“Now, there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.”

The first two chapters of Exodus are masterful prologue, among the best in ancient literature. The plot speeds through the years since Joseph’s deathbed prophecy: “God will visit you, and bring you up out of this land…” It recounts how God caused the children of Israel to prosper, and how the Egyptians unsuccessfully tried to hold them down, leading to a disturbing final solution.

The pivot occurs at the end of chapter 2: “Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard…and God remembered…and God knew.” What follows is a burning bush, and a call, and a name, that will create a nation. Just breathe it in.

There are so many details to catch here, that I can only name a few. Notice how God rewards the midwives who skillfully – and deceptively – protect the Hebrew children. Consider whether the Egyptians had valid concerns about these foreigners. Pay attention to Moses’ carefully humble rebuttal of God’s call, and listen to how God not only reassures him, but gives him the first step – but only the first step – in the plan.

Careful readers will once again notice that the particular name of the LORD – Yahweh – is withheld until chapter 3, when the LORD speaks out of the bush, and recalls the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is a similar revelation to that in Genesis 2, and might be a literary technique to emphasize the burning bush encounter. The reader knows that something incredibly important, and personal, is now occurring.

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:8: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Exodus chapters 1 through 3. Now let’s read it!

Day 17 Guided Podcast