An Introduction To Exodus

by McCormick, F. | Category: For Young Believers | Aug 1955

Exodus is the sequel to the Book of Genesis. The promise and prophecy of Genesis 15. regarding Abraham's seed, and their sojourn in a land not theirs is remarkably fulfilled. Now in the iron furnace of affliction they groan and cry in the bondage of slavery, and the story of Exodus, as the title indicates, is " the way out." The opening chapters of Exodus outline dark days for Abraham's posterity, but bright gleams of faith shine out in those faithful women Shiphrah and Puah, then in Amram and Jochabed. Who can value aright the place of God-fearing women in the fulfilment of God's purposes?

Sad it is to know that the children of Israel in their troubles were serving idols in Egypt (Joshua 24.14; Ezekiel 20.6-8). They must be taught their folly, and that deliverance could only come from the God of their fathers. God moved in a mysterious way His wonders to perform, to overthrow the mighty Pharaoh and effect deliverance. He commenced with the babe, Moses, using the child's cries and tears to work out His purposes. Moses was drawn out, and 80 years were spent in preparing against " the day." 40 years in Egypt, and 40 years alone with God in His school. Then God called him to service at the burning bush. Moses was reluctant and in spite of all God said, he made excuses four times until God was angry with him. If God calls, we should obey. We should not think more highly of ourselves than we ought, but should not deprecate ourselves too much when God has gifted and prepared us. (See Romans 12.3). Twice God was angry with Moses, on this occasion for not responding to speak for God, and again when he spoke too much, "he spake unadvisedly with his lips" (Psalm 106.82, 33' Numbers 20.9-12). Aaron in Egypt was brought to speak, and Moses had to put the words in his mouth from God.

We all know something of the struggle with Pharaoh and how reluctant he was to let God's people go, how on the first interview he challenged the authority and power of God, saving, "Who is the LORD, that I should hearken unto His voice?" Moses seemed cast down, for the burdens were increased, and no straw was given. Then God said unto Moses, "Now thou shalt see what I will do unto Pharaoh" (chapter 6.). Then follow the revelation of God's Jehovah name, and the seven "I will's" commencing and ending with "I am Jehovah"; what encouragement! All is possible with God! The plagues fell upon the land of Egypt, and it is interesting to note how Pharaoh parleyed. (Read Exodus 8. 25-28; 10. 8-11; 10. 24; 12.31-82). The last plague or stroke was the slaying of the firstborn. In 2 Timothy 3.8 we find the names of two of Egypt's magicians, deceptive imitators of the truth, and in the last days men of a similar type will arise having the form and appearance of truth, but who know not the power of God. The reference to Pharaoh in Romans 9.16 shows forth the sovereignty of God. That night of the passover was a dark one for those in Egypt; about 400 years before this, God had said He would judge that nation (see Genesis 15). Death smote their firstborn, there was a great cry throughout all Egypt, a conference in the night between Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron, and the decision of Pharaoh was, "Go!" We know the firstborn of Israel were sheltered by blood, and how glad we are that "Christ our Passover also hath been sacrificed for us" and we are delivered from judgement! They ate the roast lamb that night, shod and clothed and staff in hand, ready to march out, and God said, "Remember this day." Young believer, keep the memory of your deliverance ever fresh in your heart. We have here a procession of death, and a procession of life, and God who loves Israel called him out of Egypt (Hosea 11.1).

They came out, not a feeble one among them, enriched in silver and gold, and kneading troughs on their shoulders, and with them were the bones of Joseph being carried to the land of promise. Redeemed by blood, they ultimately came to the Red Sea and as they passed through "they were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea" (1 Corinthians 10). We see the typology of Exodus clearer. Redeemed by blood, then baptized, here they knew redemption by power, and saw their enemies dead upon the seashore. This reminds us of the truth of Romans 6. In joy they sang their song of triumph, but soon they came to bitter waters at Marah, made sweet by the tree, and so it is with us. At Elim they found refreshment and shade. "Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile." Then they looked back to Egypt's flesh pots. Young disciples, do not look back, for soon they wanted to go back. God gave them bread from heaven, but they had to gather it.Don't forget your daily reading. Then Rephidim - no water Massah and Meribah, there God proved them, and they proved God. They drank waters from the smitten Rock (see 1 Corinthians 10). Then came Amalek. Israel's first battle was now to be fought. Amalek is a type of the flesh; and victory can only be obtained as we play our part, dependent upon those uplifted hands, the intercessory work of our Lord Jesus in heaven. In the wilderness of Sinai they were to look backward and forward (chapter 19.4, 5). Note in verse 5, "then" is dependent upon "If ye will obey My voice." There they were sanctified to listen to God speaking, and this is always necessary. God gave them His law, and the covenant was ratified by blood (chapter 24. and Hebrews 9).

Then said God, "Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them" (25.8). This was a copy or shadow of heavenly things and a parable for the time now present (Hebrews 8.5). The willing-hearted gave, the wise-hearted wrought, and, in spite of failure and hindrance, the tabernacle was completed in just over 6 months, and when erected as the LORD commanded, "the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle," reminding us of Acts 2. Thus in Exodus we have an outline of truth for our day: a people redeemed, baptized, and brought into covenant relationship with God, among whom God deigns to dwell, "Whose house are we if we hold fast."

McCormick, F. | Aug 1955
For Young Believers