WEEK OF SUNDAY AUGUST 16, 2020
BIBLE STUDY FOR TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
EXODUS 1:1--2:22 (text Exodus 1:8--2:10)
This week we move from the book of Genesis to the book of Exodus, where we will be for the next couple of months. Like Genesis, tradition says that it was Moses who wrote this but that is not likely to be the case. The earliest parts may be dated to the Unified Monarchy under Kings David and Solomon while later compilation occurred during or after the exile (Exile was approximately 585BCE). The events described in Exodus may have taken place around 1500 BCE. In two places we read that the time between the end of Genesis and the events of Exodus may have been approximately 400 years (See Genesis 15:13 and also Acts 7:6) That said, this is not a book of history but rather a book about God’s relationship with God’s people and that God is the key character who comes to be known in Exodus by his proper name.
One commentator identifies four major themes in Exodus: 1) Liberation, 2) Law, 3) Covenant, and 4) Presence. As we read the various sections of this book, hold these themes in the front of your mind and consider which themes may be most clear in any given reading.
The lectionary text begins at 1:8, but it is helpful to consider verses 1-7 which serves as a link from Genesis to Exodus. Note the identity of the “sons of Israel” and that Joseph is not included in that list – because he was already present in Egypt. Please note that “Israel” here does not refer to the nation of Israel but rather to the sons of Jacob, whom the Lord renamed in Genesis 32. Note also that the description in 1:7, that the people were fruitful and multiplied, reminds us of the words and command spoken at Creation when God told humans to be fruitful and multiply and also the words of promise spoken to Abraham – that as many as the stars in the sky, so would his descendants be.
The book begins with a look back. To the extent that the book was edited into its final form while the people of God were in exile in Babylon, what purpose does this remembering serve? When in your life or your family’s life has there been a similar time of remembering? How would you describe the general tone of that remembering?
Scripture references (Genesis 15 and Acts 7) refer to the time period of 4 centuries from the time that Jacob and his household arrived in Egypt until the events of the Exodus begin under a “new king.” These people are identified as the “Hebrews” (verse 15). This name derives from the term “Habiru” which in ancient times referred to a lower subservient class of people. What does this tell us about identity and how it is shaped? What was the condition of these Hebrews in Egypt?
The king of Egypt became fearful of the growing number of Hebrews and commanded that every male baby be killed at birth. When else in Scripture have we seen this kind of slaughter? Yet, despite the edict, two midwives whose names are remembered took different action. Describe these two women.
In Chapter 2, we learn of two more unnamed people, members of the house of Levi, who had a son. And the mother describes him as “fine” – the same word that the Creator used after each day of creation. What were the actions that this baby’s mother took? And what of those of the baby’s sister? Note that the baby was given an Egyptian name that is linguistically linked to begin drawn out of the water, an allusion to God’s people coming through the Sea of Reeds in coming chapters. Note that all of the actions thwarting the rulings of Pharaoh were taken by women.
There is a fast forward from Moses being adopted into Pharaoh’s household to his being a grown man who looked out upon the burdens of the Hebrews? What did he see generally? Do you think that Moses knew of his parentage?
Describe the event that Moses saw and what his response to that was. What happened the next day? Describe what happened when Moses arrived in the land of Midian? Consider the name that he gave to his son with Zipporah? Think back to the patriarchs. Who else could be described as an alien or sojourner? What does that say to us today?
Let us pray: God of our Ancestors, thank you giving them to us as models and leaders. Thank you for not hiding or ignoring their flaws. Thank you for using them to carry your blessing into your world. Use us in the same way, Lord, even as we too are flawed people who make mistakes. Cover them with your grace that your steadfast love may be made known to a world that is desperate for it. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
