Moses and the Exodus (Exodus 4-14)

Journey with Moses through one of the most incredible sagas in the Bible, as detailed in Exodus chapters 4 through 14. This part of Moses’s story brings you from his humble beginnings, through his divine mission to free the Israelites, all the way to their triumphant escape from Egyptian captivity.

You’ll explore the ten plagues that showcased God’s mighty power and Pharaoh’s stubborn resistance. As you follow along, you’ll witness the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the unwavering faith that Moses had in God’s plan. This tale is beautifully brought to life by Saddleback Kids, offering a vibrant way for children and families to connect with these timeless lessons.

Moses’ Early Life and Call

Moses’ Birth and Rescue

You may find Moses’ early beginnings quite fascinating. Born during a time when the Pharaoh of Egypt had decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be killed, Moses’ life was in danger from the very start. However, his mother, Jochebed, crafted a rescue plan. She placed baby Moses in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the basket and, moved by compassion, decided to adopt the baby, unwittingly raising him as her own within the luxurious confines of the Egyptian palace.

Moses Growing Up in Pharaoh’s Palace

Imagine growing up in an environment filled with grandeur and privilege, while your own people are enslaved just outside the palace walls. This was Moses’ childhood. Educated in all the wisdom and knowledge of Egypt, Moses enjoyed the privileges of royalty. However, the plight of the Israelites never escaped his heart. It was a unique juxtaposition—living a life of luxury while his kin toiled hard as slaves.

Moses’ Flight to Midian and Life as a Shepherd

One day, the tension between his dual identities reached a breaking point. When Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he intervened and killed the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to Midian, an entirely different world compared to the Egyptian palace. In Midian, Moses found solace and a new life. He became a shepherd, married Zipporah, and started a family, seemingly settling into a humble and quiet existence, away from the grandeur and responsibilities of Egypt.

God’s Call through the Burning Bush

Just as you might think Moses had found his new calling, one day, while tending to his flock near Mount Horeb, he encountered an extraordinary sight— a bush that was on fire but not burning up. Approaching to investigate, Moses heard the voice of God calling him from the bush. God revealed His plan to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and chose Moses as the leader for this monumental task. This divine encounter forever altered the course of Moses’ life.

Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Assurance

Understandably, Moses was overwhelmed and hesitant. Questions and doubts filled his mind—how could he confront Pharaoh, the mightiest ruler on earth? But God assured Moses, providing signs, wonders, and even appointing his brother Aaron to speak on his behalf. Moses’ reluctance is something you may relate to in moments of self-doubt, but God’s unwavering support helped him embrace his calling.

Moses Returns to Egypt

Moses Meets Aaron

Remember how God assured Moses by saying his brother Aaron would speak for him? You’d be glad to know that Moses met Aaron on his way back to Egypt. Aaron welcomed him, and together they became a united front, ready to tackle the mountainous task ahead. Their reunion was a testament to the power of community and collective effort in fulfilling divine missions.

Moses and Aaron Deliver God’s Message to Pharaoh

With courage bolstered by divine support, Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh, delivering God’s command: “Let my people go.” It’s hard to miss the gravity of the situation—two men standing against the most powerful ruler of their time, demanding freedom for an enslaved nation. Pharaoh, predictably, was dismissive and even mocked their demands.

Pharaoh Hardens His Heart

Despite witnessing several signs and wonders, Pharaoh’s heart grew harder. His stubborn refusal set the stage for a series of consequential events that would prove the power and resolve of God. You can imagine the tension and challenges Moses and Aaron faced as Pharaoh’s resistance continued.

Increased Burden on the Israelites

Instead of relenting, Pharaoh increased the burdens on the Israelites, making their lives even more miserable. The once hopeful Israelites were now in deeper despair, questioning Moses’ intervention. It was a trying time, rife with doubt and hardship.

The Israelites’ Despair and God’s Promise

Amidst their despair, God reassured Moses of His unwavering promise to deliver the Israelites. This reaffirmation renewed Moses’ spirit, even though the people were too discouraged to believe. God’s steadfast commitment provided a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times.

The Miraculous Signs

Aaron’s Staff Turns into a Serpent

One of the first miracles to unfold was Aaron’s staff turning into a serpent before Pharaoh. This act was designed to demonstrate God’s power. You can picture the amazement and shock that must have resonated in the palace’s halls as Aaron’s staff transformed.

Pharaoh’s Magicians Duplicate the Miracle

In a classic battle of wills, Pharaoh’s magicians were able to replicate the miracle, but only superficially. It momentarily cast doubt on Moses and Aaron’s divine mission, but it also set the stage for God’s superior power to manifest.

Aaron’s Staff Swallows Their Staffs

Aaron’s serpent, in an unexpectedly decisive move, swallowed the magicians’ serpents. This act left no question about whose power was supreme. Even so, you could sense Pharaoh’s stubbornness hardening even more, further defying God’s commands.

Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart

Despite these evident signs, Pharaoh’s heart remained unyielding. You might wonder how someone could remain so resistant, but Pharaoh’s stubbornness was deeply ingrained. It set the stage for the series of devastating plagues to follow.

The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood

Moses and Aaron at the Nile River

Moses and Aaron, following God’s orders, met Pharaoh by the Nile River. It’s easy to imagine the tension in the air as they confronted him, preparing to deliver the first of many severe warnings.

The Water of the Nile Turns to Blood

When Aaron struck the water of the Nile with his staff, it turned into blood, a drastic sign of God’s anger. The river, Egypt’s lifeblood, became a symbol of divine judgment. An event of such magnitude would’ve sent ripples of fear and awe through the nation.

Fish Die and the River Stinks

The once life-giving Nile quickly became a source of death and decay, with fish dying and a foul stench pervading the air. This calamity, you can imagine, would have severely disrupted daily life, causing panic and despair among the Egyptians.

Pharaoh’s Magicians Imitate the Miracle

In yet another show of defiance, Pharaoh’s magicians managed to replicate the turning of water into blood, albeit on a much smaller scale. This temporary illusion gave Pharaoh an excuse to remain obstinate, refusing to free the Israelites.

Pharaoh’s Stubborn Refusal

Despite the clear signs and increasing calamity, Pharaoh’s refusal grew even firmer. His hardened heart continued to distance him from the warnings, deepening the crisis for his people.

The Subsequent Plagues

The Plague of Frogs

Next, a wave of frogs inundated Egypt. Can you imagine frogs everywhere—in homes, beds, ovens, and streets? This was another divine demonstration, meant to showcase God’s power and apply pressure on Pharaoh.

The Plague of Gnats

Following the frogs, gnats swarmed the land. Dust turned to gnats, creating an unbearable environment. The relentless discomfort from these tiny creatures was both a nuisance and a sign of God’s growing frustration.

The Plague of Flies

As if gnats weren’t enough, the plague of flies came next, covering the land and afflicting both people and animals. Each plague intensified the previous, escalating the stakes and increasing the pressure on Pharaoh.

The Plague on Livestock

The next blow was even more severe— a deadly disease struck down the Egyptian livestock. This plague impacted the economy and sustenance of the nation, delivering a harsh message about the consequences of defying God.

The Plague of Boils

Then came painful boils that afflicted the Egyptians and their animals. This personal affliction was another clear sign, targeting the health and well-being of each individual and deepening the suffering across Egypt.

The Deadly Plagues

The Plague of Hail

As the plagues escalated, a devastating hailstorm struck Egypt. This storm annihilated crops, trees, and structures, further crippling the nation and highlighting the dire consequences of continued obstinacy.

The Plague of Locusts

After the hail came a plague of locusts. Imagine swarms of insects that consumed every remaining green plant and crop, leaving nothing in their wake. This plague was a crushing blow to Egypt’s food supply and survival.

The Plague of Darkness

Then, a deep darkness covered Egypt for three days. This darkness was palpable, a haunting presence that underscored the severity of divine judgment. It was a clear indication of the powerlessness of Egypt’s gods before the one true God.

Pharaoh’s Continued Obduracy

Despite these devastating and escalating plagues, Pharaoh’s defiance persisted. His hardened heart refused to heed any warnings, pushing Egypt further into the brink of complete collapse.

The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn

God’s Final Warning to Pharaoh

God, in His final and most severe warning, gave Pharaoh one last chance to relent. Moses delivered the grave message that every firstborn in Egypt would die if the Israelites were not released. This ultimatum was the final turning point.

The Institution of the Passover

God provided specific instructions to the Israelites on how to protect themselves from the impending judgment. The ritual of Passover was instituted, involving the sacrifice of a lamb and marking of doorposts with its blood. This sacred observance ensured that the Angel of Death would pass over their homes.

The Death of the Firstborn in Egypt

In a night of unparalleled grief and sorrow, God’s judgment came to pass. The firstborn of every Egyptian family, from Pharaoh’s palace to the lowliest household, died. The enormity of this tragedy brought about a profound realization of God’s power and judgment.

Egypt’s Great Cry of Suffering

The collective cry of suffering that arose from Egypt was unlike any other. Everywhere, the heartbreaking sound of loss and pain echoed through the land, marking a poignant and devastating moment in Egypt’s history.

Pharaoh’s Demand for the Israelites to Leave

Finally, Pharaoh’s resistance broke. Overwhelmed by grief and defeat, he demanded that Moses and the Israelites leave Egypt immediately. This command marked the dawn of a new chapter—the beginning of the Exodus.

The Exodus Begins

The Israelites’ Hasty Departure

The Israelites gathered their belongings and left in haste, following God’s direction. It was a moment of both overwhelming excitement and anxiety as they ventured into the unknown, guided by the promise of freedom.

Taking Egyptian Riches

Before their departure, God directed the Israelites to ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing. The Egyptians, eager to see them go, lavished their wealth upon the Israelites, ensuring they left not as paupers but as a prosperous people.

Carrying Joseph’s Bones

Fulfilling an ancestral promise, the Israelites carried with them the bones of Joseph. This act honored their lineage and reiterated their deep connection to and respect for their ancestors’ faith and legacy.

The Route to the Red Sea

Guided by God’s wisdom, the Israelites followed a route toward the Red Sea, a path that seemed fraught with obstacles but was divinely planned for a significant unfolding of God’s deliverance.

God’s Guidance by Day and Night

God provided a visible presence through a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding and protecting the Israelites on their journey. This constant divine presence offered reassurance and direction in their newfound freedom.

Pharaoh’s Pursuit

Pharaoh Changes His Mind

Battling his own defeat and loss, Pharaoh’s mind changed once again. He regretted letting the Israelites go and decided to pursue them, driven by a mix of anger, grief, and desperation to reclaim his workforce.

The Egyptian Army’s Chase

Pharaoh’s well-equipped army went after the Israelites, a formidable force aimed at bringing them back into bondage. The sight of the approaching chariots filled the Israelites with dread, intensifying their fears.

Israelites’ Fear and Complaints

In their fear, the Israelites cried out, questioning Moses and their very decision to leave Egypt. The uncertainty of their situation made them doubt, and despair seeped into their hearts.

Moses Reassures the People

Moses, standing firm in his trust in God, reassured the Israelites. He encouraged them to hold onto their faith and promised that God would deliver them. His words of assurance provided a flicker of hope against the mounting anxiety.

God’s Command to Move Forward

God instructed Moses to stretch out his staff over the Red Sea, commanding the Israelites to move forward. This divine command was an authoritative push toward a miracle that was about to unfold.

Conclusion

The Significance of Moses’ Leadership

Through the tale of Moses, you see a profound example of leadership grounded in faith and obedience. Moses’ journey from a reluctant shepherd to a resolute leader underscores the importance of trusting in divine guidance.

Trust in God’s Deliverance

The entire narrative of the Exodus is a testament to the power of trusting in God’s deliverance. Despite insurmountable odds, unwavering faith led to freedom and a new beginning for the Israelites.

The Continuing Legacy of the Exodus

The Exodus remains a pivotal moment in history, symbolizing liberation, faith, and divine intervention. Its legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding you of the unending possibilities that faith and determination can bring.