Yesterday we ended in the middle of the instructions for celebrating the Passover – a feast that remembers this night of deliverance. Think about what it means for the LORD to command Israel what to remember about this event as it’s happening. And the children of Israel, now held in esteem by the Egyptians, and aware that they are on the good side of all that is happening, and obey the LORD, just as Moses and Aaron have done.

All of this preparation moves against the backdrop of the final sign. Compared to the exquisite detail and dialogue surrounding the preceding plagues, the events of this final night are conveyed in stilted, muted simplicity. Don’t forget what’s happening here, and why it’s happening. At the promised hour, there is death, and a cry, and a summons, and a proclamation, and a final plea from the conquered.

The only dialogue that the author records here is of the Egyptians, as the LORD has indeed proven His sovereignty over them and their god-king, just as He’d promised.

As you read chapter 13, sift through all of the words and actions that are related to memory, and specifically to memory of this event. And there are seeds of future memory being planted: “When” the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, and “when” your son asks you, “what does this mean?” The Israelites are being trained to comprehend this unique gift, given the tools of memory, in real time.

After departing, they turn south, seemingly in the wrong direction, but away from the mighty Philistines along the coast. Listen closely for a touching detail that will remind you of another story of deliverance. Then the plot turns one last time, as Pharaoh realizes what he’s done. He decides to take on the LORD one last time, and the LORD indulges him.

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:22: “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.”

Exodus 13 through 14. Now let’s read it!

Day 21 Guided Podcast