This week we are beginning a new Bible study in the book of Exodus. Along with our study we will do some “apologetics” in order to answer skeptics who view the Exodus, along with its miraculous events, as fables. The problem with that view is that there is so much evidence that cannot be ignored, and we will delve into some of that over the next few weeks.
One of the most important things we need to do first is to make the connection between the time of Joseph, and his brothers, to the time of Moses. There are many experts that have found confirmation of, not only the people of Israel, but Joseph himself. Check out this clip from Timothy Mahony’s “Patterns of Evidence” Documentary on the evidence for Joseph and the twelve tribes of Israel in the land of Goshen, Egypt:
Timothy Mahony, and the documentary series “Patterns of Evidence,” seeks to explore truths of the Old Testament by investigating and interviewing scholars and experts with competing worldviews in the areas of history and archeology. Scholars with a more secular worldview discount the Biblical Exodus and its timeline, while the Judeo-Christian worldview presents evidence in support of the Biblical accounts and dating thereof, albeit with some differences within both the Jewish and Christian perspectives. I believe it is important, as Christians, to understand these differences and examine the evidence for ourselves so that we can give answers to those who ask, and take confidence in what we believe to be true, is really real!
There are basically four main areas of contention that Timothy Mahony and Patterns of Evidence explore throughout the four films: 1) The authorship of the Torah by Moses; 2) The dating of the Exodus; 3) The location of Mount Sinai; and 4) The location and miraculous aspect of the Red Sea Crossing. I highly recommend purchasing, viewing and sharing these films. You can find all four of them at this website: patternsofevidence.com
Going Deeper
You must purchase the actual documentary from Patterns of Evidence – “the Exodus,” however for those who have already seen this first film, or those not wanting to make that purchase, here is an in-depth presentation by both Timothy Mahony and David Rohl from YouTube, on the making of the film along with detailed information on their findings. This is only part 1 of 4, called “The Journey”:
Each week our class is reflecting on the twelve major chronological events along with the people and covenants that correspond. This week we are adding another aspect for memorization and that is the seven major “focus points” for studying the Old Testament that we looked at in detail last week. As Christians we need to not only know what we believe and why we believe it, but we also need to be students of the Bible. These reflection practices will help you keep the chronology in order, which will help you in understanding, and then sharing with others, the big picture of the Bible!
Reflection
- Practice memorizing the twelve “Major Events” of the Old Testament (you can read them or recite them)
- 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 1 through Chapter 4 – 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)
Hermeneutics for the Book of Exodus; Slavery in Egypt; Moses’ Early Days; and The Burning Bush
1. Hermeneutics: Before starting a new book of the Bible, it is important to review a few things about the book so that we can be sure to keep the readings in their proper context.
a. Who was the author, the audience, the genre and the date written?
b. What was the purpose for the writing of this book?
c. Going Deeper: What do we know about the culture of the day, including the change in the ruling class of Egypt?
2. (Exodus 1:1-22) In this opening chapter we see the connection to the end of Genesis and the story of Joseph and the Israelites.
a. How, and why, did the people of Israel go from being a welcomed family in Egypt to a nation in slavery?
b. What did the Pharaoh tell the midwives to do, and why; and what did they actually end up doing?
c. Discuss: Do you see any similarities in this story with the Hebrew boys with what happened to Jesus after he was born? (Cross-reference with Matthew 2:13-18)
3. (Exodus 2:1-14) In the first part of this chapter we are introduced to Moses and his family.
a. What tribe was Moses and his family from? What do you already know about that tribe?
b. Summarize what Moses’ mother and sister had to do after he was born. How do you see God’s hand in this event?
c. When Moses had grown up, what did he do to an Egyptian he saw beating a Hebrew, and what happened to Moses afterward?
d. Discuss: Why do you think Moses acted against an Egyptian at this time, and why did his own people not side with him?
4. (Exodus 2:15 – 3:22) In this section, Moses flees after Pharaoh discovers what he did, and it is here that Moses meets God.
a. Where did Moses go? Who did he end up marrying, and why? (2:16-25)
b. From what we learned in Genesis, describe who it was that spoke to Moses in the burning bush – what are the clues that tell us specifically who it is?
c. What did God want Moses to do, and why?
d. Going Deeper: Research the name God used for Himself when Moses asked ‘who should I say sent me?’ What are some interesting facts you can find about this name (is it used in the New Testament)?
5. (Exodus 4:1-31) In this chapter Moses is given power and some help to complete God’s mission.
a. What miraculous powers did God give Moses, and why was Moses reluctant?
b. Who did God give to Moses to be his spokesperson, and how did the people of Israel respond when Moses and Aaron met with the elders?
c. Discuss: God is sovereign over all things. How do we see God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge in this story so far? (Include anything you’ve observed in the first four chapters)
d. Going Deeper: At the end of this chapter (verses 24-31) there is a strange incident, and Scholars have debated the meaning of what happened here. Research and share your findings on what this might have been about.
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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