RPG Adults
WHY EXODUS?
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
Exodus 1:1-4
Hebrews 6:13-20
“By thee have I been holden up
from the womb …”
WHY EXODUS?
The English title of the book “Exodus” is taken from the Greek word meaning exit or departure. The Hebrew title is taken from the opening words in Exodus 1:1, “Now these are the names” (ve-elleh shemot). The most likely date of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt and its record in the book of Exodus would be during the fifteenth century BC. Despite liberal critics’ denials, Moses is undoubtedly the writer God used because, among other evidences, the Lord Jesus attested to this (John 5:46-47; 7:19).
This second section of the Pentateuch begins with the word “Now.” It is the link to the book of Genesis. The last chapters of Genesis describe how God led Jacob and his eleven sons into Egypt to live with Joseph. God amazingly led them into Egypt where they escaped the famine that had struck other nations. In Exodus, God similarly led a later generation out of Egypt. God brought them into Egypt, why the exodus now out of Egypt? When God first brought Joseph into Egypt, it was never meant to be the final destination for his descendants, nor for those of his brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun (sons of Leah); Benjamin (and Joseph, sons of Rachel); Dan, Naphtali (sons of Rachel’s handmaid, Bilhah); Gad, and Asher (sons of Leah’s handmaid, Zilpah). God promised Abraham (Gen 15:13-14) that He would surely deliver his descendants from their 400 years of affliction under Egypt’s enslavement. This deliverance was not merely for their relief, but that the nation of Israel would be formed for the Lord Jesus Christ to be born into, and be the Saviour of the world! In other words, Exodus is part of the historical background of God’s working out and accomplishing His salvation plan for man.
THOUGHT: How do I view God’s promises?
PRAYER: LORD, I thank Thee for fulfilling Thy promises for my salvation.