We shall
continue the study of Exodus, the second book of the Old Testament.
(1) After nine consecutive plagues, how might you describe the following?
(2) Reflect on verse 3. Of course, it was all God’s doing. But with all these plagues, would the Egyptians and Pharaoh not greet the Israelites and especially Moses like a plague? How come they are “favorably disposed toward the people” and even “highly regarded” Moses?
(3) What lesson can we learn from verse 3?
(4) In what way was the killing of the first born in Egypt a recompense of Pharaoh’s sin?
(5) Do you think God has given Pharaoh enough forewarning? (See Exod. 4:23.)
(6) Pause for a moment to reflect on your own life. Is there a sin or a warning that God has repeatedly reminded you of that has been ignored by you till now? What should you do about it?
(7) Contrast this coming plague which would soon befall Egypt with what God said in v.7. What was the message being conveyed here?
(8) In comparison to the people of the world, how favored are those who belong to God today? How favored are you in the eyes of the Lord?
(9) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
Note: The Jewish calendar was established at this time with its first month called “Abib” which eventually was called “Nisan” after their exile to Babylon. It corresponds to the latter part of March and the first part of April of our modern calendar (which is about the time of today’s assigned reading).
(1) As we read these detailed instructions of the killing of the Passover Lamb, we cannot help but think of our Lord Jesus Christ — The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29). Let’s reflect on the significance of some of the details of the Passover feast so commanded by God:
a. A male lamb?
b. Without defect?
c. To be slaughtered?
d. Blood to be put on the sides and tops of the door frame of the house?
e. The eating of bitter herbs?
f. The eating of bread without yeast?
g. Nothing of the lamb should be left till morning—all must be all burnt?
(2) In what manner should the Israelites eat the Passover feast? Why?
(3) Why then do the rabbis insist that the people of Israel eat their Passover feast (presumably since the first century) in a reclined position? How theologically correct are they?
(4) Should they continue to observe their Passover today? Why or why not?
(5) Should Christians join their observance today?
(6) How do Christians remember the sacrifice of the Lamb of God today?
(7) Read v.12 carefully. Why is this a judgment on all the gods of Egypt?
(8) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
(1) What was the purpose of holding two sacred assemblies?
(2) How strict was the order about eating bread without yeast and the removal of yeast?
(3) Why should this be the case? (See Lk. 12:1, 1 Co. 5:7)
(4) What was the message then? What is the message to us today?
(5) What was the importance of putting blood on the doors? What is the significance of blood? (See Lev. 17:11)
(6) As Moses announced the instructions of Passover to the elders of Israel, how did they respond to it? What does it signify?
(7) Consider that horrible night.
a. Imagine observing it as an Israelite. How would you feel?
b. What if you were one of the Egyptians, how would you feel?
c. What if you were Pharaoh, how would you feel?
(8) Since our study coincides, time-wise, somewhat with Good Friday, put yourself in God’s shoes. How would you feel as you heard the wailing of Jesus Christ on the cross?
(9) Why did He have to slay the firstborn of Egypt?
(10) Why did He have to slay His own Son?
(11) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
Note: Hyssop is likely a hairy plant that is well suited to be used as brushes.
(1) Mull over every word in vv. 31-32:
(2) Reflect also on the following:
(3) Repeatedly the Bible mentions these Israelites as “the Lord's division (i.e. army)”. Why is that and what is its implications?
(4) V. 42 refers to that night as the night that “the Lord kept vigil”. What does it mean?
(5) Did God forbid all foreigners to eat of the Passover Lamb?
(6) Why did God impose such a strict restriction on who could eat it?
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
(1) What is the meaning of consecrated to the Lord?
(2) Why consecrate the firstborn, whether man or animal? (See Num. 3:13; 8:17)
(3) Beside the firstborn, do not the rest along belong to the Lord? (See Exod. 4:22)
(4) How should the people of God really “consecrate” themselves to the Lord? (See Num. 8:18) How should you really “consecrate” yourself to the Lord?
(5) Since Moses chose to reiterate the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread here, this must be of great significance. Let’s try to reflect on it as follows:
a. This observance coincided with the day they came out of Egypt (Passover’s observance began on the 14th day, Unleavened Bread on the 15th). What is the significance of the timing?
b. It lasted for seven days ending with the holding of a sacred assembly—What was the duration of eating unleavened bread supposed to achieve?
c. It was emphasized that “nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders” (i.e. not just inside the house)—What was the emphasis about?
d. What is the significance of having to observe it generation after generation?
e. What might the message be to you?
(6) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
(1) How should the consecration of the firstborn to the Lord be worked out in reality?
(2) By so redeeming or breaking the (animal’s) neck, what is the message being conveyed?
(3) How then should it apply to us spiritually as “totally” belonging to God?
(4) Both the observance of unleavened bread and the redemption of the firstborn are said to be like “a sign on your hand and a symbol (or band) on your forehead”. Later on, these have been taken literally by orthodox Jews who put key verses of Scriptures into small containers and onto leather bands.
a. Do you think v. 9 and v. 16 should be taken literally? Why or why not?
b. What is the true purpose of these sayings?
c. What do you think is the best way for them to remember the mighty hand of God in the killing of Egypt’s firstborn and the sparing of their firstborn?
d. How best can you remember God’s sacrifice of His own Son in your place in order to accomplish your deliverance?
(5) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
(1) Why did God not lead them through a much shorter route by the Philistine country?
(2) If they were to face great enemies right away, would it not be an even better occasion to experience the mighty hand of God in battle?
(3) Why then should they be armed for battle?
(4) This, in fact, is how God chooses to treat new believers in Christ. Can you relate to similar treatments by the Lord in the early part of your Christian life?
(5) The Israelites were leaving in haste, and yet the bones of Joseph were not forgotten by them. What function might the bones of Joseph have played in the last several hundred years of sojourn and especially in slavery?
(6) How similar might the role be of the bread and wine during our Lord’s Supper remembrance?
(7) It may be helpful for you to refer to the map at the back of your Bible (if there is one for the period of Exodus) to understand the route being taken by the Israelites:
a. What was the expressed purpose of the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire?
b. What other purposes do you think they served?
c. How does God guide His children today?
d. Which is a better way of God’s guidance—theirs or ours? Why?
(8) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?