Lesson 5: Sing to the Lord for Freedom
Exodus 14-15
As the Children of Israel departed from Egypt, they could have taken three different routes. The quickest and most direct would have taken them northeast, through the land of the Philistines and directly to Canaan. Or, they could head directly east toward Beersheba and on to Canaan. Or they could take a southeast route leading through the Sinai Peninsula and eventually into Canaan from the southeast. There was a hazard in taking the first route because they would have encountered the fierce Philistines very early in their journey. God knew this was not the best for them for an encounter with these warlike people would certainly demoralize the Hebrews. How then could they decide between the central and the southern route? God solved their problem for them by announcing he would guide them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Another problem arose, as Pharaoh second-guessed himself and thought that letting them go was not such a good thing after all so he gathered his army and set after them in hot pursuit. When the Hebrews realized that Pharaoh and his army were after them their mood was not one of confidence but despair. Their anguish was multiplied by the waters of the sea blocked the pathway ahead of them. Out of panic they cried to God and condemned Moses, all in the same breath. Their lack of confidence was a result of the years they had spent in slavery in Egypt. Moses, though, was not afraid. God had promised him a victory over Pharaoh. “The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.” (14:18) The prophet Isaiah later wrote, “ When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you . . . For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 42:2-3)
1. How would you describe the feelings of the Hebrews when they heard the Egyptians were coming after them? ____________________________________________________________
2. Why do you think God gave Moses such specific instructions about where they were to go and stop? (14:1-4) _____________________________________________________________
3. What size force did Pharaoh send after them? ____________________________________
4. How did this relatively small force send such terror through the Hebrews? _____________
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5. How big does the threat have to be to demoralize us? _____________________________
6. How did the people respond to Moses when the Egyptians were bearing down on them? (14:10-12) __________________________________________________________________
7. What was the great promise contained in Moses statement to the people? (14: 13-14)
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8. What did God say to Moses to get the people moving? (14:15-19) ___________________
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9. What was used to protect the people from the on-rushing Egyptians? (14:19-20)
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10. What miraculous events took place during the Red Sea crossing? (14:21-31)
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11. How did Moses and the people respond to the great victory that God had given them? (15:1-5) ______________________________________________________________________
12. What were some of the attributes of God described by the people? (15:6-13)
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13. What were some of the significant differences between the Hebrews and the pagan nations? (15:14-18) ____________________________________________________________
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14. How did Moses sister, Miriam, respond to God’s deliverance of the Hebrews from the Egyptians? (15:19-21) ___________________________________________________________
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15 . How can we express our “joyful celebration” for all of the blessings from God that we enjoy? How can we, as Paul writes, “give thanks in all circumstances?” ________________
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