Overview of Day 030 (Exodus 1-3) - Year 8
Tara‑Leigh Cobble introduces the book of Exodus (meaning “exit” or “departure”), connecting it directly to Genesis and the larger Pentateuch/Torah. She summarizes Exodus 1–3: the Israelites’ growth and oppression in Egypt, Pharaoh’s escalating policies, the births and rescue of Moses, Moses’ flight to Midian after killing an Egyptian, Israel’s cry to God, and God’s call of Moses at the burning bush. The episode emphasizes God’s faithfulness to promises, his pattern of using broken people, and the theological meaning of God’s names and actions.
Key points and main takeaways
- Exodus continues the narrative from Genesis; the first five books were treated as one (Torah/Pentateuch), traditionally associated with Moses.
- Timeline: roughly 300 years after Joseph; Abraham’s 400‑year prophecy (Genesis 15) is beginning to unfold.
- Israel grows into a large population in Egypt, provoking a new Pharaoh’s fear and oppressive response.
- Pharaoh moves from forced labor to a decree to kill Hebrew male infants after forced labor fails to stop population growth.
- Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah (the transcript spells them Shipra and Pua) disobey Pharaoh, are honored by God for fearing Him—illustrating moral courage under corrupt authority.
- Moses is born to a Levite woman, placed in a basket on the Nile, rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter, and raised in Pharaoh’s household.
- As an adult, Moses kills an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew; when this is exposed, Moses flees to Midian (Acts 7 places him at age 40).
- In Midian Moses marries Zipporah, daughter of the priest of Midian, and becomes a shepherd.
- The Israelites cry out under slavery; God “remembers” them—scriptural language indicating action, not forgetfulness.
- God appears to Moses at the “Mountain of God” in the burning bush (a theophany/angel of the LORD, frequently connected to the Word/Christ in later theology).
- God commissions Moses to confront Pharaoh; Moses objects with multiple excuses; God responds with the divine name “I AM” (YHWH), emphasizing God’s self‑existence and faithfulness.
- Despite apparent setbacks, God promises ultimate success.
Topics discussed
- Etymology: Exodus = exit/departure; link to Genesis (“and/continuation” in Hebrew).
- Historical/cultural notes: difference between “slaves” in ancient Near East (often household/indentured) and the forced labor Israel experienced here.
- Pharaoh’s fear as a driver of oppression—motivation rooted in self‑preservation.
- Moral complexity: midwives choose to deceive rather than kill; host frames this as choosing between murder or deception to protect life.
- Theophany and Christology: the angel of the LORD as a pre‑incarnate appearance of the Word/Christ; God speaking from the unconsumed bush.
- Theological meaning of God “remembering” and the significance of the name “I AM.”
Notable quotes & scriptural echoes
- Genesis 15 prophecy (summary): Abraham’s descendants will be afflicted 400 years, then come out with possessions.
- John 16:33 parallel: “In the world you will have tribulation… I have overcome the world.”
- Matthew 10:16: “Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” — applied to the midwives’ wisdom.
- God’s self‑identification: “I AM” (YHWH) — the self‑existent One; “Tell them I AM sent you.”
Host’s “Godshot” (insight)
- God uses broken, unlikely people. Moses’ past (trauma, violence, insecurity/disobedience) does not disqualify him; rather, God calls and uses those who are imperfect. This is presented as encouragement: God works through sinners and unlikely candidates.
Practical applications / recommendations
- Reflect on how God’s calling can come to imperfect people; don’t let past mistakes define present usefulness.
- Consider the moral courage of Shiphrah and Puah as a model for prioritizing obedience to God over unjust human commands.
- For further study: read Exodus 1–3 directly; note the names, timeline, and theological titles applied to God.
- Resources mentioned: TBR store (study Bible, daily guide, weekly discussion guide, TBR Kids resources, merch) at thebiblerecap.com/store.
Quick timeline & characters to remember
- Time: ~300 years after Joseph; ~340 years into the oppression (400‑year promise still in view).
- Key figures: Pharaoh (new, oppressive), Shiphrah & Puah (midwives), Moses (Levite child raised in Pharaoh’s house), Zipporah (Moses’ Midianite wife), priest of Midian, God/the Angel of the LORD.
- Key locations: Egypt, Nile, Midian, “Mountain of God” (where the burning bush appears).
Final note: the episode frames Exodus 1–3 as the beginning of God’s rescue plan unfolding—marked by human failure, courageous obedience, and divine initiation.