God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you – Exodus 3:14
SUMMARY
Exodus 1 describes how the Israelites, descendants of Jacob’s family who had moved to Egypt, multiplied significantly after the death of Joseph and his generation. A new Egyptian king, feeling threatened by their numbers, feared they might ally with enemies in times of conflict. To control them, he subjected the Israelites to harsh forced labour, building cities for Pharaoh. Despite this oppression, the Israelites continued to grow in number. Pharaoh then commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn boys, but the midwives, who revered God, spared them, saying Hebrew women gave birth too quickly. In response, Pharaoh ordered that every Hebrew boy be cast into the Nile, while the girls could live.
Exodus 2 describes how a Levite woman hid her newborn son to protect him. When she couldn’t hide him any longer, she placed him in a waterproof basket along the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby and felt compassion for him. Seeing this, the baby’s sister approached and asked if she should find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby, and Pharaoh’s daughter agreed. The girl then brought the baby’s mother, who was paid by Pharaoh’s daughter to nurse him. When the child grew older, his mother returned him to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him and named him Moses. Later, as an adult, Moses witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and killed the Egyptian. Fearing exposure, he fled to Midian, where he defended the daughters of a priest from shepherds, married one of them named Zipporah, and they had a son named Gershom. Meanwhile, God heard the Israelites’ cries under harsh slavery in Egypt and remembered His covenant with their ancestors.
In Exodus 3, Moses was looking after his father-in-law Jethro’s sheep when he came to Mount Horeb. There, he saw a bush that was on fire but didn’t burn up. Curious, he approached it, and God called out to him from the bush, telling him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. God introduced Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and told Moses that He had seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and was concerned for them. God planned to rescue them and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey. He then instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go. When Moses questioned his ability to do this, God assured him, saying He would be with him and that a sign would be that Moses and the people would worship Him on that mountain after their escape. Moses asked what he should say if the Israelites asked for God’s name, and God replied, “I AM WHO I AM.” He told Moses to tell the Israelites that “I AM” had sent him. God instructed Moses to gather the elders of Israel and inform them about His promise to deliver them from Egypt. He warned Moses that Pharaoh would not let them go without a fight, so He would perform powerful wonders to convince Pharaoh. Finally, God promised that the Israelites would ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing, and they would not leave empty-handed.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for Your faithfulness and for hearing the cries of Your people. As I reflect on the stories of Moses and the Israelites, help me to trust in Your plans and purposes for my life. May I remember that You are always present, guiding and providing for me in times of struggle. Strengthen my faith and give me the courage to follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Disclaimer: The daily summaries of biblical chapters provided here are designed to support and enhance your Bible study experience. While these summaries aim to present the key themes and events accurately, interpretations can vary, and there is a possibility of errors. For a deeper understanding and context, it is recommended to read the full text and consult additional religious or scholarly resources. These summaries are intended to complement, not replace, personal study and spiritual reflection.