Good evening. Tonight we are going to go back to the Old Testament and begin looking at the book of Exodus. Our goal for this evening is to look at an introduction of Exodus and to take a look at the first 2 chapters.
Before we get started though, let me open us up with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
As we begin, what do you already know about the book of Exodus?
Well, the author is assumed to be Moses. He is thought to be the author of most of the first 5 books of the Old Testament. Does anyone remember what these 5 books are? (The Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
Now, it is difficult to assign a firm date to the composition of the Pentateuch. Conservative estimates place it either in the 15th or the 13th Century B.C. depending on when the Exodus occurred.
The built in theme is deliverance from Egypt, giving of the law, and building of the Tabernacle. At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say as an introduction of the book of Exodus. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
So, now we have an introduction to the book, let’s go ahead and begin looking at chapters 1 and 2 this evening. What is something that you see, that you can’t believe how fast they multiply? (Lady Bugs)
Well, as we take a look at this first chapter, we see the Israelites multiplying very rapidly. And nothing is able to stop them. Whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 1:1-22)
What did the king who did not know Joseph fear about the Israelites? (v.8ff)
What does that fear lead him to do?
Which do you find yourself doing more often, fearing men, or fearing God?
By disobeying Pharaoh, what are the midwives risking?
In your life, when is fear a good thing?
When is it a bad thing?
As a Hebrew midwife, what would you have done?
At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 1 of Exodus. It writes, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if that is all, we will move on and take a look at chapter 2 tonight as well. As we start this chapter, tell me how you were treated as a baby, or how you treated your children when they were born?
Well, in this first section of chapter 2, we see the way that Moses’ parents had to treat him in order for him to have a chance at living. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read chapter 2 for us. (READ 2:1-10, 2:11-25)
Now, over 300 years earlier, Jacob and his family moved to Egypt. After a time, the Egyptians became fearful of the rapidly growing population of Israelites. They enslaved them and now even ordered that their newborn males be drowned in the Nile River.
As we look at this chapter, why did Moses’ parents give him up?
What does that tell you about them?
Why did Pharaoh’s daughter risk taking in this baby?
Did she find Moses by accident, human design, God’s design or what? Why?
What do you suppose caused Moses to go where the slaves were? (curiosity about his roots, concern, part of his job, God at work, other)
Why did Moses kill that Egyptian slave driver?
Why does Moses then flee?
What character traits do you see in Moses so far?
How is Moses being prepared to be the deliverer of God’s people?
How do you feel about God using a murderer to further His plans?
Who do you see as the greatest hero in this story? (The daughter)
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary had to say about Exodus chapter 2 as a whole. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, it there is nothing else, I will close us with a word of prayer, and for next week, we will look at chapters 3-6 maybe?
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
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