The exodus from Egypt represents freedom from slavery. However, Israel did not enter immediately into freedom in the promised land. Instead, led by Moses, they would spend forty years in the school of faith and obedience.

Dear Father, I too want to know You and Your eternal Truths. Please speak to my heart as well as mind. Teach me Your Word that I may walk in Your ways. Thank you, precious Lord!

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    I.   Read Exodus 12:22-51.
 
A. What instructions were given in v. 22?
 
B. Review the significance of the blood. What did it mean to the Israelites then, and what does it mean to us today?
 
C. Describe the people's response in vs. 27b-28.
 
D. Later, in the wilderness, the people would need silver and gold for tabernacle furnishings. How did God provide these? (See also II Cor. 9:8-11 His promise to you.)
 
E.    1. For what practical reason did they bake unleavened bread?

2. What deeper spiritual truths does God show us in the unleavened bread? (See I Cor. 5:6-8)
 

   II.   Read Exodus 13:1-16
 
A.     1. What command does Cod give in v. 2?

2. Read Numbers 3:11-13. Later, how did God exercise His right to the first-born of Israel?

3. From which tribe or house of Israel (of the sons of Jacob) were Moses and Aaron according to Ex. 2:1-2?
  
(Challenge) What special "right" did God then have to their lives? (Consider also the basis on which He has the "right" to use your life as He pleases. Can you trust Him with your life?)

B.  "By a powerful hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt" is repeated several times. Why?
 
 
C.  What weakness in man causes God to emphasize the importance of feasts and reminders? (See also II Pet. 1:12-13)

    III.  I.    Read Exodus  13:17-14:31

A. God, who knows the hearts of His people, chose not to lead them by the shortest way into the promised land. Why?
 
 
B. How did God visibly show them the way?
 
C. According to v. 14:4, why did God again harden Pharaoh's heart?
 
 
D.     1. As you see the reaction of the people in vs. 10-12, describe their faith and their attitude toward God and His representative, Moses.

2. (Challenge) What does this tell you about the spiritual and emotional needs of Israel that must be met before they are ready to enter and possess the land?
 

E.     1. God has been patiently training Moses for a challenge such as this. What changes do you now see in him?

2. What is God showing you in the beautiful promise and affirmation of vs. 13-14.

F.  How did God triumphantly save His people at the Red Sea?
 
 
G.  Describe their faith after the victory. (v.31 and 15:1-21)
 
 
H. (Challenge) What does the Red Sea experience represent in your life?
 

   IV.  See a pattern tragically repeated throughout the Old Testament as you fill in the spaces.
 
 

What insight did you gain into the hearts of the Israelites as well as your own, as you completed the chart?

  V.   Read Psalm 103. God wants us to live in constant awareness of His sufficiency with hearts that give Him thanks and praise for all that He is and does. (Phil. 4:4-7) How does this Psalm affirm that fact and show you His character?
 
 
  VI.  Read Exodus  17:8-16. How was the battle won? What does this tell us about our need for each other in order to win the "battles" in our lives?
  

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