Exegetical Notes: Exodus 14:13-28

13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

Moses responds to the people of Israel. Verses 1-4 give the reader insight into what Israel did not have. God has placed Israel in a position of vulnerability in the eyes of Pharaoh. Through the hardness of his heart, Pharaoh has chosen to pursue Israel with great force (v. 6). Verse 4 reveals God’s purpose behind this trap for Pharaoh. “I will get glory over Pharaoh” and “the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” Although God has purposed and planned for this event, Israel responds with great fear (v. 10) instead of faith. In fact, as we progress through this chapter we’ll see that the crossing of the Red Sea proves to be a great faith builder for the nation of Israel (v. 30).

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Exegetical Notes: Exodus 12:1-13

1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,

The importance of passover is highlighted in at least two details in the first couple of verses:
1) The specific identification of Moses and Aaron, the first two Levitical priests serve as an example for all others to follow.
2) The detailed instructions of the act of passover prior to the formal giving of the law on Mt. Sinai.

2 “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.

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