GOSPEL DOCTRINE OLD TESTAMENT LDS Scripture Study Web site: lds.about/od/ldsscriptures/ss/scripture_study.htm Old Testament Class Member Study Guide (34592) Lesson 13: “Bondage, Passover, and Exodus” Exodus 1–3; 5–6; 11–14 Themes: (1) trust the Lord to fulfill his promises, no matter how long it takes. (2) increase our appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, and (3) make the sacrament more meaningful in our lives. Summary This lesson focuses on Moses and the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. We’ve read quite a bit so far this year in the Book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. Now we’re going to stay mostly in the Old Testament. The Book of Exodus opens with the death of Joseph and within a couple of generations, Moses is born. Except for Jesus Christ, there is more information concerning Moses and his work than any other character in the Bible. He was a scholar, military leader, writer, historian, crown prince, shepherd, emancipator, prophet, seer, revelator, High Priest, miracle-worker, legislator, judge, pioneer, and a temple builder. And a family man. This lesson is about one of the most dramatic rescues that has ever occurred—the deliverance of the children of Israel from the plague of death and from Egyptian slavery. In many ways this rescue symbolizes an even greater rescue—our deliverance from sin and death through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice. Why would the Lord allow his chosen people to remain slaves? I found part of the answer in the Book of Mormon. In Mosah 3:14 and Jacob 4:14 it says the Jews were a stiffnecked people. Look that word stiffnecked up in the topical guide. Moses says a man couldn’t save the Israelites from slavery, only a God. But haven’t the Jews always been looking for a man. The messiah was supposed to be a man, a heroic leader and a warrior who would fight for them. Who did they get instead? What was happening in Egypt when Moses was born? Joseph dies at age 110 and is entombed and embalmed. The children of Israel, or the offspring of Jacob’s 12 sons, started to multiply. Tomb of Joseph Exodus 1 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: 10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. 11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. 13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. So this new king or pharaoh and his regime wanted to put the growth of the Israelites to a stop, any way they could. How long were the Hebrews or the Isrealites in Eygpt? The answer is in Exodus 12:40: 40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. After Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, the Israelites lived there for 430 years. From the time Abraham received the covenant until Moses received the law it was 430 years. But a Pharaoh arose who enslaved them and imposed heavy burdens on them. As Joseph had prophesied, the Lord raised up Moses to deliver the children of Israel (2 Nephi 3:10). 10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt. Pharoah wanted the Israelites as slaves, and he didn’t want any new ones to be born. Exodus 1 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. 1. The Lord calls Moses to deliver Israel from bondage. How did the Lord call Moses to deliver Israel from bondage? (See Exodus 3:1–4.) 1 NOW Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. What did the Lord tell Moses while calling him? (See Exodus 3:5–10.) 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. 7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. What can we learn about the Lord from his calling of Moses? (Answers could include that the Lord knows his people, is merciful to them, wants to bless them, and keeps his promises to them.) Imagine you’re an Israelite living in Egypt. For generations you’ve taught that you’re God’s covenant people and that he will fulfill the promises he made to Abraham. But now you and your family are all slaves, living in oppression and bondage. What can we learn from this circumstance that can help us when we experience adversity? (God does not forget us in our adversity, as he showed by calling Moses and eventually delivering Israel. But usually he does not deliver us from trials immediately. No matter how long the trial, we should continue to pray to him, trusting that he loves us and will have all things work together for our good if we obey him). See D&C 90:24; page 178 24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another. D & C 98:3; page 190 3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord. Mosiah 24:14–15 page 194 14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. How have you received comfort and help from the Lord during times of adversity? When you don’t see the promised blessings? How do you maintain your faith? What did Moses say when the Lord called him to deliver Israel? (See Exodus 3:11; He felt inadequate and unworthy. 11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 4:1, 10 1 AND Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. 10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. In what ways did Moses feel inadequate? What assurances did the Lord give him? (See Exodus 3:12) 12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be ba token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 4:11–12. How do you feel when you receive a calling from the Lord? Why might some feelings of inadequacy be good? How has the Lord helped you in callings for which you felt inadequate? 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. What did Moses sacrifice by accepting the call to lead his people? (See Hebrews 11:24–26.) page 1534 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. What do we sacrifice by accepting calls to serve the Lord? Why is it important that we be willing to sacrifice for the Lord? 2. The Lord sends plagues upon Egypt. Read Exodus 5–6. You may also want to preview Exodus 7–10. Moses approached Pharaoh many times and asked him to free Israel. Despite signs, wonders, and plagues, Pharaoh refused. How did Pharaoh respond the first time Moses and Aaron asked him to let the children of Israel go? (See Exodus 5:1–9.) 1 AND afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. 2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. 4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. 5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. 6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, 7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. 9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. How did the children of Israel respond to this trial? (See Exodus 5:15–21.) 15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? 16 There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. 17 But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. 18 Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. 19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. 20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: 21 And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. How did Moses respond to it? (See Exodus 5:22–23.) 22 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. What can we learn from this account? (One thing we can learn is the need for patience in adversity. The Lord will fulfill his promises, though he may not do so at the time or in the way we expect.) After Pharaoh increased Israel’s burdens, the Lord repeated His promises to Moses. What were these promises? (See Exodus 6:4–8.) How did the children of Israel respond when Moses reminded them of these promises? (See Exodus 6:9.) Why do some of us stop listening to the prophets and believing God’s promises during times of trial? How can we maintain faith in God during adversity? How did Moses respond when the Lord asked him to go before Pharaoh a second time to request Israel’s freedom? (See Exodus 6:10–12.) 10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 11 Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 12 And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? We also may sometimes feel reluctant to do what the Lord asks because of fear or because we do not think it is possible. How has the Lord helped you when you have felt doubt or fear? Pharaoh and his army pursue the children of Israel (14:1–9). 1 AND the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. 4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. 5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? 6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: 7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. 8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon. The people are afraid, and Moses appeals to the Lord for help (14:10–18). 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. 13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and cI will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. The children of Israel are delivered from the army and cross the Red Sea on dry ground; Pharaoh’s men pursue them and are drowned (14:19–31). 19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. 26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. Exodus 4; 7–10; 15. 3. The Lord instructs Moses in the preparation of the Passover. Read Exodus 11–13 What was the purpose of the first Passover? (See Exodus 12:12–13, 22–23.) 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. Why did the Lord want Israel to continue to keep the Feast of the Passover in future years? (See Exodus 12:24–27, 42; 13:1–10.) 24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. 25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES CALLED EXODUS CHAPTER 13 Firstborn of man and of beasts to be sanctified unto the Lord—Feast of unleavened bread to be kept in land of Canaan—Moses takes Joseph’s bones out of Egypt—The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 1 AND the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. 3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten. 4 This day came ye out in the month Abib. 5 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month. 6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. 9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. 10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year. In addition to reminding Israel that God had protected them from the plague of death and delivered them from the Egyptians, the Passover also symbolized an important future event. What was this event? (The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, which delivers us from sin and death. See 1 Corinthians 5:7.) How did the Passover symbolize the Atonement? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: You may want to show the following similarities between the Passover and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ: The children of Israel were to use a firstborn male lamb without blemish in the Passover (Exodus 12:5). The Savior is the firstborn Son of God, the Lamb of God without spot or blemish (1 Peter 1:19). 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: The children of Israel were to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on their doorposts to save their firstborn from death (Exodus 12:7, 22–23). The Savior’s blood, which he shed in Gethsemane and on the cross, cleanses the faithful and saves them from spiritual death (Mosiah 4:2). 2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men. The children of Israel were to eat unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 15–20). “Leaven, or yeast, was seen anciently as a symbol of corruption because it so easily spoiled and turned moldy. … For the Israelites, eating the unleavened bread symbolized that they were partaking of the bread which had no corruption or impurity, namely, the Bread of Life, who is Jesus Christ (see John 6:35)” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel [1981], 119). The removal of leaven also suggested repentance, or the removal of sin from a person’s life. The children of Israel were to eat the Passover meal in haste (Exodus 12:11). Like the Israelites, we need to respond eagerly and immediately to the deliverance that the Savior offers us. At the Last Supper, the Savior instituted the sacrament in place of the Passover (Matthew 26:19, 26–28). What similarities are there between the Passover and the sacrament? (See Exodus 12:14; 13:9–10; D&C 20:75–79.) Elder Howard W. Hunter taught that at the Passover meal that is now known as the Last Supper, “the bread and wine, rather than the animals and herbs, [became] emblems of the great Lamb’s body and blood, emblems to be eaten and drunk reverently and in remembrance of him forever. “In this simple but impressive manner the Savior instituted the ordinance now known as the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. With the suffering of Gethsemane, the sacrifice of Calvary, and the resurrection from a garden tomb, Jesus fulfilled the ancient law and ushered in a new dispensation based on a higher, holier understanding of the law of sacrifice. No more would men be required to offer the firstborn lamb from their flock, because the Firstborn of God had come to offer himself as an ‘infinite and eternal sacrifice’ ” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1985, 22; or Ensign, May 1985, 19). Read full talk: lds.org/ensign/1985/05/christ-our-passover?lang=eng Elder Howard W. Hunter said that just as the Passover was a covenant of protection for ancient Israel, the sacrament is a “new covenant of safety” for us (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 24; or Ensign, May 1974, 18). How is the sacrament a covenant of safety for us? (The sacrament reminds us of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, which brings eternal safety by freeing us from the bonds of sin and death. The covenants we renew as we partake of the sacrament also help provide us eternal safety.) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked: “Do we see [the sacrament] as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption? “With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68). Read full talk: lds.org/ensign/1995/11/this-do-in-remembrance-of-me?lang=eng In his instructions about the Passover, the Lord emphasized the need for parents to teach their children its significance (Exodus 12:26–27; 13:8, 14). Why was it important that Israelite parents do this? How might this apply to our day? (Like ancient Israel, we should teach our children the significance of the sacrament and other ordinances that remind us of the Lord’s hand in delivering us from sin and death.) The children of Israel cross the Red Sea. Read Exodus 14 After Pharaoh let the children of Israel leave Egypt, he turned against them and sent his army after them (Exodus 14:5–9). What did the children of Israel do when they saw the advancing army? (See Exodus 14:10–12.) What did Moses tell the children of Israel when their faith faltered? (See Exodus 14:13–14.) How can we develop faith that is strong enough to sustain us when we are filled with fear? How did the Lord save the children of Israel from the advancing Egyptian army? (See Exodus 14:21–31.) How can this story help us in times of trial? Conclusion Just as the Lord fulfilled his promise to deliver the Israelites from bondage, he will fulfill his promises to us. We should increase our appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice and partake of the sacrament worthily and thoughtfully, keeping the covenant to “always remember him” (D&C 20:77). 77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. Additional Ideas Satan counterfeits God’s power What did Pharaoh do when Moses and Aaron were showing him signs of God’s power? (See Exodus 7:8–12, 17–22.) What can we learn about Satan from these verses? What are some ways Satan counterfeits God’s power and blessings today? What gifts has the Lord given us to help us discern between good and evil? How can we increase our ability to discern between good and evil? The plagues Why did the Lord send the plagues upon Egypt? (See Exodus 7:5, 17; 8:10; 9:14, 29; 10:2; 14:4.) What was Pharaoh’s reaction to the plagues? (See, for example, Exodus 8:8, 15, 25, 28, 32.) Why didn’t the plagues harm the children of Israel? (See Exodus 9:4–6, 23–26; 10:22–23; 11:4–7.) “All were baptized … in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2) You may want to read 1 Corinthians 10:1–4, where Paul teaches that the children of Israel were baptized in the cloud and in the sea. Explaining the significance of this, Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “[Paul] is saying that even as Israel, when they passed through the Red Sea, fled from the worldliness of Egypt, so their Christian descendants, through baptism, are to forsake the lusts of the flesh and live godly lives” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 2:355). Richard Bruneau Exodus 1–3. THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES CALLED EXODUS CHAPTER 1 The children of Israel multiply—They are placed in bondage by Egyptians—Pharaoh seeks to destroy sons born to Hebrew women. 1 NOW these are the anames of the bchildren of Israel, which came cinto dEgypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of aJacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6 And aJoseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7 And the children of Israel were afruitful, and bincreased abundantly, and multiplied, and cwaxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8 Now there arose up a new aking over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are amore and bmightier than we: 10 Come on, let us deal awisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there bfalleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. 11 Therefore they did set over them ataskmasters to afflict them with their bburdens. And they built for Pharaoh ctreasure cities, Pithom and dRaamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they amultiplied and grew. And they were bgrieved because of the children of Israel. 13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard abondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. 15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: 16 And he said, When ye ado the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the bstools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 17 But the midwives afeared God, and did not as the king of Egypt bcommanded them, but saved the men children alive. 18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? 19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are adelivered ere the midwives come in unto them. 20 Therefore God dealt awell with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 21 And it came to pass, because the midwives afeared God, that he made them bhouses. 22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is aborn ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. CHAPTER 2 Moses is born to Levite parents; raised by Pharaoh’s daughter; in defense of an Israelite he slays an Egyptian; flees to Midian; and marries Zipporah—Israel in bondage cries to the Lord. 1 AND there went a man of the house of aLevi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2 And the woman conceived, and bare a ason: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him bthree months. 3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it ain the flags by the river’s brink. 4 And his asister stood afar off, bto wit what would be done to him. 5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. 6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. 7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. 9 And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. 10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her ason. And she called his name bMoses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. 11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his abrethren, and looked on their bburdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he aslew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore asmitest thou thy fellow? 14 And he said, Who made thee a aprince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. 15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to aslay Moses. But Moses bfled from cthe face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. 16 Now the priest of aMidian had seven daughters: and they came and drew bwater, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18 And when they came to aReuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? 19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. 20 And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. 21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses aZipporah his daughter. 22 And she bare him a ason, and he called his name bGershom: for he said, I have been a cstranger in a strange land. 23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt adied: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they bcried, and their ccry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 24 And God aheard their groaning, and God remembered his bcovenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, aand God had respect unto them. CHAPTER 3 The Lord appears to Moses at the burning bush—Moses called to deliver Israel from bondage—The Lord identifies himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and as the Great I AM—He promises to smite Egypt and bring his people out with great wealth. 1 NOW Moses kept the flock of aJethro his father in law, the bpriest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the cmountain of God, even to dHoreb. 2 And the aangel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of bfire out of the midst of a cbush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God acalled unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy ashoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is bholy ground. 6 Moreover he said, aI am the bGod of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was cafraid to dlook upon God. 7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the aaffliction of my people which are in bEgypt, and have heard their ccry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 8 And I am come adown to bdeliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land cflowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the dCanaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the acry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now therefore, and I will asend thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bbring forth my people the cchildren of Israel dout of Egypt. 11 And Moses said unto God, aWho am I, that I should go unto bPharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 And he said, Certainly I will be awith thee; and this shall be ba token unto thee, that I have csent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this dmountain. 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? awhat shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, aI AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The aLORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my bname for ever, and cthis is my dmemorial unto all generations. 16 Go, and gather the aelders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely bvisited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: 17 And I have said, I will bring you up out of the aaffliction of bEgypt unto the land of the cCanaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the dJebusites, unto a eland flowing with milk and honey. 18 And they shall ahearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD bGod of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now clet us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may dsacrifice to the LORD our God. 19 And aI am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, bno, not by a cmighty hand. 20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my awonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you bgo. 21 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go aempty: 22 But every woman shall aborrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall bspoil the Egyptians. The children of Israel are made slaves by the Egyptians (1:1–14). Pharaoh orders that all sons born to the Israelites be killed (1:15–22). Moses is born and is raised by Pharaoh’s daughter (2:1–10). Moses kills an Egyptian and flees to Midian, where he marries Zipporah (2:11–22). The Lord appears to Moses at the burning bush and calls him to deliver Israel from bondage (3:1–22; note that in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, the phrase “the angel of the Lord” in Exodus 3:2 is changed to “the presence of the Lord”). Exodus 5–6. CHAPTER 5 Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to free Israel—Pharaoh responds: Who is the Lord?—He places greater burdens upon the children of Israel. 1 AND afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, aLet my people bgo, that they may hold a cfeast unto me in the wilderness. 2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should aobey his voice to let Israel go? I bknow not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. 3 And they said, The aGod of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. 4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, alet the people from their works? get you unto your bburdens. 5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are amany, and ye make them rest from their burdens. 6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, 7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 And the atale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. 9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. 10 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. 11 Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet anot ought of your work shall be diminished. 12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. 13 And the taskmasters ahasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. 14 And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? 15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? 16 There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. 17 But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. 18 Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. 19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they awere in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. 20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: 21 And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made aour savour to be babhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. 22 And Moses areturned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so bevil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. CHAPTER 6 The Lord identifies himself as Jehovah—Genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi set forth. 1 THEN the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for awith a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a bstrong hand shall he cdrive them out of his land. 2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: 3 And I aappeared unto bAbraham, unto Isaac, cand unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my dname JEHOVAH was I not known to them. 4 And I have also established my acovenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their bpilgrimage, wherein they were cstrangers. 5 And I have also aheard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bbondage; and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will abring you out from under the bburdens of the Egyptians, and I will crid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: 7 And I will take you to me for a apeople, and I will be to you a bGod: and ye shall cknow that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did aswear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. 9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for acruel bondage. 10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 11 Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 12 And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am aof uncircumcised lips? 13 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a acharge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. 14 These be the aheads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben. 15 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon. 16 And these are the names of the sons of aLevi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years. 17 The sons of aGershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. 18 And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years. 19 And the sons of aMerari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the bfamilies of Levi according to their generations. 20 And aAmram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him bAaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. 21 And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. 22 And the sons of aUzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri. 23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter o
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