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He kills an Egyptian for mistreating an Israelite and flees into the wilderness, after 40 years Moses while shepherding Jethro's flock near Horeb, ("the mountain of the true God" ) sees a thorn bush that is aflame but is not consumed. When he goes to investigate, he is told of God's purpose to bring His people " the sons of Israel out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:1, 10 Exodus 5:1-10:29;).

THE EXODUS

Moses and Aaron now go to Pharaoh and announce what the God of Israel, has said: "Send my people away." (Exodus 5:1- 2) Pharaoh refuses and imposes an even harder work load. However, God renews his promise given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, of a land that will be given as an inheritance, I shall indeed prove to be God to you . (Exodus 6: 6-8.)

Moses asks Aaron to throw down his rod which God turns into a big snake, this is imitated by the magic-practicing priests of Egypt, but their snakes are swallowed up by that of the Almighty Gods, Pharaoh becomes obstinate, there now proceeded plague and pestilence over Egypt , Moses pointed out that this is the judgment of God. The first,of ten was the river Nile and the water of Egypt being turned into blood. Then a plague of frogs comes upon them, imitated by the magic-practicing priests, the third, that of gnats on man and beast . (Exodus 8: 19;) The following were only inflicted on Egyptians the fourth a plague of swarms of gadflies. The fifth pestilence upon the livestock of Egypt, the sixth boils with blisters on both man and beasts. (Exodus 9: 16;) The seventh heavy hail, the eighth an invasion of locusts and ninth gloomy darkness (Exodus 9:18;)

(Exodus 11:1-13:16;). The tenth and final plague death of the firstborn of man and of beast of those of Egypt . (Exodus 11: 1) . God makes a provision for the Israelites which the Passover serves as a memorial .It is followed by the seven-day Feast of Unfermented Cakes. While passing over and delivering the firstborn of Israel, death strikes the firstborn of Egypt, Finally Pharaoh relents " Get out from the midst of my people," shouts Pharaoh. (Exodus 12:31, 33)

The march from Egypt is known as the Exodus. It marks the beginning of the history of the Jews as a nation. During their wanderings in the desert they received direct revelations from God. It assured them of divine protection provided they were loyal to him. 600,000 able-bodied men, together with a vast mixed company of non-Israelites, as well as a numerous stock of animals,marched out of Egypt (Exodus12: 40; 13:17-22). They were not taken through the land of the Philistines but through the wilderness by way of Succoth and camped at Etham, .

Pharaoh angrily chases after them with his chariots, and traps them by the Red Sea. (Exodus 14: 13;) The sea goes back, forming an escape through which Moses leads the Israelites safely to the eastern shore. The Egyptians who try to follow are drowned in the water. (Exodus 15: 1- 2. 18;)

(Exodus 15: 22-34:35). The Israelites then traveled toward Sinai, the mountain of the true God. When the people murmur about the bitter water at Marah, it is made sweet, the lack of meat and bread, provided by quail in the evening and the sweetish manna, arives like dew on the ground, in the morning. Manna is to serve as bread for the Israelites for the next 40 years, the initiation of the observance of a rest day, or sabbath, God produces water for them at Rephidim ,and also fights against Amalek.

Inscribed by the finger of God were the Ten Words, or Commandments, on tablets of stone the foundation of a set of laws and statues which gave them a new sense of unity.(Exodus 20;) They were not to have any other God but Jehovah worship images, or take the name of God in vain The Israelites are commanded to render service six days and then to keep a sabbath, and to honor their father and mother. They were not to kill, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, or covet any thing that is their neighbours . Judicial decisions, and instruction follow, covering slavery, assault, injuries, compensation, theft, damage from fire, false worship, seduction, mistreatment of widows and orphans, loans, and many other matters. Even festivals are arranged (Hebrews 9:19-20;). They were free, but they had to endure considerable hardship in the desert, and some of them even looked back wistfully on the days when they at least had enough to eat.Whilst Moses was up the mountain of Sinai for 40 days and nights to receive the Law., (Exodusr 28: 36; 31:17-18;) Discouraged and afraid in the face of hardship, they rebelled against God and the man God appointed to lead them Moses. They asked Aaron to make a image of god to go ahead of them. Aaron does this, forming a golden calf, (Exodus 32: 5;). The true God looks down upon them and tells Moses they have acted ruinously and in his anger God wishes to exterminate them .(Exodus 32 7-11;)

Moses implored God to continue leading his people, and He continued his faithful, persistent care in spite of their weakness and disobedience, due to Moses' steadfast, if sometimes impatient, devotion both to God and to his people he was also allowed to glimpse the glory of God and is instructed to carve two additional tablets on which God will once again write the Ten Words. (Exodus 35:1- 40:38;).

The Israelites prepare to leave Mount Sinai the first census is conducted (Numbers 1:1-4.49;) They commemorate the Passover for a second time. (Numbers 9. 1-23) One year after the Exodus, the tabernacle is completed and erected on the plain before Mount Sinai. Jehovah shows his approval by covering the tent of meeting with his cloud and by filling the tabernacle with his glory, so that even Moses is not able to enter the tent. This cloud by day and a fire by night guides Israel during their journeys. It is now the year 1512 B.C.E .(Numbers 10.1-35;)

In the period between the two censuses the Israelites went to Kadesh Barnea on the southern border of Canaan, but failed to enter the promised land from there.They were given direction as to the priesthood and festivals (Leviticus 21:1-25;) and also recieved various laws and rules governing health, sanitation, and regulation as to sacrifices (Numbers 5;). After spending many years in that area, they went to the region east of the River Jordan, They stopped at the end of the long wilderness journey at the land of Moab, (Numbers 22:1-32; 33:1-49 ) where part of the people settled and where the rest prepared to enter and occupy Canaan. by crossing the Jordan river into Canaan (Numbers 33;. Deuteronomy 27:1-28)

Here Moses recalls the great events of the past forty years he appeals to the people to remember how God has led them through the wilderness and to be obedient and loyal to God. Moses reviews the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1-26;) and emphasizes the meaning of the First Commandment, calling for devotion to the Almighty God .

Then he reviews the various laws that are to govern Israel in the promised land. Moses reminds the people of the meaning of God's covenant with them, and calls for them to renew their commitment to its obligations. Joshua is commissioned as the next leader of God's people. After singing a song celebrating God's faithfulness, and pronouncing a blessing on the tribes of Israel, (Deuteronomy 31:1-33;) Moses went up from the plains of Moab onto Mt. Nebo and the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead,unto Dan (Deuteronomy 34:1-12;) this is the land that I swore unto Abraham Isac and Jacob, saying I give it to thy seed , and there Moses died .

They were " the chosen people " and they had the right to conquer the fertile country beyond the desert and make it their home. This part of Palestine was called Canaan. To the Jews it was " the Promised Land. " described as "a land flowing with milk and honey." , it was already occupied by an agricultural people akin to the Jews.