Day 34 Exodus 13-15

In addition to the Passover dinner that we read about yesterday, the Lord commands an annual party called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is to be a seven-day period where there is no leaven or yeast on the Israelite’s territory. They are to eat unleavened bread to remember that God brought them out of Egypt. 

Another way that God instructed them to commemorate what happened was to consecrate the firstborn. The firstborn males of the animals were to be sacrificed, and they were to redeem the firstborn male to open the womb by offering a sacrifice from the flock. This is because the Lord killed the firstborn in the land of Egypt because Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let the Israelites go.

We also learn why God didn’t lead the Israelites the quick route to the Promised Land. He led them down a longer route because he didn’t want the people to change their minds if they went through the land of the Philistines and saw war/opposition. They would want to return to Egypt, so the LORD led them through the wilderness instead. He went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire to give them light at night. 

God prepared His people and told them that Pharaoh would come after them, and he did. Pharaoh took 600 chariots with him after the Israelites. This terrified the Israelites and they cried out to the LORD in fear. They were instructed to stand firm and be silent. Their only job was to trust God and act in faith. When we find ourselves in a tough place in life, that is good advice for us as well. Stand firm on the Word of God, trust God, and don’t speak anything contrary to His Word.

At this time, the Angel of the LORD and the cloud moved from being in front of the Israelites to being behind them, between them and the Egyptians, protecting them. The Egyptians realize God is fighting for His people when he throws them into a panic and clogs the chariot wheels. They decide to flee, but it’s too late. The Lord instructs Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the sea returns to its normal place in the morning. The Lord threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea, the waters covered their chariots and all the Egyptians, and no one survived. The Israelites saw the Egyptian bodies washed up on the seashore, and they feared the LORD and believed in Him and Moses.

We see in chapter 15 the first worship song. The Israelites sing a song about the LORD and His deliverance. They see Him as powerful. Then Moses’ sister, Miriam, sings and breaks out with her tambourine. She is identified as the first prophetess in Scripture. Women in the bible did Kingdom work. They were critical to advancing God’s Kingdom agenda, which means that our work for the LORD, as women, is valuable.

God tests the Israelites after three days of this victory. The water is bitter in Marah, and the Israelites grumbled and complained, but the LORD showed Moses a log that he threw into the water and made it sweet. 

Sometimes, when we find ourselves in the wilderness, it doesn’t mean we are outside of God’s will. When we find ourselves doubting what God can do in our lives, it only means that we have forgotten what He has already done for us. Let’s reflect on His goodness and faithfulness always. 

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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