Chapter 8: Moses and the Exodus

The Birth and Early Life of Moses

In a time of oppression, a Hebrew child named Moses was born. His mother, fearing for his life, placed him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile River. Miraculously, the daughter of Pharaoh discovered the baby and raised him as her own.

As Moses grew, he became aware of his Hebrew heritage. One day, witnessing an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew slave, Moses intervened and ended up killing the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to the wilderness of Midian.

The Burning Bush and Yehovah’s Call

While tending sheep in Midian, Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire. Yehovah spoke to Moses from the bush, revealing His plan to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt.

Yehovah called Moses to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Hebrew people. Moses hesitated, feeling inadequate for the task, but Yehovah assured him of His presence and power.

The Plagues and the Passover

With Moses as His spokesperson, Yehovah unleashed a series of ten plagues upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. These plagues included turning the Nile River into blood, sending swarms of frogs, causing a plague of gnats and flies, and bringing forth a devastating hailstorm, among others.

The final and most severe plague was the death of the firstborn. Yehovah instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificial lamb. When the Angel of Death passed over Egypt, those marked by the blood were spared.

The Exodus and Crossing of the Red Sea

Pharaoh finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. As they journeyed, Yehovah guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

However, Pharaoh soon regretted his decision and pursued the Israelites with his army. With their backs against the Red Sea, it seemed as though there was no escape. But Yehovah miraculously parted the waters, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross.

Once the Israelites were safely across, the waters closed in, drowning Pharaoh’s army. The Israelites witnessed the mighty power of Yehovah and rejoiced in their deliverance.