The book of Exodus mainly narrates the deliverance of Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their freedom in the Promised Land, Canaan. However, the book of Exodus shapes almost all the following events in the Bible because almost all the books in the Bible discuss the Israelites, their relationship with God, their leadership, as well as their general relationship with God. While reading the book of Exodus, I first look at the manifestation of God. The Israelites were suffering in a foreign land, where they were being subjected to hardship and suffering. Perhaps a majority of the Israelites had despaired and did not see a close end to their suffering. However, God decided to show his presence in these difficult times.
Exodus uses various symbols, which are even applicable to the daily life. Firstly, God picks someone who would presently be considered a “nobody” to deliver the Israelites from suffering. And that person was Moses, who was at the time herding livestock. Moses was also a stammerer and he even wondered why God had specifically chosen him with all his inadequacies to conduct such an important role. However, God can pick someone who is seemingly inferior and empower him to discharge any duties or responsibilities. God would later instruct Aaron to accompany Moses to deliver the Israelites. One of the confusing points at this juncture is why God did not simply pick Aaron who was a better speaker to conduct the role. It seems that God sometimes chooses to manifest himself in mysterious and unexpected ways. He does not just look at ordinary people or one’s social status before assigning them important roles. Before God’s eyes, everyone is important, and God demonstrated that by giving Moses the power, by firstly, turning the rod Moses was holding into a snake.
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The Passover in the Exodus story is also significant. It to a large extent signifies new life or simply, a new beginning. The first-born sons of the Israelites were spared while those of the Egyptians were killed. The event also demonstrates the importance of obedience to instructions. The Israelites who did not smear blood on their doors as instructed of course also had their first-borns killed. While the Passover was to put pressure on the Pharaoh to release the Israelites, it was also a test on the Israelites to follow God’s commands. Again, crossing of the Red Sea was also symbolic of renewed hope. People would later be baptized using water even in the New Testament. Crossing of the Red Sea also signified freedom, and at least, an end to oppression. The people who had oppressed them drowned in the sea, which means all the problems and burdens, which they had borne would no longer pursue them.
Nevertheless, it is sometimes confusing to imagine that God, who is very powerful, had to inflict ten plagues to the Israelites before the Pharaoh finally decided that it was not worth holding the Israelites. God would have just even inflicted some disaster to the Pharaoh, the army, and even crashed the magicians, and gave the Israelites an easy and safe way to run away from slavery. However, perhaps God wanted to give the Egyptians a chance to repent or show them His might.
