What comes to mind when you think about ancient Egypt? Most people will be able to talk about the Pyramids, Pharaoh, or a ‘mummy.’ It is such an iconic and fascinating place. 3000 plus years later today there are debates about who built the pyramids and how they did it. An interesting part of Egyptian beliefs is that the Pharaoh was only able to get into heaven if his heart was lighter than a feather upon death. If the Pharaoh’s heart was too heavy then it would be devoured by the creature ‘Ammit’ preventing entrance into heaven. So, to say Pharaoh’s heart was anything but lighter than a feather is to accuse the Pharaoh of being evil. Additionally, traits valued in Egyptian society were being level-headed or determined or courageous, as in ‘stouthearted’ or literally ‘heavy-hearted.’ Egypt also represents so much more in scripture than just a particular culture of a particular people during a particular time in history. It is the defining redemptive event in the Old Testament. It is God’s people being brought out of slavery and redeemed by the one and only God. Let’s continue looking at the big picture of God showing us who he is by rescuing His people out of slavery.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 8
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Exodus, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
In Exodus 3, what does God say he is going to do (verse 7-10, 16-22)? What does God say His name is in Exodus 3:14-15? What will be Pharaoh’s response according to Exodus 3:19?
In Exodus 4:24, the Lord was going to kill Moses in connection with his sons not being circumcised. What was circumcision a sign of according to Genesis 17:3-10? What did it mean to not be circumcised according to Genesis 17:14? What was Zipporah’s response to this event in Exodus 4:26? How might a bloody bridegroom foreshadow Christ according to Revelation 19:7?
Repeated throughout the plagues is that Pharaoh or God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” What was the purpose of the plagues and Pharaoh’s hard heart according to Exodus 14:4 and Exodus 14:31? Read Romans 9:17.
Read Exodus 9:16-21. Who was able to be saved from the hail according to Exodus 9:20? Read Romans 10:9-13. Who is Jesus’ salvation open to?
What type of lamb was required for the Passover/10th Plague in Exodus 12:5? What was the purpose of the spotless lamb according to Exodus 12:13? The Passover meal also involved unleavened bread. Leaven was used by taking a piece of day-old dough that was fermenting and putting it into fresh dough. This sped up the rising process due to the old dough ‘infecting’ all the fresh dough. Read Exodus 12:19-20. How might this point to having a new life, or letting go of an old way of life?
SHARE IT.
Does reading through the Bible (Old Testament) as the events unfolded excite you or something else?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the story of the Exodus?
How has the story of the Exodus of Israel been shocking, or have you noticed something in the text you previously had not?
Ancient cultures believed in gods that ruled regionally. To enter other people’s region was to be subject to their god. Yahweh proved to be the one true God and the only God that delivers. What culture gods might rule the land of American culture that we need deliverance from?
What did God do for Moses’ in response to his concerns over speaking in Exodus 4:10-15? How has God met your concerns or needs with others around you? How have you met other’s needs? Where do you see God calling you to serve with others?
Exodus 12:26 references explaining the meaning of the Passover service to the next generation. How are you either learning to explain or explaining the Gospel to the next generation?
God’s people came to Elim in Exodus 15:27. God provided water and shade for a needed rest. What significance might the twelve springs have in relation to Genesis 35:22? What significance might the 70 palms have in relation to Genesis 46:27? How might the Israelites have reflected on God’s faithfulness through the patriarchs to them? How might you reflect on God’s faithfulness through your life unitl now?
FINAL THOUGHT
Egypt is a metaphor for sin, judgement, and alienation from God. Pharaoh stood in judgement before God, and yet Pharaoh would not relent. God gave Pharaoh over to exactly what Pharaoh wanted. Pharaoh got his “heavy” or “stout” heart that ended up leading to his demise. However, notice that the Israelites were only spared God’s judgement against the first born due to the spotless lamb’s blood being shed. This points us to Jesus. The true spotless lamb (Isaiah 53:7), pure dough (Romans 11:16), or perfect Moses (Hebrews 3:3-6) leading His people out of Egypt and to the Promise Land. However, the waters of God’s wrath fell on Jesus unlike Moses who walked through. This is the most glorious act in the history of the world, which is God’s wrath displayed in the crushing of His son for a people who would worship and enjoy Him forever. He is the true bloodied bride groom to his people. As Isaiah 53:8 says, he was cut off from the land of the living. He is the prophesied offspring (Genesis 3:15) who’s heel was struck yet crushed the serpent’s head. Considering we are redeemed at such a high and glorious cost, (Romans 12:1) “therefore by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
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