Podcast Summary: followHIM – Exodus 1–6 (Part 2) with Dr. Krystal Pierce

Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Krystal Pierce
Date: March 18, 2026
Scripture Focus: Exodus 1–6 (Come, Follow Me for Mar. 23–29)

Overview:

This episode continues the deep dive into Exodus chapters 1–6, focusing on God’s call of Moses, covenantal themes, identity struggles, and the Lord’s deliverance of Israel. Dr. Krystal Pierce, an Egyptologist and scholar, joins the hosts to enrich the historical, theological, and practical context for the ‘Come, Follow Me’ curriculum. The discussion explores God’s answers to Moses’ doubts, the significance of Egyptian symbols and plagues, and enduring lessons of deliverance, hope, and faith for modern listeners.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Moses’ Call and His Identity Crisis

• God’s Assurance: Moses questions his worthiness and ability. God’s response is simply, “I will be with you” (Ex. 3:12).
  • Quote: “You know who you are? You're my son. You're my prophet. That's who you are.” – Dr. Krystal Pierce (00:45)
• Notable Moment: Hank draws out that God’s promise is not about Moses’ abilities, but about morale:
  • “Let’s have a self-esteem class. Let’s tell you how awesome you are.” – Hank Smith (01:28)
  • Response: “He just says, I’ll be with you.” (01:34)
• Lesson: Even great prophets struggle with identity and self-doubt; God works through our weaknesses (02:15–02:48).

2. The Name of Jehovah (“I Am That I Am”)

• Context: Moses asks whom to say has sent him; God responds with "I Am that I Am"—a declaration of divine existence above all Egyptian deities.
  • Quote: “I have existed, I now exist, and I will exist. Basically saying, I'm infinity, I'm eternity, I'm God, I'm everything, which is perfect. Perfect description of God.” – Dr. Krystal Pierce (04:32–05:53)
• Historical Note: In a land with over 2,000 gods, the name “Jehovah” proclaims the only true God. (06:06)

3. Covenant Formula and the Plagues as Direct Action Against Egyptian Deities

• Strategy: Moses is instructed to gather the elders and ask Pharaoh just to worship for “three days”—not yet full release.
• Significance of Miracles:
  • Miracles: The rod as a serpent, the hand turned leprous, and water into blood; each would signal Jehovah’s supremacy to those steeped in Egyptian culture.
  • Quote: “The shepherd’s crook is a symbol of kingship, power and authority… so who has the power now? Jehovah.” – Dr. Krystal Pierce (14:00–15:15)
• Plagues: Each plague corresponds to an Egyptian god, showing Jehovah’s dominion over Egypt’s pantheon (16:55–17:22).

4. Moses’ Reluctance and Human Weakness

• Moses’ Objections: Even after miracles, Moses still feels unqualified due to his speech (“slow of tongue”), hinting at either a speech impediment or language barrier (20:34–21:43).
• God’s Response: “Who has made man’s mouth?...I’ll be with your mouth.” (21:43–22:32)
• Mercy in Support: God sends Aaron as Moses’ spokesman—showing divine patience and the principle that “whom God calls, God qualifies.”
  • Quote: "This resonates with me…sometimes God answers our prayers…he sends people to answer our prayers. He works through people." – Dr. Krystal Pierce (26:34)
• Personal Application: Dr. Pierce shares a story illustrating how God sends help through others when we lack confidence (26:34–31:23).

5. The Covenant and Obedience: The Circumcision Episode

• Strange Interlude: God nearly kills Moses for neglecting to circumcise his son, highlighting the seriousness of living covenants before preaching them (37:50–41:00).
• Zipporah’s Role: She acts decisively to restore the covenant, symbolizing partnership and compensating strengths in marriage.
  • Quote: “Zipporah’s name means little bird. But she is not a little bird… I'm gonna save my husband. I'm gonna save my child. And I will do whatever it takes…” – Dr. Krystal Pierce (43:57)
• Broader Principle: “You have to live the gospel before you can teach the gospel. And that his wife helps him live the gospel.” – Hank Smith (40:44)

6. The Confrontation with Pharaoh and Escalation of Oppression

• Pharaoh’s Response: “Who is Jehovah?”—He refuses the three-day request, doubles the Israelites’ labor, and mocks Moses’ authority (48:12–51:58).
• Resulting Despair: The Israelites, now suffering more, turn on Moses and Aaron. “You have made us stinky in the eyes of Pharaoh,” highlighting the depth of their discouragement.
  • Quote: “Thanks a lot. Thanks for the help. Oh, man, that backfired.” – Hank Smith quoting contemporary translation (54:45)
• Moses’ Lament: Even Moses accuses God of not fulfilling His promise: “Why is it that thou hast sent me?” (55:10–55:31)
• Reflection: The “Exodus 5:23 moment”—when obedience seems to make life worse.

7. God’s Reminders and Promises

• God’s Patient Response: God reaffirms His covenant: “I am Jehovah. I have heard… I have seen. I will deliver…” (56:59–60:00)
  • Quote: “This physical deliverance from bondage and captivity is meant to teach us about spiritual deliverance from sin and spiritual death. It's about redemption.” – Dr. Krystal Pierce (59:29–59:47)
• Anguish of Spirit: Israelites are so crushed that they can barely believe or hope (62:58–63:50).
  • Dr. Pierce links this to “contrite”—crushed—spirits; hope will come as God rebuilds our “broken parts.” (63:50–64:43)
• Modern Parallel: Elder Holland’s “Like a Broken Vessel”—God can heal our deepest despair (64:46).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“You are a child of God, you're a child of the covenant, and you're a disciple of Jesus Christ. That's the foundation of everything that can keep us going and keep trying.”
– Dr. Krystal Pierce (69:16)

“If you'll just keep turning the page. Yeah, hold on. The Red Sea parts.”
– Hank Smith (70:32)

“He sends prophets who don’t think they can be prophets.”
– Dr. Krystal Pierce (71:00)

“The Exodus, it’s the story of our life. And we’re trying to get to the promised land. We’re trying to get back home.”
– Dr. Krystal Pierce (70:46)

Important Timestamps

• 00:06 – 02:48: Moses’ call, identity questions, God’s reassurance.
• 04:32 – 06:06: Jehovah’s name: “I Am that I Am”
• 11:39 – 12:55: Moses’ doubts and the signs/miracles
• 14:00 – 15:15: Egyptian symbolism and the rod/snake
• 16:55 – 17:22: Plagues vs. Egyptian gods
• 20:34 – 22:32: Moses’ “slow of tongue”; God’s promise to help
• 26:34 – 31:23: Dr. Pierce’s personal story about God sending help through others
• 37:50 – 41:00: The circumcision episode; living covenants before teaching them
• 48:12 – 51:58: Pharaoh’s rejection, Israelite despair, “You have made us stink”
• 55:10 – 56:30: Moses’ lament, sense of failure
• 59:29 – 59:47: Deliverance from sin as a spiritual parallel
• 62:58 – 64:43: “Anguish of spirit,” crushed and contrite
• 66:59 – 67:39: Moses' “uncircumcised lips,” hopelessness
• 69:16 – 70:46: Recap of four themes and message of hope

Major Themes & Takeaways

God’s Pattern of Deliverance:

• He works through ordinary, flawed people.
• Deliverance often comes after “anguish of spirit” and despair.
• He uses covenants, symbolism, and support from others to accomplish His purposes.

Identity:

• Our true identity is rooted in being children of God and of the covenant—not in our insecurities or perceived inadequacies.

Hope and Endurance:

• Don’t give up in your own “Exodus 5” moment; as with Israel, deliverance often comes after things are at their worst.
• God is patient and sends help in various forms—miracles, people, companions, and promises.

Obedience & Covenantal Living:

• Live the gospel privately and personally before teaching it to others.
• Spouses and companions are often God’s mercy in helping us keep our covenants and strengthen each other.

Final Reflections

Dr. Krystal Pierce powerfully ties ancient context and modern relevance together, illustrating that:

• God sees and hears His children’s suffering.
• The process of deliverance is messy, slow, and requires faith through setbacks.
• The story of Exodus is our story—of becoming, doubting, falling, being rescued, and ultimately journeying home.

“If you'll just keep turning the page…the Red Sea parts.” (70:32)

For further resources, show notes, and the digital book “Finding Jesus Christ in the Old Testament,” visit followhim.co.