Exodus c 1450 1250 BC The Departure from

Exodus c. 1450? 1250? BC • “The Departure” (from Egypt) • Jacob (Israel) had 12 sons, progenitors of 12 tribes of Israel • Joseph sold to Egyptian slavers by brothers, interprets Pharaoh’s dream, saves Egypt and others from famine • Hebrews settle in Egypt, made slaves, multiply • Moses escapes order to kill male Hebrew children, adopted by Princess of Egypt but raised by Hebrew mother • Moses shows loyalties by killing taskmaster beating slave, forced to flee Egypt

Exodus • Moses, settles down, marries, meets God in burning Bush • What is your name? (Which god are you? ) – “I am” = play on the name Yahweh. – The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob • Moses reluctant – Poor public speaker - brother Aaron will do the talking – Miracles for credibility

The Ten Plagues • Makes Pharaoh let the Israelites go • God hardens Pharaoh’s heart so he can pour out full measure of his wrath • Demonstrates Yahweh’s power and spreads his Name • Loot • Last Plague = Angel of death, kills firstborn • Escape across parted Red Sea, Pharaoh & army drowned when waters close • Song of Moses – Yahweh is a Man of War – Who is like you, O Yahweh, among the gods?

Passover • Named from Angel of death “passing over” Hebrew houses • Celebration of the Exodus from Egypt – Defining event - God as deliverer – “I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you out of Egypt” • Passover Lamb - blood on doorposts protected from Angel of Death • Unleavened bread - haste • Bitter Herbs - slavery

Passover • Originally eaten in haste, dressed to travel, bloody doorposts Modernizations • Other boiled meat (lamb substitute) • Pebbly mixture of walnuts, apples, cinnamon, wine - mortar of slaves • Vegetables - parsley, celery or potato dipped in salt water (tears) • Roasted Egg - mourns destruction of temple where special Passover sacrifice made • Find the matza game for kids, gifts

Amalekite Ambush • Attack from the rear, where old, sick, defenseless are • God promises revenge, carries out 400 years later under Saul

The Ten Commandments • Not the only commandments, just really important ones • Engraved on tablet’s by God • Originals destroyed by Moses, replacement set put in Ark of the Covenant

The Ten Commandments 1. No other gods 2. No idols 3. Don’t misuse “Yahweh” 4. Sabbath (no work on Saturday) 5. Honor parents 6. No murder 7. No adultery 8. No stealing 9. No perjury 10. No coveting (only internal attitude)

The Ark of the Covenant • Written on 2 stone tablet’s by God’s finger • Replacement set put in ark • Only priests could carry

40 Years in the Wilderness • • • Caleb’s recon mission Faithless Israelites Moses loses his temper Miriam struck with leprosy - why? Blessings and Cursings