Last week we began a new study on the book of Exodus. It is after Genesis, not only chronologically, but in skeptical criticism of the narrative. Since we have established, in previous studies, that there is ample evidence for the reliability of Biblical narrative we can have confidence that what is recorded in the Exodus account is God’s historical facts. What we want to look at, apologetically, is the evidence for the timing and location of these events.
I have recommended, in previous posts, the work done by Timothy Mahony and the “Patterns of Evidence” series. Watch this short interview with Mahony to get an idea of the depth of time and research that has gone into the making of the series. I find Mahony to be a man of integrity and fairness, and from his twenty years of research he has been able to put together a reliable case for the events of the Exodus:
Over the next several posts I will share our class presentations that give the big picture of the evidence for the Exodus and its Biblical narrative and timeframe. Please follow along with the study questions below, and I will include review answers to those questions in the presentations over the next few posts.
It is so important to remember that if we are calling ourselves Christians in the culture of skepticism we live in today, that we know what we believe, and why we believe it. Not only should we be sharing our faith with others, but we should be able to give answers for the hope that we in Jesus. Giving answers includes knowing the Bible, and what the books therein, actually teach! To help do this, I encourage you to practice the “Reflection” each week along with the Bible study that follows:
Reflection
You can click on the links to review these reflection points from previous posts:
- Practice memorizing the twelve “Major Events” of the Old Testament (you can read them or recite them), then repeat by adding in the major players and covenants within the events
- Practice memorizing and reciting the seven major “Focus Points” for studying the Old Testament
Bible Study
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us.
This week read Exodus Chapter 5 through Chapter 10 – Then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions. NOTE: The answers are found in the text (except for “Going Deeper” or “Discuss which may require research or your own thoughts on the passage)
God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh; The First Nine Plagues and Pharaoh’s responses
1. (Exodus chapters 5 and 6) In these chapters Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, but things do not go so well at first.
a. From chapter 5, summarize the conversation Moses and Aaron had with Pharaoh. What did Pharaoh do to the people of Israel because of this conversation?
b. 6:1-13) When the text says God “remembers” something, it means that it was now time for His intended action (God does not forget things). What did God say to Moses concerning His Covenant and what did He promise to do; and how did the people of Israel respond when Moses shared God’s message with them?
c. Discuss: The rest of chapter 6 gives a genealogy. What tribe is Moses and Aaron from, and why is it important to know?
2. (Exodus chapters 7 through 8:15) In this section the plagues begin, but Pharaoh’s sorcerers (also called magicians and wise men) are able to duplicate what Moses and Aaron do, and Pharaoh “hardens his heart.”
a. (7:1-7) What did God tell Moses and Aaron He was about to do; and how old were Moses and Aaron at this time?
b. (7:8-13) Describe the first miracle. What did the Egyptian sorcerers do in response, and what did Aaron’s staff do to their staffs?
c. (7:14 – 8:15) Describe the first and second plagues. Were the Egyptian sorcerers able to duplicate them?
d. Discuss: Why do you think the Egyptian sorcerers were able to duplicate these miracles, and whose power do you think they were using?
3. (Exodus 8:16 through 9:35) In these chapters we find increasingly severe plagues that the sorcerers are unable to duplicate, yet Pharaoh still “hardens his heart.”
a. (8:16-32) Describe the third and fourth plagues. What did the sorcerers say and what was the Pharaoh’s response?
b. (9:1-35) Describe the fifth, sixth and seventh plagues. What was different about the effect of these plagues compared to the others?
c. What did God have Moses say before the seventh plague, and how was Pharaoh’s response different after the seventh plague?
d. Discuss: There are differing views on the “hardening of Pharaoh’s heart.” Discuss your thoughts, and any previous teachings you’ve had on this topic.
4. (Exodus 10:1-29) There are two more plagues before the tenth and final one, and even though it seems he may relent, Pharaoh continues to “harden his heart.”
a. Describe the eighth and ninth plagues and the effect it had on the people.
b. How did the Pharaoh and his servants respond to these two plagues?
c. What was the last conversation Moses had with the Pharaoh (10:28-29)?
d. Discuss: Skeptics try to write these plagues off as just natural occurrences. What are some things you see in the narrative that tell you they must be miracles of God?
5. Going Deeper: Set up a chart of the “ten plagues” (we will get to the tenth one next week). In you headings include, 1) the type of plague; 2) the result of the plague; and 3) the Egyptian god(s) or idol represented in each plague (showing YHWH’s supremacy over all of the Egyptian gods and idols).
Join us next week as we continue our new study: A Case for the Old Testament, The History Continues…
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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