The Version Of Christ

The Final Plague Announced

As Moses and Aaron continued to deliver God's message to Pharaoh, the tension in Egypt reached its peak. The land had suffered from nine devastating plagues, each more intense than the last. But still, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go. The final judgment was now at hand, and God spoke to Moses, declaring that He would bring one last, catastrophic plague upon Egypt.

God informed Moses that at midnight, the firstborn in every Egyptian household would die—the firstborn of Pharaoh, the firstborn of the lowliest servant, and even the firstborn of animals. This would be the ultimate act of judgment, and it would finally break Pharaoh's resistance. However, God made a distinction for the Israelites. The blood of a sacrificial lamb would be placed on the doorposts of their homes, and when the Lord passed through Egypt that night, He would "pass over" the homes with the lamb's blood, sparing the lives of the firstborn in those households. This event became known as the Passover, a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking their deliverance from death and slavery.

God also commanded the Israelites to prepare for their journey, instructing them to eat the Passover meal with unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and their clothes on, ready to leave at a moment's notice. The significance of this meal would carry forward as a yearly tradition to remind them of God's power and mercy.

Why was it necessary for God to send such a devastating plague as the final judgment? How does this demonstrate God's justice and His mercy toward His people at the same time?

The Passover Instituted and the Plague of the Firstborn

As God commanded, Moses gathered the people and relayed the instructions for the Passover. The lamb chosen for the sacrifice was to be without blemish, symbolizing the purity of the sacrifice that would later be fulfilled in Christ. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts was a sign of protection, signaling that judgment had already been made. The Israelites were instructed to roast the lamb and eat it with haste, indicating their readiness for the exodus.

The final plague unfolded as God had foretold. At midnight, the Lord struck down every firstborn in Egypt, from the palace of Pharaoh to the prison, and even among the livestock. The cry of grief was heard throughout the land of Egypt, as families mourned the loss of their children. Pharaoh, broken and devastated, finally summoned Moses and Aaron, begging them to leave with the Israelites. In his grief, Pharaoh acknowledged the power of the God of Israel.

The Israelites were not only spared from the plague, but they were also granted favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. The Egyptians gave them silver, gold, and clothing, fulfilling God's promise that the Israelites would not leave empty-handed. The exodus had begun.

The Passover became an eternal ordinance for the Israelites, a commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt. The meal, along with the seven-day festival of unleavened bread, was to be celebrated annually, keeping the memory of their redemption alive for generations.

Why did God command the Passover meal to be eaten with unleavened bread? What deeper significance does this have in the context of their deliverance from Egypt?

Consecration of the Firstborn and the Journey Begins

Following the devastation of the final plague, the Israelites were given specific instructions for their journey. God commanded that the firstborn of every Israelite both human and animal be consecrated to Him, as a reminder of the deliverance He had provided. This act of consecration was a symbolic way of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all of creation, as well as His saving grace in sparing their firstborn during the plague.

The Israelites were also instructed to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a week-long celebration to mark the beginning of their freedom. It was a time to purify themselves from sin, symbolized by the removal of leaven from their homes, representing the removal of sin and corruption from their lives. As they traveled, Moses reminded the people to remember God's mighty hand that had led them out of Egypt.

God did not lead the Israelites by the shortest route, which would have taken them through the land of the Philistines, because He knew they would be afraid and might turn back to Egypt. Instead, He led them on a longer journey through the wilderness, guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This divine presence was a tangible manifestation of God's guidance and protection.

Why did God lead the Israelites through the wilderness instead of the quicker route? What does this teach us about the nature of God's guidance and timing in our lives?

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Chapter 14: Crossing the Red Sea

The Israelites' journey took them to the edge of the Red Sea. As they camped by the water, Pharaoh's heart once again hardened. He regretted letting the Israelites go and decided to pursue them with his army. Pharaoh's chariots and horsemen chased the Israelites, cornering them at the Red Sea.

The Israelites, in panic, cried out to Moses, accusing him of leading them into a trap. Moses, however, reassured them, telling them to stand firm and witness the salvation of the Lord. He then prayed to God, who instructed him to stretch out his staff over the sea.

As Moses obeyed, God parted the waters, creating a dry path through the sea. The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on either side of them. When Pharaoh's army pursued them, the waters returned to their place, drowning the Egyptian soldiers and chariots.

The Israelites were free, and the Egyptian army lay defeated. The people of Israel witnessed God's great power and were filled with awe and reverence. They sang a song of praise to God, celebrating His mighty deliverance. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history, one in which they would rely on God's guidance and provision.

What do we learn from the miracle of the Red Sea crossing? How does it reflect God's ability to make a way when there seems to be no way?

The Song of Moses and the Bitter Water

In the aftermath of the Red Sea crossing, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of triumph and praise to God, celebrating His power, holiness, and salvation. The song proclaimed that God had triumphed gloriously, casting the enemy into the sea and establishing His people as His own.

The song also proclaimed that God would guide them to the Promised Land, and the Israelites responded with trust and faith in His future provision. This song became a model of praise that would be passed down through generations.

However, the Israelites' journey was not without difficulty. After three days of travel, they came to a place called Marah, where they found bitter water. The people complained to Moses, asking why they had been brought to this place only to die of thirst.

Moses cried out to God, who showed him a piece of wood. When Moses threw the wood into the water, the bitter water became sweet and drinkable. God then made a covenant with the people, promising that if they obeyed Him, He would protect them from the diseases that plagued Egypt.

Why did God lead the Israelites to a place with bitter water? What does this moment teach us about the challenges and testing that come with following God's will?

God's Deliverance and Faithfulness

The narrative from Exodus 11 to 15 highlights God's miraculous power and His faithfulness to His people. Each chapter unveils His deliverance, from the devastating plague that broke Pharaoh's hold on Israel to the parting of the Red Sea, showing that God's salvation is not just about bringing us out of bondage but also about leading us toward freedom.

God demonstrated that He is not only a powerful deliverer but also a faithful provider, guiding His people through the wilderness and meeting their needs. The Israelites were called to trust in His plans and obey His commands, even when the way seemed uncertain or the challenges were great.

In these chapters, we see God's justice and mercy working together. He judges Egypt for its cruelty and idolatry but protects and saves His people. The Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land is one that would require their faith and obedience, but they were not alone. God's presence would continue to guide them, just as it does for all who trust in Him today.

What do we learn from the Israelites' response to their deliverance? How can we apply this to our own lives when faced with difficulties and challenges in our journey of faith?