews have fallen under the heavy wrath of God because they. ... which shall
go before us: because as for this man Moses, who brought us out of Egypt ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/1 that the jews have.htm

The Birthnight of Freedom
... But the Jews had to wander forty years in ... The Israelites brought out of Egypt base
and slavish ... They brought out, too, heathen superstitions, and mixed them up ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xii the birthnight of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 3. How David Laid Siege To Jerusalem; And When He Had Taken The City, He
Cast The Canaanites Out Of It, And Brought In The Jews To Inhabit Therein ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ...
... Ammonites and Moabites; and when he had brought all these ... set up another; and he
took those Jews that were ... people of the ten tribes were carried out of Samaria ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how nebuzaradan set.htm

How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ...
... by to this time, because they were brought out of the ... nations, which were in number
five, brought their own gods ... And when they see the Jews in prosperity, they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how shalmaneser took.htm

And Pilate, Calling Nicodemus and the Twelve Men who Said that He ...
... The Jews answered: Who are for us ... the hard slavery of the Egyptians, and led you
forth out of Egypt ... you in the desert with manna and quail, and brought water to ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 9 and pilate calling.htm

After This, Pilate Going into the Temple of the Jews...
... Pilate going into the temple of the Jews, assembled all ... And when four officers brought
in that collection of books ... coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 12 28 after this.htm

How the Hebrews under the Conduct of Moses Left Egypt.
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... they made use of for thirty days; for what they brought
with them ... They also carried out the bones of Joesph with them, as he had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how the hebrews.htm

That Christ is Both Man and God, Compounded of Both Natures, that ...
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. ... shall be exalted as Gog, [4001] and
His kingdom shall be increased; and God brought Him forth out of Egypt. ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/10 that christ is both.htm

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