The Hebrews (or Israelites) in Egypt

Preview: This lesson is a guide to the laws of the Bible. Since the Bible is the foundation of the legal system of all civilized nations, it is very important that matters concerning the laws be understood.


Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:12-16.

Memory Verse: Genesis 15:18.

1. Discuss God’s promise to Abram and the meaning of the sacrifice according to the foregoing Scripture Reading and Memory Verse and compare it to Hebrews 9:8-16.
Note: God’s covenant with Abraham was sealed through a blood sacrifice, just as our covenant for salvation today was make sure by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. However, the atonement does not work without our faith (Genesis 15:16). Abram believed God and He declared him to be righteous.
2. Consider the growth of Israel in Egypt. Exodus 1:1-7.
Note: Until now the descendants of Abraham had been a nation within a nation. God was still their invisible law giver with each tribe (or family) being governed by the head of the family.
3. How and why did this order of government begin to change? Exodus 1:8-16.
4. Who was still in control of their lives? Why? Exodus 1:17-21.
Note: Although Israel had been in Egypt for almost four hundred years, they had kept their identity and faith in the God of their fathers.
5. How did God protect a new governor? Exodus 2:1-10.
6. How did God call and prepare this first national leader? Exodus 3:1-22.
Note: We find here that God called the first governor or leader to unite the twelve tribes or families under one central nation. Moses became the mediator between them and God.
7. What happened when Moses tried to take this position before God sent him? Exodus 2:11-15.
Note: We all need to be very careful that we do not run ahead of God. Knowing when is as important as knowing who and what God has called us to do. We must trust and obey while we wait on the Lord to direct our path. Proverbs 3:1, Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 3:7.
8. How much power and authority did God give these new rulers? Exodus 4:18-23.
9. How did the people receive their new governor? Exodus 4:28-31.
Note: Just think how different our nation would be today if our leaders were called and obedient to God and the people would accept and respect them for it.