I Am the Lord

Exodus 1:1-6:12

[Read Exodus 5:1-6:12]

Key Verse 6:6

Therefore, say to the Israelites: “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.”

1. According to chapters 1-2, the Israelites used to live in Egypt as a "slave" nation. What would it be like for anyone to live as a "slave" to another? 

2. [In Chapters 2-4 the Lord God had mercy on the Israelites suffering under Pharaoh. He heard their cry and sent Moses (and Aaron) to deliver them out of Egypt.] Read 5:1. What does a "festival" mean? This festival is described as a festival "to the Lord." How does this expression contrast the life of the Israelites in Egypt with the life after the Exodus? 

3. Think about: 1) Pharaoh's response (5:2,4-18) to Moses' request to let the people go; 2) the Israelite foremen's response to the Pharaoh's response to Moses' request (5:19-21); and 3) Moses' response to the people's response to the foremen's complaint (5:22-23). What do these responses show us about: 1) Pharaoh and his officials; 2) the Israelites suffering under Pharaoh; and 3) Moses? 

4. Read 6:1-8 and compare (1) what the Lord said to Moses in 6:2-5; and (2) what the Lord asked Moses to say to the Israelites in 6:6-8. How are the two statements related to one another? 

5. Read 6:9-12. Verse 9 explains why the people did not listen to Moses (and the Lord). What is the solution to this problem?