PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365: DAY 44 – Exodus 13 & 14, Matthew 27:45-66, Psalm 28

Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Erika Kirk (with Pastoral Advisor James Kaddis)
Theme: God’s sovereign deliverance, the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, and trusting in the Lord’s strength

Episode Overview

This episode spans three core sections of scripture:

• Exodus 13 & 14: God’s deliverance of Israel through the consecration of the firstborn, the guidance by pillars of cloud and fire, and the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea.
• Matthew 27:45-66: The climax of the crucifixion, with Jesus’ death, the tearing of the temple curtain, resurrection appearances, and the sealing of Jesus’ tomb.
• Psalm 28: A psalm of reliance on God as strength and shield—a plea for mercy and an affirmation of trust.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Exodus 13: Consecration of the Firstborn & Remembrance of Deliverance

• Setting Apart the Firstborn:
  God commands Moses to consecrate all firstborn (humans and livestock)—a perpetual reminder of God’s deliverance.

  “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast is mine.” (00:03)

• The Feast of Unleavened Bread:
  The people are instructed to celebrate this feast as a memorial of their liberation from Egypt. They are to eat only unleavened bread for seven days.

  “No leavened bread shall be eaten…remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery. For by a strong hand the Lord brought you out.” (00:17)

• Teaching Future Generations:
  The ritual is a teaching moment for children to understand the origin and meaning of the tradition, tethered to God’s mighty act.

Exodus 13 (continued): God’s Guiding Presence

• God’s Guidance by Day and Night:
  God leads Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, symbolizing His continual guidance and protection.

  “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light…did not depart from before the people.” (03:24)

Exodus 14: The Crossing of the Red Sea

• Divine Strategy and Pharaoh’s Pursuit:
  God instructs Israel to camp by the sea, intentionally hardening Pharaoh’s heart to display His glory through Pharaoh’s defeat.

• The Israelites’ Fear and Moses’ Response:
  As Pharaoh’s army closes in, the Israelites despair, but Moses calls them to faith:

  “Fear not. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today, for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” (07:12)
  “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (07:34)

• Miracle at the Sea:
  Moses, by God’s command, parts the sea; Israel passes on dry ground, but Egyptian forces are destroyed as the waters return.

  “The waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.” (09:46)
  “Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.” (11:33)

• Resulting Faith:
  Witnessing God’s intervention, Israel stands in awe and believes in the Lord and Moses.

  “So the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.” (11:58)

Matthew 27:45-66 – The Death, Burial, and Guarding of Jesus

• Jesus’ Final Hours:
  A supernatural darkness covers the land. Jesus' anguished cry from the cross situates Him in fulfillment of prophecy.

  “‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ That is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (12:08)

• Signs Accompanying His Death:
  Earthquake, torn temple curtain, and opened tombs signal cosmic and covenantal shifts.

  “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom… the earth shook and the rocks were split.” (13:09)

• The Roman Centurion’s Confession:
  Those overseeing the crucifixion are compelled to confess Jesus’ identity.

  “‘Truly, this was the Son of God.’” (13:42)

• Faithful Witnesses:
  Several women, including Mary Magdalene and others, watch from a distance, underscoring their devotion.

• Joseph of Arimathea and Jesus’ Burial:
  Joseph receives Jesus’ body, wraps it in linen, and lays it in a new tomb, while Mary Magdalene witnesses the burial.

• Guarding the Tomb:
  In response to fears of Jesus' predicted resurrection, religious leaders secure the tomb with Roman guards and a seal.

Psalm 28 – The Lord is My Strength and My Shield

• A Cry for Mercy:
  The psalmist pleads for God’s attention, yearning for deliverance from evil.

• Appeal for Justice:
  The prayer includes a plea for God’s righteous judgment against evildoers.

• Praise and Trust:
  Affirming answered prayer, the psalmist bursts into praise:

  “Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped” (16:54)

• Blessing the People:
  The closing verse asks God to bless, shepherd, and carry His people forever.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Power and Deliverance:

  “For by a strong hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt.” (00:24)

• On Facing Fear with Faith:

  “Fear not. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today… The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (07:12, 07:34)

• At the Crucifixion:

  “‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ That is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (12:08)
  “‘Truly, this was the Son of God.’” (13:42)

• On the Psalmist’s Confidence:

  “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” (16:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Exodus 13: Consecration of the Firstborn & Unleavened Bread – 00:03–03:24
• Exodus 13: God’s Guidance (Pillars of Cloud & Fire) – 03:24–04:06
• Exodus 14: Crossing the Red Sea – 04:06–11:58
• Matthew 27:45-66: Death, Burial, and Guarded Tomb of Jesus – 12:00–15:50
• Psalm 28: The Lord My Strength and Shield – 15:50–End

Conclusion

This episode underscores the continuity of God’s saving action across the Old and New Testaments: He redeems Israel from Egypt, makes Himself visible in history, and climaxes His deliverance in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. Psalm 28 ties these readings into a prayerful trust in God, who is both shield and shepherd to His people. For listeners, these narratives invite deeper remembrance, faith in God’s power, and humble reliance on the Savior.